Matrimonial Finance - 2026 Virtual Conference

Introduction

Chaired by Gavin Smith of 1 Hare Court, this virtual conference offers expert insight into the latest developments in financial remedies, exploring recent case law, procedural updates, practical guidance on costs, and strategies for pre-nuptial agreements. It will also look at how evolving approaches affect financial provision for children of unmarried parents.

With a focus on clarity and application, this conference will equip you with the knowledge to navigate complex disputes and emerging trends.

Conference Agenda

This live and interactive 4 hour conference will cover the following:

10:30am-11:30am: Key Updates in Financial Remedies: Case Law, Procedure and Non-Court Resolution

Gavin Smith, Barrister, 1 Hare Court

This session provides a clear and authoritative overview of the most important recent developments in financial remedy law. It will examine notable cases, procedural updates, and the evolving landscape of non-court dispute resolution, highlighting the practical implications for practitioners.

• Understand the key recent financial remedy cases and their impact on current practice
• Be up to date on the latest rules, Practice Directions, and procedural guidance
• Gain insight into emerging trends and developments in non-court dispute resolution

Morning Break

11:40am-12:40pm: Costs (in various guises) in Family Proceedings

Eleanor Harris, Barrister, 1 Hare Court

The issue of costs in proceedings arises throughout a case, from interim Legal Services Payment Orders, to substantive costs orders and the treatment of costs owed at final hearing.

This session will enable you to:

• Identify which proceedings come under the no cost order presumption and which are covered by the Civil Procedure Rules
• Address all the likely costs issues at both interim stages and at the conclusion of a final hearing, including where there is a significant disparity in the costs between parties

1:40pm-2:40pm: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: How to Construct, Challenge and Defend

Rachael Cassidy, Barrister, Fourteen

This session will explore the key ingredients of an effective pre-nuptial agreement, and consider:

• Who can benefit from a pre-nuptial agreement
• What to consider when drafting and how to construct an effective pre-nuptial agreement
• How to advise when presented with a pre-nuptial agreement in contested FR proceedings, including how to challenge, or defend, existing pre-nuptial agreements

Afternoon break

2:55pm-3:55pm: Schedule 1 Children Act: Financial Provision for the Children of Unmarried Parents

Katharine Bundell, Barrister, 4 Paper Buildings

This is a talk on financial provision for children of unmarried parents. We will look at the recent jurisprudence and how Schedule 1 of the Children Act is now being interpreted. We will consider practice points and preparation for such cases.

It will consider:

• Recent case law in this area: both a seminal judgment from the President and a couple of recent modest asset cases
• When outright property transfer might be appropriate
• Recent case law on conduct for Schedule 1
• Why and when lump sums are ordered and some recent case law on this area
• Periodical payments and the interaction with the Child Support Act 1991

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.