John Darnton
Partner
Experience
John joined Bircham Dyson Bell as lead family partner in October 1998, having previously been a partner in a niche family law practice. He has over 20 years' experience of all aspects of matrimonial work with an emphasis on the resolution of complex financial and child related disputes, especially those with an international element. John is an Accredited Specialist in substantial money and child abduction cases with Resolution (formerly the Solicitors' Family Law Association). He is also a trained collaborative lawyer.
Working closely with members of our Private Client team John is frequently asked to advise in cases involving both onshore and offshore trusts. Increasingly the family team is engaged to negotiate and draft pre-marital agreements and advise on asset protection measures.
John also has experience of advising on civil partnerships and related cohabitation and pre-civil partnership agreements.
John is a member of the Individuals Group and also a member of the Contentious Trusts and Probate Team - he has a particular interest in claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. His reported cases include:-
- Clifford v Clifford [1985] FLR 732
- re M (Abduction) (Consent:Acquiesence) [1999]1FLR171
- T v T (Child Abduction: Non-Convention Country) [1998] 2FLR1110
- Morgan & Anor v Cilento & Ors [2004] EWHC 188(Ch)
- Wolff & Wolff -v- Wolff and Others [2004] Law Tel
John was recommended in The Legal 500, 2008 edition, described as being "exceptionally efficient and pleasant to deal with"