Siân Smith

Family finances
Siân has extensive experience in matrimonial proceedings and is often instructed in cases involving intervening third party interests and hidden assets where her meticulous and forensic approach is of particular benefit. Siân focuses on providing considered, clear and practical advice from the outset. She is effective in achieving results through negotiation and in court. Siân represents unmarried couples in property disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, an area in which she has a particular academic interest and has given many CPD accredited lectures. She is also instructed in applications for financial provision under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and in Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims.

Children
Siân is an experienced practitioner and is frequently instructed in public and private law children cases involving non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, fabricated or induced illness, neglect, substance misuse and emotional abuse. She acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, family members, guardians and competent children at all stages of proceedings. Siân undertakes the full range of private law children matters often representing parents and guardians in cases involving complex factual and legal issues.  She is experienced in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse including coercive control, economic, sexual and physical abuse.  Siân is skilled in addressing the needs of vulnerable clients both in and out of court.