Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2005
‘Matthew is a strong advocate who is always extremely well-prepared. He has a full grasp of the issues in a case, and his knowledge of case law and procedure is excellent.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2025
Matthew Stott is a family law specialist.
Matthew is regularly involved in complex care cases for local authorities, parents and guardians. He has been involved in cases concerning infant deaths, shaken babies, fabricated illness, serious sexual and physical abuse, honour based violence including attempted assassination, forced marriage, unlawful removal from the jurisdiction, serious neglect and cases involving breaches of Human Rights. He has a particular interest in cases where there are competing medical opinions and those which engage the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.
In private law disputes, Matthew predominantly represents Rule 16.4 Guardians. He acts in cases involving parental alienation, implacable hostility and cases of temporary and permanent relocation to Hague and non-Hague convention countries.
Matthew also accepts instruction in matrimonial finance cases, court of protection cases and other matters involving the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Matthew is highly regarded for his diverse style and flexible approach whilst maintaining a reputation for being friendly and approachable and robustly representing his clients’ interests.
As well as practising in family law, he holds several Fee-paid judicial appointments
including as a Deputy District Judge (Family and Civil) and as a Recorder (Family).
To instruct Matthew or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Matthew is regularly involved in complex care cases for local authorities, parents and guardians. He has been involved in cases concerning infant deaths, shaken babies, fabricated illness, serious sexual and physical abuse, honour based violence including attempted assassination, forced marriage, unlawful removal from the jurisdiction, serious neglect and cases involving breaches of Human Rights. He has a particular interest in cases where there are competing medical opinions and those which engage the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.
Care proceedings in relation to two children, issued following concerns over parenting. Children placed with maternal grandmother under special guardianship order.
Matthew has successfully represented the Local Authority in this case which concerned the issue of whether or not a man is the father of children, as he claimed, despite his refusal to agree to a DNA test. DNA, believed to be that of the father, was gathered at the scene of the murder of the mother, a crime for which the man is currently serving life. The guardian of the children had sought to use the DNA collected in order to determine the paternity of the children concerned, the President found in favour of this.
In his judgement, the President of the Family Division Sir James Munby stated:
“As Mr Matthew Stott on behalf of the local authority points out, because X is not named on their birth certificates, the local authority has at present sole parental responsibility for the children. Moreover, as he also points out, Hogg J has already, in making orders under section 21 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, determined that it is in the interests of the children that the truth, whatever it may be, should out. I agree with Mr Stott that the material being sought is vitally important for the ongoing care planning for the children. I agree with him that in light of the circumstances of their mother’s death it is fundamentally important for the children to have the opportunity to understand their family history and ascertain their familial identity.”
In private law disputes, Matthew represents both parents and Rule 16.4 Guardians. He acts in cases involving temporary and permanent relocation to Hague and non-Hague convention countries.
‘Mr Matthew Stott was able to prepare the case thoroughly and has presented M’s case with care, sensitivity and skill.’ Mr Justice Hayden
Appeared for the respondent mother in the final welfare hearing in F v M before Mr Justice Hayden. Significant and very serious findings had previously been made against the father within the sphere of coercive and controlling behaviour.
The welfare hearing considered, inter alia, issues around acquisition and termination of parental responsibility, orders to limit exercise of parental responsibility, the transformative approach to s.91(14) orders following the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (including PD 12Q) and importantly how litigation can be used as a vehicle by one party to continue a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour.
Counsel for the father seeking an order preventing the mother from removing their child from England.
Matthew undertakes work in all areas of matrimonial finance including maintenance, injunctions, financial remedy proceedings and applications by persons seeking to intervene. He also undertakes Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and ToLATA 1996 cases.
Court of Protection and Medical Treatment
Matthew accepts instruction in court of protection cases and cases concerning vulnerable adults, and other matters involving the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Matthew is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.
'Matthew is a strong advocate who puts his client's case firmly. He has excellent cross-examination skills demonstrating his thorough preparation, grasp of the papers and ability to identify the key issues. He is an impressive advocate.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024
‘Matthew demonstrates a firm understanding of the issues and is very well prepared. He has strong advocacy skills, able to present his client’s case, and fearsome cross-examination.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024
Extremely organised and approachable. He represents lay clients to a high standard and his legal knowledge is remarkable.
Legal 500, 2022
Oliver Wraight, instructed by Elizabeth Eigbefoh of Francis Solicitors, appeared on behalf of the Second Respondent and Matthew Stott appeared on behalf of the Applicant Local Authority (LA) in The London…
We are delighted to have been ranked as a top tier set in The Legal 500 where Harcourt is described as an ‘…an excellent set. They have a great number…
Matthew Stott appeared for the respondent mother in the final welfare hearing in F v M before Mr Justice Hayden. Significant and very serious findings had previously been made against…