Spear’s Review

Most of Toby Atkinson’s clients want the same thing: ‘To resolve disputes as quickly, efficiently and amicably as possible’, whether it is a financial dispute or a disagreement with their partner in relation to the arrangements for their children.

A partner in Stewarts’ divorce and family team in London, Atkinson is focused on complex financial remedies with an international element. He also has a strong practice in international children cases, particularly child abduction, and tells Spear’s that he is regularly instructed by the ‘left behind’ parent in the dispute.

Increasing pressure on the already-congested courts is pushing more HNW families into arbitration, he says, and while ‘I’ll always encourage non-court dispute resolution,’ he says the firm sees arbitration as ‘the future’.

Notable cases

• Cathcart v Owens [2021]
  
• JC v PC [2021]

Adviser Profile

Toby specialises in all areas of family law, advising on financial settlements on divorce and arrangements for children following separation. His work frequently involves international elements, including trusts, inherited wealth and family businesses, and he acts for entrepreneurs, business owners and City professionals.

He is equally adept at handling complex financial disputes and highly contested children cases, with particular expertise in international child abduction, relocation and jurisdiction matters. He also regularly advises on nuptial agreements, cohabitation and wealth protection. He is described by Chambers HNW as ‘incredibly calm and knowledgeable’ with ‘a brilliant approach to complex cases’.