Suzanne Syme MCIArb

Suzanne has specialised in matrimonial finance and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown since her pupillage, including Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. She has extensive experience of cases where complexities arise due to the nature or location of the parties’ assets, the source of their income or where there is intervention by a third party, including trusts.

She has developed a particular interest in pension provision on divorce and regularly represents parties where there is a significant pension provision, both public sector and private sector pensions which require detailed investigation and analysis.

Suzanne has also acted as an expert witness in the field of matrimonial finance when there is an inter-relationship involving personal injury or other civil claim.

Notable Family Finance cases

Suzanne was instructed on behalf of the husband for the first year of the proceedings.

Declaration as to marital status.

Suzanne appeared as junior counsel for the Respondent Wife in this matter. The Husband sought permission to appeal the decision of Bennett J relating to the variation of a school fees component of a consent order for ancillary relief. Bennett J had ordered the Husband to pre-pay the entirety of the school fees for the parties’ two boys until the completion of their secondary education by lump sum provision of £272,771. This is the first example of a substantial capitalisation of a school fees order.

The Husband’s appeal was allowed in part on the basis of fresh evidence adduced by him outlining his deteriorating health. However, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the need for security for the future of the boys’ private education, in particular due to the Husband’s previous bad conduct.