Michael Glaser KC

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Michael Glaser KC

Joint Head of Chambers

silk

Call: 1998

Silk: 2018

(he/him/his)

clerks@fourteen.co.uk

(he/him/his)

Prior to his call to the Bar, Michael worked in finance for five years and then qualified as a commercial solicitor specialising in intellectual property law. Michael transferred to the family Bar in 1998 and practises a wide range of family work including ancillary relief, trusts and cohabitation disputes, and Children Act matters, together with associated civil matters. Within his ancillary relief work, which is the principal area of his practice, he specialises in cases which have particular complexities including trusts, bankruptcy, partnerships and companies.

Michael is able to accept instructions on a direct access basis and he regularly gives lectures in relation to recent case law developments.

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Michael is able to accept instructions on a direct access basis and he regularly gives lectures in relation to recent case law developments.

Specialist in:

Children: Private

Michael has extensive experience in all aspects of disputes involving children. He spent many years acting in child protection / public law proceedings (representing local authorities, parents and children) including in cases involving sexual abuse, parental alienation and physical and psychological abuse.

Michael now exclusively applies his experience to private law disputes – often involving similar issues – but with the focus on the arrangements for the shared care of the children, schooling issues and when one parent is seeking leave to relocate with the children both within and outside the jurisdiction.

Reported cases

17th January 2017 | Bailii

M v F (Travel to Non-Convention Country) [2017] EWFC 7

Mother’s application to vary a Prohibited Steps Order – preventing either parent from removing the children – granted, allowing her to remove the parties’ children to Iran, a non-Hague Convention country, temporarily for the purpose of holidays, subject to certain safeguards being in place

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10th December 2014 | Bailii

A (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 1577

Schedule 1 case where the mother made an unmerited appplication to vary an order for periodical payments and subsequently appealed, again without merit. Mother ordered to pay a contribution towards the father’s costs.

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21st December 2010 | Jordan's

T v T [2010] EWHC 3776 (Fam)

The Court considered whether an occupation order amounted to a maintenance order and the court was thus prohibited from making one under Brussels IIR.

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1st December 2008 | Bailii

AB v JLB [2008] EWHC 2965 (Fam)

Application to transfer proceedings in relation to a child from the Hague to the High Court in London pursuant to Article 15(2)(c) Brussels II bis in light of ongoing matrimonial and financial remedy proceedings in the English courts. Application summarily dismissed.

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Court of Protection

Michael has appeared in the Court of Protection both in relation to complex welfare and financial cases.

Family Finance

This is the main area in which Michael practises (including matrimonial, civil partnership and cohabitation disputes in addition to Inheritance Act claims). He has unrivalled expertise in cases which have an added dimension such as trusts, bankruptcy, partnerships and companies.

Michael’s reported cases include F v F (S Intervening) (Financial Provision: Bankruptcy: Reviewable Disposition), where a husband’s bankruptcy was set aside and his award drastically reduced due to his conduct, and Rossi v Rossi in which an ancillary relief claim was successfully defended in its entirety, due to delay and non-contribution to the marital acquest.

Michael has acted in a number of other important reported cases including representing a husband in a ‘big money’ case involving wholly pre-acquired assets (R v R [2009] EWHC 1267 (Fam), a contested trusts of land case involving questions of sham transfers and illegality (Ashby v Kilduff [2010] EWHC 2034 (Ch)), a case where the Husband’s assets were said to be tied up in a Jersey Trust (D v D and I Trust ([2011] 2 FLR 29) and a successful appeal to the Court of Appeal reducing a ‘joint lives’ maintenance order to a term order (N v N [2011] EWCA Civ 940). Michael for many years represented HRH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum [2011] EWHC B27 (Fam) in the first case dealing with whether an Islamic marriage performed in this country would be valid for the purposes of a nullity petition. The facts of the case make interesting reading, however, the court agreed that an Islamic marriage, whilst it may have significance for the parties involved, would not be a route for a purported wife to obtain the raft of financial remedies which can be applied for following a nullity petition. He has also successfully enforced an arbitration clause in a foreign pre-marital agreement where the assets were $140m (T v T [2012] EWHC 3462 (Fam)).

More recently, Michael has successfully defended an allegation of sham trust (worth some £50m) and broken new ground regarding interim orders for sales of property. He frequently acts in cohabitation disputes involving heterosexual and same sex relationships, appearing in the Family Court, the Chancery Division and the Lands Tribunal.

In addition to acting in high net worth cases, Michael frequently represents interveners in divorce matters (including acting for beneficiaries of trusts, such as children on settlement variations through the official solicitor), and parents involved in private law disputes including those with an international element such as relocation cases. As a result of his experience, both prior to being called to the Bar, and whilst at it, Michael brings a breadth of experience to his work.

Reported cases

18th November 2021

Aldoukhi v Abdullah [2021] EWHC 3086 (Fam)

In this ground-breaking case, a Part III MFPA 1984 claim was founded solely on an interest in a matrimonial home in the jurisdiction.

