Statue of Lady Justice holding a set of scales and a sword, symbolizing impartiality and fairness in the legal system.

Family Law

Cobden House Chambers is a long established set of chambers located in Manchester, enjoying an excellent reputation on the Northern Circuit for being friendly and client-focused.

We take a sensitive and compassionate approach to family law matters, with our highly trained, diligent and approachable barristers providing tailored solutions for each case. Whatever the family-related issue you are facing, Cobden House barristers are there for you every step of the way.


Our expertise in family law

Cobden House Chambers’ Family Department offers a wealth of experience in all areas of family law. We can help with cases in the following areas:

  • Adoption

  • Ancillary Relief and all related children's work

  • Care Proceedings

  • Child Arrangement Orders

  • Disputes over property for both married and cohabiting couples

  • Forced marriage protection orders, female genital mutilation orders

  • Injunctions

  • International and domestic relocation cases

  • Wardship proceedings

Members of our family law team practise both in the local courts and off-circuit, covering courts all around the country. Some members of the Cobden House Family Department have also undertaken additional training to become direct access qualified.


Why do I need a family law barrister?

If you are experiencing a family issue, it is worth hiring a dedicated family law barrister to provide support with anything from simple advice to a fully-fledged court strategy. Family issues are usually highly-charged, emotional and personal, and need to be handled carefully to protect those involved. family law barristers with proven experience in cases such as these can handle each case with empathy and sensitivity.

The right barristers can ensure an agile approach to your circumstances, focused on safeguarding your interests and upholding your rights throughout the legal proceedings. Every barrister in the department has a specialised knowledge of family law, experience with handling complex cases, and awareness of potential pitfalls. They work closely with clients to construct persuasive legal arguments, and develop and implement effective legal strategies to get the best outcome for all.

Family law barristers and solicitors: what’s the difference?

The key difference is that barristers are more specialised towards providing legal advice and advocacy for the client in the courtroom. Solicitors are usually the primary point of contact for clients, and manage documentation and negotiations.

Barristers and solicitors often work together as part of a legal team for clients, to provide full-coverage legal representation. Solicitors tend to have generalist legal knowledge, while family law barristers are able to specialise, building in-depth knowledge and providing specialist guidance in family cases.

David Maddison, Head of our Family Team says: “We always aim to provide clients with the best service, and our specialist barristers are well-positioned to support on any form of family law case. Our barristers help their clients navigate the complexities of the courts, and their advocacy and legal advice give clients the reassurance that they are being supported throughout the entire legal process.”


Who we help

We pride ourselves at Cobden House Chambers on our client-centric approach, and our family law barristers are committed to providing personalised, useful advocacy throughout the entire legal process. Our barristers know that family law cases can be emotionally charged and difficult for clients, and ensure timely updates and guidance in an empathetic manner.

Our barristers are skilled in all kinds of cases, working with a broad range of clients from local authorities, to parents, children’s guardians, grandparents and police forces.

Why choose Cobden House Chambers?

At Cobden House Chambers, our family law team is committed to providing a specialist and accessible service to all our clients. We deliver a top quality service, combining meticulous preparation and the highest levels of advocacy with a clear and sympathetic approach to clients. We pride ourselves not only on our high professional standards but also on our friendly approach and accessibility.

We were awarded the BarMark by the British Standards Institute in conjunction with the Bar Council, for 'high standards of service and practice management', demonstrating our commitment to meeting and exceeding our client requirements.

We take into account challenges that our clients may be facing, not only in terms of legal support but also funding. To help relieve that pressure, our friendly and approachable team of experienced clerks can discuss your specific requirements and suggest the most suitable barrister for your specific needs.


Our clerks will happily provide you with an estimate or quote, no matter how complex your query. We are here to provide you with the skilled representation and personalised attention you deserve.

Please contact one of our Designated Family Clerks for further information:-

Steven Tobias -  Senior Civil Clerk / Deputy Director of Clerking

Christina Crook - Senior Clerk for Family

Mitchell Bibby - Family Clerk


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