Matthew Brett

Call: 1987

"Matthew is one of my first choices for Counsel on complex finance matters. He is always thoroughly well prepared and always approachable."
Solicitor

Matthew is a very experienced family lawyer with a background in general common law and property litigation who has been practising from Harcourt Chambers for more than 30 years.

He practises in all financial and property aspects of family work, both in the context of divorce proceedings and disputes between former cohabitees, including representation on Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims and claims under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989.

As someone whose practice has always included some real property litigation, he is particularly interested in cases involving trusts, probate or conveyancing issues. He is instructed in a growing number of disputes between former cohabitees as to their respective property interests.

Matthew also accepts instructions in real property and contentious probate matters. His advice in all practice areas is known for its clarity and robustness.

To instruct Matthew or for more information…

Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk

Practice Areas

Matthew’s principal expertise is in complex or difficult financial matters, whether or not of high value. His experience includes cases involving discretionary trusts, offshore structures and the valuation of substantial business interests, as well as farming cases and matters in which conduct is relied on. He has extensive experience of intervener proceedings; he has been involved in two of the leading cases concerning third party assets in financial remedy proceedings, in which he successfully fought to reintroduce greater intellectual rigour to the functioning of the family court. He has a particular interest in cases involving non-matrimonial assets, whether by way of inheritance or acquisition from outside the marriage.

Notable Family Finance cases


TL v ML & Others (Ancillary Relief: Claim Against Assets of Extended Family) [2005] EWHC 2860
Fisher Meredith v JH & PH (Financial Remedy: Appeal: Wasted Costs) [2012] EWHC 408
Birch v Birch (2019 - Unreported)

Obtained compensation for husband following the Wife’s successful appeal to the Supreme Court varying her undertaking to sell the family home.

Matthew advises and acts in all aspects of the law affecting real property, including boundary disputes, easements, restrictive covenants, landlord and tenant and trusts of land. He also has some experience of contentious probate matters and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Matthew has extensive experience of civil mediation as well as more recent experience of arbitrations in the Family Court. He is available for instruction as the tribunal in private FDRs.

Matthew is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.

 

What the directories say

"My colleagues and I uniformly trust and respect him to give clear, no nonsense advice and robust advocacy when needed."
Solicitor

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