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21st June 2017

ND v SD & Ors [2017] EWHC 1507 (Fam) (21 June 2017)

Mrs Justice Roberts dismisses Wife’s attack of a trust owning shares in companies worth £50m

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20th March 2017

Norman v Norman [2017] EWCA Civ 120

Court of Appeal dismisses proposed appellant’s application to set aside consent order made in financial remedy proceedings

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8th February 2017 | Bailii

Norman v Norman [2017] EWCA Civ 49

Wife’s appeal in financial remedy proceedings in which she sought an anonymity order and argued that the law in this regard should change. Appeal refused

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10th December 2014 | Bailii

A (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 1577

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26th March 2014

N v N [2014] EWCA Civ 314

Appeal against a decision that there had been material non-disclosure during the course of an appeal. Consideration of the circumstances in which a court may, on the grounds of material non-disclosure, set aside an order for financial provision following divorce.

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29th November 2012 | Bailii

T v T [2012] EWHC 3462 (Fam)

Application for an Hemain injunction against Respondent Husband in respect of proceedings brought by him in the USA. An order was obtained providing for an arbitration clause in the pre-marital agreement to be upheld.

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22nd December 2011 | Bailii

Nivin El Gamal v HRH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al-Maktoum [2011] EWHC B27 (Fam)

Nullity petition: application to determine whether an Islamic wedding ceremony took place and, if so, its legal effect in English law (if any). Held: (1) that there was a ceremony; but (2) this was a non-marriage and not a void marriage. Nullity petition dismissed.

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30th June 2011 | Bailii

N v N [2011] EWCA Civ 940

Appeal in respect of procedural flaws during the hearing of the husband’s against an order in financial remedy proceedings which had granted an extension of the term of a periodical payments order in favour of his former wife. Permission granted and appeal allowed.

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21st December 2010 | Jordan's

T v T [2010] EWHC 3776 (Fam)

The Court considered whether an occupation order amounted to a maintenance order and the court was thus prohibited from making one under Brussels IIR.

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30th July 2010

Ashby v Kilduff [2010] EWHC 2034 (Ch)

A contested trusts of land case involving questions of sham transfers and illegality and a former MP.

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9th June 2010 | Bailii

Constantinou and Others v Wilmot-Josife and Others [2010] EWCA Civ 747

Appeal in the context of proceedings under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Appeal dismissed.

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23rd October 2009 | Jordan's

D v D and Others and the I Trust [2009] EWHC 3062; [2011] 2 FLR 29

Financial relief – Post-nuptial settlement – Jersey trust – Whether court had jurisdiction to vary

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9th July 2009

R v R [2009] EWHC 1267 (Fam)

A ‘big money’ case involving wholly pre-acquired assets.

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1st December 2008 | Bailii

AB v JLB [2008] EWHC 2965 (Fam)

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28th May 2008

EJM-D v GLD [2008] EWHC 1929 (Fam)

Appeal against final order made in financial remedy proceedings after a relatively short and childless marriage. Principal issue of housing needs raised on appeal, with the wife arguing that the District Judge had provided inadequately for her needs. Appeal allowed and additional lump sum ordered

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26th June 2006 | Jordan's

Rossi v Rossi [2006] EWHC 1482 (Fam); [2007] 1 FLR 790

Ancillary relief – Dealing with third party interests – Whether necessary to bring separate proceedings under the Partnership Act 1980 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996

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29th November 2002 | Jordan's

F v F (S Intervening) (Financial Provision: Bankruptcy: Reviewable Disposition) [2002] EWHC 2814 (Fam); [2003] 1 FLR 911

Divorce – Wife applying for ancillary relief – Registered charge on matrimonial home by intervenor – Whether charge be set aside – Whether husband’s petition in bankruptcy be set aside – Legal Services charge

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16th October 2002

Forder v Forder and Others [2002] EWCA Civ 1527

Application for permission to appeal against an Order made at the outset of a financial remedy application standing over an application for annulment of a bankruptcy order and pending the bankruptcy proceedings, pending the outcome of the financial remedy hearing. Application dismissed.

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28th January 2002 | Jordan's

Kean v Kean [2002] 2 FLR 28

Financial provision – Consent order – Clean break – Application for leave to appeal out of time – Consent order made based on valuation of parties’ assets – Whether subsequent change in valuation of husband’s assets justifying appeal out of time

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What the directories say

“Michael can see solutions others can’t. He’s also prepared to try novel approaches others might shy away from.”

“Michael is a strong advocate but also a skilful one, who fights hard without coming across as overly aggressive.”

“A robust advocate, who’s business-like and succinct in his courtroom manner.”
Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“Michael is a tenacious advocate who is able to distinguish the good points from the bad ones. He is well able to stand his ground in the most difficult cases.”
The Legal 500 2024

“Michael is a talented advocate who prepares each case meticulously.”

