Michael is a specialist barrister practising exclusively in all areas of family law, both public and private. He has a particular focus on acting for local authorities within the public care jurisdiction, as well as expertise in complex private financial disputes and children matters. His interests also extend to related areas of private conflict, including contested inheritance, estate matters, and disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

With over a decade of experience in family and estate law, Michael is dual-qualified in both Australia and England & Wales. Before relocating to the UK, he practised as a family and estate solicitor in Sydney and Melbourne and is admitted as a cross-qualified lawyer in both jurisdictions.

Michael’s approach combines legal expertise and strategic thinking with care, compassion, and—above all—straightforward advice. He is dedicated to delivering creative and effective solutions while always being mindful of the emotional impact that family disputes can have on his clients.

Areas of Practice

• Public law children
• Private law children disputes (including high-conflict and international cases)
• Complex financial remedies and property disputes
• TOLATA/cohabitation and Inheritance Act claims
• Domestic violence and injunctions

Public Law Children

Michael regularly acts for local authorities, parents, children’s guardians, and intervenors in all types of public law proceedings. His experience covers cases involving chronic neglect, substance misuse, mental health issues, and all forms of abuse. He has a particular interest in cases with a cross-border element. Michael is frequently instructed to draft threshold documents, advise on findings of fact, and review evidence, and appears at every hearing stage, from case management through to final hearings and appeals, up to the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Private Law Children

Michael has extensive experience in private children law, both from his practice in Australia and his current work in England & Wales. He is instructed in high-conflict contact disputes, allegations of alienating behaviours, and cases involving complex or international issues—his key area of interest. Michael represents clients at all stages, including fact-finding and final hearings under section 8 applications, and is also instructed on appeals.

Family Finance & Property

Building on a robust background in family finance, Michael is developing a busy financial remedies practice in the UK. His experience includes cases with international features, disputes over non-matrimonial property, substantial non-disclosure or non-compliance, complex pension provisions, NCDR, costs, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, financial enforcement, and scrutiny of company accounts and family trusts. Michael has represented clients at all levels of hearings, from first appointment to FDR, to a contested final hearing, as well as at mediations and NCDR.

Domestic Violence & Injunctions

Michael is regularly instructed to act for applicants and respondents in non-molestation and occupation order applications, as well as transfer of tenancy applications. He has acted in cases involving serious domestic abuse, often running alongside ongoing or imminent Children Act proceedings.

TOLATA & Inheritance Act Matters

Michael has a developing interest in disputes arising under TOLATA and the Inheritance Act, and accepts instructions in matters involving cohabitation claims, beneficial interests in property, and claims for provision from estates. While these cases form a smaller part of his overall practice, he welcomes instructions in these areas and is keen to further expand his experience in these related fields.