Matrimonial Finance

Our Matrimonial Finance team is one of the largest and most respected in the South West. It comprises 13 members and has been led for the past 10 years by Nick Sproull. Former members include HHJ Stephen Wildblood KC and HHJ Charles Hyde KC, both of whom went on to lead the FRC in Bristol.

The team is described as “pre-eminent” in the 2026 edition of Chambers and Partners and as a “go-to chambers for financial remedies in the South West” in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500. Both publications rank the team in Band One and it has more individuals in the top rank in both Chambers and Partners (two) and the Legal 500 (three) than any other set on the Western Circuit.

The team ranges in experience from those who have recently completed pupillages all the way up to those of over 30 years call. We cover all cases, from the modest to those involving assets worth tens of millions. We advise in writing or in conference, remote or in-person; we draft pre-nuptial agreements and attend round-table meetings; and we appear at hearings at all stages and all levels, whether for directions, (p)FDR, final hearing/arbitration or appeal.

All members of the team are happy to travel and we represent clients in venues throughout the country, whether on the Western Circuit or further afield.

Members of the team are experienced in dealing with issues such as:

Pre-nuptial agreements.
Matrimonial/non-matrimonial assets.
Capitalisation of income needs, including on variation.
TOLATA applications.
Applications pursuant to Schedule 1 CA 1989.
Family businesses, including valuations, minority discounts, liquidity and tax.
Farms.
Trusts.
Pensions.
Non-disclosure and setting aside.
Maintenance pending suit and Legal Services Payment Orders.
Daniels v Walker applications for further expert evidence.

Members of the team are often invited to speak at training events and seminars. Each New Year we host our own seminar in Bristol, which in 2025 featured a presentation by Sir Nicholas Mostyn, and was attended by over 180 delegates. The proceeds of our seminar always go to charity. The 2026 event will take place at We The Curious on 4 February 2026 and details of the programme will be released shortly.

Private FDRs have grown hugely in popularity in the last few years. For long the preserve of London silks or retired judges, many solicitors have come to recognise the benefit in having a local practitioner predict the decision of a local District Judge, and various members of the team are now experienced in acting as the evaluator. Chambers has a suite of rooms well-suited to conduct these hearings, if convenient.

Our clerks are Michael Harding, Julie Hathway and Joanne Banfield who will be pleased to assist.

The team of ‘fantastic matrimonial finance barristers’ Legal 500 2026

Albion Chambers is a ‘go-to chambers for financial remedies in the South West’ Legal 500 2026

‘Albion Chambers is ‘a leading set in Bristol, with an excellent collection of family barristers’ capable of handling a range of financial remedy matters.’ Legal 500 2025

‘One of the strongest in the South West’ for divorce and financial remedy work. Legal 500, 2024

‘A top-class chambers.’ ‘Albion Chambers is an excellent set, offering a superb selection of highly qualified barristers.’ 'The group is well known for its excellent track record in handling high-value, complex matrimonial finance cases' Legal 500 2023

'The best team for complex high net worth financial family cases in the region' ‘The family clerks are all wonderful. They are responsive, helpful and really go out of their way to help find you the right counsel for your case‘. Legal 500 2022