AFP Bloom LLP

A much deserved promotion for Kelly Giambrone who will bring in the new year as Senior Associate. Happy New Year everybody!

The team at 42BR Barristers have been cracking the whip for weeks, getting those who were shortlisted for the LexisNexis UK Family law Awards to answer a few questions about themselves. It’s never comfortable addressing personal questions but it’s been great to read the responses so far. Thank you 42BR! Below are Zoe Bloom ‘s answers - she is shortlisted for Family Law Partner of the Year 2024.

Joseph Mulhern is known for advising clients in relation to both finance and private children work. He joins us from another leading central London boutique firm. His client testimonials speak for themselves, referencing his enduring patience and rare ability to ensure client’s feel heard throughout the process. We warmly welcome him to the team and look forward to working with him. Zoe Bloom of AFP Bloom said “Balance is absolutely key to a vibrant team and when we met Joe we knew immediately that his calm energy would compliment the team. Welcome Joe!”

We are so pleased to be recognised in the shortlist for these prestigious awards by both LexisNexis UK and Citywealth Leaders List (power women).

The Chambers and Partners high net worth guide was published recently. AFP Bloom retained its band 4 ranking in the ultra high net worth guide, sharing the space with just 16 other firms representing ultra high net worth clients going through divorce and separation. The full entry can be read here: https://lnkd.in/eHnbScxv

In this final judgment resulting from the financial remedy proceedings between Mr and Mrs Simon with Level intervening, Mr Justice Peel rehearses the ‘troubling’ history of the case, rejects submissions from Mr Simon about that history (para 9) and reflects on the involvement of the lawyers (para 12). He reaches provisional conclusions about motive (para 10) and potential remedies for Level (para 34).   But ultimately, after this ‘difficult and unusual case’ (Lady Justice King, para 108), Mr and Mrs Simon chose to invite the court to make no orders in relation to Mrs Simon’s current application (issued in 2016). In the event Mrs Simon chooses to issue a fresh application, Level’s status shall be considered at that time. No doubt this will be in the context of the Court of Appeal’s finding that where ‘the lender has become aware of steps which they believe to have been taken by the parties to conclude a settlement which has the appearance of defeating its ability to recover all or part of its debt, the lender should be entitled to be heard in whatever form is felt to be appropriate by the court’ (para 106).   Level’s position throughout has been that the husband and wife reached a collusive agreement to shut out the lender from being repaid. In those circumstances commentators may reach their own conclusions as to why a husband and wife, seven years after the start of proceedings, should take the highly unusual step of seeking a “no order” judgment from the court. The costs of these proceedings will be determined in due course and other legal avenues remain available for Level to pursue. #litigationlending #litigationfunding #familylaw #complexlitigation Judgment: https://lnkd.in/eJHDsrQ7 Court of Appeal judgment: https://lnkd.in/ex2QWd44

We really do mean it when we say we are expert in complex litigation. In the last few months AFP Bloom have acted in four reported cases, noted for their complexities and for the difficulties faced when reaching a decision. The issues have included non or late disclosure, crypto assets, dishonest witnesses, enforcement and various jurisdictional issues. The judgments evolve the law in relation to add back, costs and the capitalisation of child maintenance. 1️⃣ MB v CD [2024] EWHC 751 (Fam) - 2 April 2024 2️⃣ DH v RH [2024] EWFC 79 - 18 April 2024 3️⃣ C (A Child) (Financial Provision: non-disclosure), Re [2024] EWFC 115 - 15 May 2024 4️⃣ CJ v ME & Anor [2024] EWFC 112 - 24 May 2024 Links: https://lnkd.in/ePtyBdiX https://lnkd.in/e2Bxtg_P https://lnkd.in/eRkfey4d https://lnkd.in/eaPuCjkS

Our partner Zoe Bloom was interviewed as part of LexisNexis UK report on how boutique firms are developing within the current market.

Our partner William Healing sets out the case for changes to the law around cohabitation- and what can be done while we wait. #divorce #cohabitationrights #cohabitation #prenuptial #postnuptial #marriage https://lnkd.in/evmEjfXS

If you don’t know Douglas Barnett from Ptarmigan Capital Ltd make time to listen to some of his podcasts - linked below. There is something of the Theroux in his laconic probing style and he’s just extremely good, upbeat and inquisitive company. He and I chatted about: ⚡️Why relationships matter and energy flow (yes really!) 1.12 💔Problems faced by entrepreneurs when getting divorced practical (6:18) and emotional (7:12) 🙃Common mistakes going into a marriage/negotiating prenuptial agreements 9:44 🤺Do couples ever start off acrimoniously and end up amicable (lolz) 12:45 🌉advocacy and autonomy > ‘divorce coaches are the answer’ 14:23 👩🎓starting a law firm when you’ve never really worked in one 17:28 👭Importance of the team 18:41 🫣Worst investments and how to get over mistakes 19:43 🏗️Marketing advice for junior lawyers (Be yourself) 21:50 Claire Macklin, Rhiannon Ford - Divorce Consultant and Coach , Laura Rosefield, Tosh Brittan AFP Bloom LLP #divorce #separation #privatewealth #investments #wealth #divorcecoach