Withers Worldwide

Overview

Michael advises on all aspects of family law (including pre-nuptial agreements) with particular emphasis on the resolution of financial issues for wealthy individuals, whether married or unmarried and often with international interests. He liaises closely with Withers' private client UK/US tax and trust team. Clients include sports stars, city professionals, owners of landed estates, politicians, entrepreneurs and business people, and their spouses/partners.

Michael has trained as a collaborative lawyer.

Highlights

Michael acted for the wife in the OS -v- DS [2004] EWHC 2376, creating a new precedent in asset tracing cases.

Publications and speaking engagements

• Financial Times, 14 April 2007 - Commentary on case of H v H in article by John Willman.
• Financial Times, 26 April 2007 - Commentary on House of Lords, cohabitation case of Stack v Dowden in article by Nikki Tait.
• Financial Times, 11 June 2007- Commentary on pre-nuptial agreements in article by Michael Peel.
• Private Client Practitioner, August 2007 - Article (with Lucie Alhadeff, a solicitor in the family law team) on the case of H v H (2007) and the implications for high earning spouses.
• Solicitors Journal, November 2007 - Commentary on trends in ancillary relief - article by Jean-Yves Gilg.
• Financial Times, 18 March 2008 - Commentary on judgement in McCartney case.
• Bloombery, 9 and 15 April 2008 - Commentary on city bonuses and divorce.

Michael is a contributor to the legal and national press on family law issues in addition to appearing as an expert commentator on television and radio. He has lectured at conferences on topics of ‘Big Money' divorce, cohabitation, and financial provision for unmarried mothers. Author of divorce chapter in LexisNexis Tax Planning for Farm and Land Diversification.

Memberships

• Resolution (First for Family Law)
• Cohabitation Committee of Resolution (First for Family Law)
• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Central London Collaborative Forum

On a personal note

Michael's interests include all sports (including running own cricket team).