Family law

Mr Islam acts for applicants and respondents in child arrangement cases, prohibited steps orders, non-molestation orders and specific issue orders, with a working command of both the procedural and substantive law.

At fact-finding and final hearings he conducts a robust cross-examination, testing the credibility of allegations and putting the documentary record to the witness. Having been brought up overseas, he reads the cultural context of the parties in these proceedings with unusual ease.

Where a section 7 report recommends no contact or limited contact, he cross-examines the Cafcass officer or social worker who wrote it and exposes the assumptions behind the recommendation. His closing submissions are grounded in the leading authorities.

On financial remedy applications under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and claims under TOLATA 1996 following divorce or the end of a relationship, Mr Islam guides clients through the FDA, the FDR and the final hearing.

He has detailed knowledge of claims between cohabiting partners, trust claims involving third parties — typically parents — and the position of intervenors. The focus throughout is a realistic assessment of the outcome and then securing it.

In both children and financial proceedings Mr Islam looks for agreement wherever it can properly be reached, and will hold constructive discussions before the hearing to keep costs down for everyone involved.

Work is undertaken for a reasonable fixed fee agreed in advance.