“Michael Glaser KC is absolutely great. He’s punchy, good with clients and has great judgement. He’s very tenacious too.”
Chambers & Partners 2023

“Michael is astute, shrewd and commercial in finance cases. He looks at cases from all angles and is highly creative.”

“As an advocate, he is persuasive and has matured in silk. His opponents consider him a force to be reckoned with.”

“His encyclopaedic knowledge and use of cases is impressive, finding routes to outcomes that others cannot see. He never afraid to put forward a novel argument and quick on his feet.”
The Legal 500 2023

“Prominent family law practitioner in high demand for his expertise in complex matrimonial finance proceedings.”

“Glaser is well versed in complex trust and company issues relating to family cases.”

“A determined, focused advocate who knows every case, statute and argument and is constantly formulating the next approach or tactic. He thoroughly cares about his clients.” – band 2
Chambers & Partners 2022

“A formidable practitioner, who has an incisive grasp of complex technical aspects of the law.”
The Legal 500 2022

“A master strategist who sees creative solutions where others do not. He is extremely numerate and has a businesslike attitude to matters. He will fight to the death for his clients and understands keenly what they want to achieve.”

“Fearless in court, he’s absolutely committed to achieving the best result.”

“An exceptionally bright advocate with a tactical and considered approach.”
Chambers & Partners 2021

‘Unquestionably one of the best family silks at the Bar. Indefatigable and determined. Tactical and clever. Never leaves a stone unturned trying to get the best possible result for his clients.’
The Legal 500 2021

“Impresses with his immediate grasp of complex legal and factual issues, together with the ability to deliver his advice in a client-friendly way”

“He prepares the case thoroughly and doesn’t leave any stone unturned. Michael is an excellent advocate, who never fails to impress in court”
Chambers & Partners 2020

“Is quite simply outstanding”

“Is a tenacious and persuasive advocate who is a strong and dynamic negeotiator and meticulous in his preparation”
The Legal 500 2020

“One of, if not the most tenacious of advocates I’ve ever seen, and the best strategists I’ve come across”
Chambers & Partners 2019

“Michael’s tenacity, tactical nous and energy are his strengths”

“A forceful negotiator and a fearsome advocate”
The Legal 500 2018

“A very forthright barrister with intelligence and the ability to put clients at ease. He’s excellent at managing and negotiating with litigants in person, and is a barrister with real tenacity. He is particularly good at TOLATA cases as well as Schedule 1 matters.”
Chambers & Partners 2018

“He is an outstanding junior and a silk in the making” – Shortlisted for the Family and Children Junior Barrister of the Year 2018
The Legal 500 2017

“He’s the most tenacious of barristers. He knows the law inside out; the amount of knowledge he has at his fingertips is insane. He’s a great tactician, is persuasive and really fights a clients corner.”
Chambers & Partners 2017

“A tenacious advocate and a great team player.”
The Legal 500 2016

“He is numerate and good at expressing complex ideas in a simple way for clients. His advocacy is persistent and influential, and he will never drop a point if he feels it is worth running. He’s fearless and feared in equal measure.”
Chambers & Partners 2016

“Unfailingly diligent.”
The Legal 500 2015

“He definitely punches above his weight. He is robust and tenacious when he needs to be and is quite dogged at pursuing points. I’ve been in cases where he’s performed far better than silks ten years his senior. He’s a very good lateral thinker too, and will find a way round a problem.”

“He brings great energy to a case.”
Chambers & Partners 2015

“A pre-eminent junior handling a range of matrimonial finance issues, including trusts-related cases and cohabitation disputes. He is also highly respected for his expertise in public and private children law.”

“Michael is one of the stand-out barristers of his generation. He is clever, practical, empathetic and a team player.”

“He’s extremely good with clients and a tough negotiator.”
Chambers & Partners 2014

“Michael Glaser is a family law barrister with ‘great charm and ability’, say sources. He is recognised as a leading junior in ancillary relief work and public and private children law, whose recent successful cases include a High Court matter to determine the validity, in English law, of an Islamic marriage. As one peer commented, he is ‘a very impressive individual.'”
The Legal 500 2013

“Michael Glaser is ‘a fantastic barrister’ who is equally strong on children matters and difficult financial cases. He has in the last year been particularly active in ancillary relief cases, with sources reporting that ‘his background in banking means he has a firm grasp of complex financial matters and he is able to put incisive questions to the other side.'”
Chambers & Partners 2013

“Michael Glaser distinguishes himself from his peers in terms of his knowledge, style and level of engagement.”
The Legal 500 2012

“Michael Glaser is ‘conscientious, concerned for his clients and very good on his feet.'”
Chambers & Partners 2012

“Michael Glaser focuses predominantly on matrimonial finance. He is described as ‘full of energy and very supportive of his clients.'”
Chambers & Partners 2011