Called to the Bar in 2002 (Retired 2023)

Brian Mather

Brian is a member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) and as a Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator and Arbitrator is qualified to conduct family law arbitrations and make orders under the IFLA rules, including in matrimonial finance and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 proceedings.

As well as extensive experience in public and private law children cases, before his retirement as a busy practising Family barrister, Brian regularly dealt with complex matrimonial finance disputes involving foreign properties, agricultural land, businesses, insolvency and complex pension arrangements.

Brian was a Deputy District Judge since 1993 for 30 years before retiring. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) - Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator and Arbitrator.

Brian previously worked for ten years in Local Government. He then became a solicitor and practised for 23 years in Newcastle before transferring to the Bar. Brian is a former member of the Law Society Children’s Panel. He was also an interviewer for Panel Applicants and Adjudicator on appeals for Panel Membership.

Arbitrators

Called to the Bar 1983

Timothy Spain

Timothy is a recognised expert in high value ancillary and financial relief cases, especially those involving companies, partnerships, farms, “hidden wealth” and insolvency.

Called to the Bar in 2002 (Retired 2023)

Brian Mather

Called to the Bar in 2002

Katherine Wood

Katherine practises in all areas of family law, undertaking work in public law proceedings, private law proceedings and applications following relationship breakdown (matrimonial/civil partnership and cohabitee).

Called to the Bar in 2010

Patrick Goodings MCIArb

Patrick has considerable experience in Child Protection matters. He deals with cases involving the most serious of issues, including domestic abuse, parental alienation and emotional abuse, physical abuse including sexual abuse and those with international and complicated relocation arguments.

Find out more about Family & Children Arbitration

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