Nicholas Stonor
Specialisms:
Family Law
Care Proceedings - Most of Nicholas' work is in the High Court or County Court. He is fortunate enough to receive regular instructions from most of the Local Authorities in the region and to act on behalf of family members and children’s Guardians. He has a particular interest in cases involving complex medical evidence (including Factitious and Induced Illness, Shaking and Sexual Abuse) and cultural/religious issues. Nicholas regularly gives seminars to solicitors and social workers and he is a Bar representative on the Northumbria Family Justice Council.
Ancillary Relief - Nicholas is committed to providing robust, realistic and constructive advice and representation. He has a particular interest in cases involving high net worth and/or hidden assets.
Mental Health
Nicholas has a developing practice concerning vulnerable adults particularly in Court of Protection proceedings.
Cases:
C v. K (Inherent Powers: Exclusion Order) [1996] 2 FLR 506 (Fam D)
Representing a woman seeking the exclusion of her former partner from her home
Re C (Leave to Remove from Jurisdiction) [2000] 2 FLR 457 (CA)
Representing a mother on an appeal against the refusal of her request for permission to take her child to live abroad with her new husband.
Y and K (Split Hearing: Evidence) [2003] EWCA Civ 669; [2003] 2 FLR 273 (CA)
Representing a Local Authority appealing the outcome of a fact-finding hearing within care proceedings.
Re S; Newcastle City Council v. Z [2005] EWHC 1490 (Fam); [2007] 1 FLR 861 (Fam D)
Representing the child (by his Children’s Guardian) in a freeing for adoption case where the mother opposed on religious grounds.
Re B (Fact-Finding Hearing: Evidence) [2008] EWCA Civ 1547; [2009] 2 FLR 14 (CA)
Representing a Local Authority appealing the outcome of a fact-finding hearing within care proceedings.
Northumberland County Council v. Z, Y, X (By Her Children’s Guardian) and the Government of the Republic of Kenya [2009] EWHC 498 (Fam); [2009] 2 FLR 696, FD
Representing a Local Authority in care proceedings concerning a child who had been brought into the UK illegally; subsequent issue as to the disclosure of case materials to the police, immigration authorities and Kenyan authorities.
M-W (A Child) [2010] EWCA Civ 12 (CA)
Representing the child (by her Children’s Guardian) supporting the Local Authority’s appeal against the decision to dismiss care proceedings.
What others say :
"Primarily focusing on care proceedings, where he represents a variety of local authorities, Nicholas Stonor is considered a "safe pair of hands" by his peers." Chambers & Partners 2012
"first class and a leader in this field" Legal 500 2011
"rightly gets rave reviews for children work." Chambers & Partners 2011
"Nicholas Stonor’s ‘advocacy is always excellent and he gets to the point without fuss or pomposity". Legal 500 2010.
‘Nicholas Stonor handles both matrimonial finance and children work and is developing a reputation as a “shrewd operator who is extremely effective in court.”’ Chambers & Partners 2009.
"a clear thinking advocate who produces first - class paperwork" Chambers & Partners.
"works hard and prepares well".His work was commended in relation to both matrimonial finance and children law matters" Chambers & Partners 2008.
"particularly user friendly, very good with clients who are in distressing situations" Legal 500 2007.
Memberships:
- Family Law Bar Association.
- Northumbria Family Justice Council (Bar representative).
- North Eastern Circuit.
Lectures & Seminars:
As part of the Trinity Chambers Family Law Group, Nicholas regularly gives seminars to solicitors (recent topics including Special Guardianship and the House of Lords decision in Re B) and to social workers (for example in relation to record-keeping, preparation of statements / care plans, and court skills).
Education & Awards:
1992 University College London, LLB (Hons) 2:1
1993 Inns of Court School of Law (Very Competent).
Additional Information:
Born and educated in Newcastle, Nicholas moved to London to read law and attend Bar School. After completing pupillage at two specialist family law chambers, Nicholas joined Grays Inn Chambers (now Renaissance Chambers) as a tenant practising family law. He moved back to Newcastle in 1996 and joined Trinity Chambers. Away from the Bar, Nicholas enjoys a hectic family life with occasional tennis, reading, music and football.