Andrew Commins
Call 2004 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications LLB (European), Exeter
LLM/Magister der Rechte, Saarland, Germany
Anglo-American Scholar 2004
Diplock Scholar 2003
Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Award 2004 (Middle Temple)
Award for ‘Outstanding’ grade on Bar Vocational Course
Scholar of the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (2002) Germany
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Educational Background
Andrew studied law at Exeter University and went on to gain a second degree in German Law from the Universitaet des Saarlandes, Germany. He completed his Bar exams at UWE in Bristol. He speaks German. Andrew is also a qualified Mediator (Family Mediators Association) and undertakes all-issues-mediation concerning matters of property, finance, inheritance and childcare arrangements.
Area of Practice
Andrew specialises in matters of family finance, in particular:
1) Financial remedies upon divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership;
2) Cohabitation disputes pursuant to TLATA 1996;
3) Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims;
4) Child Support Act 1991 issues;
5) Professional negligence matters relating to family finance litigation and advice;
6) Mediation of family finance disputes.
Andrew provides advice and representation at all stages of proceedings in cases involving complex issues of bankruptcy and insolvency, conduct, asset-protection, ante- and post-nuptial agreements, companies, trust interests, sham arrangements and pensions.
Andrew also accepts instructions in related matters under the Children Act 1989 and has extensive experience of such cases involving allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, parental alienation, grandparent applications and expert instruction.
Andrew endeavours to return paperwork within 10 days of receipt.
Andrew lectures regularly in the South West on matters of family law.
Mediation
Andrew is a qualified Family Mediators Association (FMA) mediator and mediates cases involving family finance and related children matters. He operates a simple electronic referral system for solicitors.
Download Form A: Referral Form
Download Form D: Agreement to Mediate
International Work
Andrew volunteered from November 2009 until March 2010 for FIDA-Kenya , a non-governmental organisation in Kenya working to promote women’s human rights and access to justice. He developed an access to justice strategy to develop the organisation’s capacity to meet the needs of Kenyan women within the informal justice system. An article written by Andrew analysing Kenya’s responses to gender-based violence is available here. He is also continuing to volunteer whilst in the UK as a technical team member and advisor for CLEAD, a civil society organisation based in Kenya promoting equality and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Direct Access
Andrew is qualified to undertake Direct Access work in appropriate cases, for further information, please visit our Direct Access page.
Recent Articles
- Conducting Conduct Cases, Financial Remedies and FPR 2010 Family Law Journal [2011] Fam Law 1010 (September 2011)
- Relationships are not built in a day, Family Law Week (23 June 2011)
- Ancillary Relief and Sexual (Mis) conduct: Negating Need: K v. L Family Law Journal (June 2010)
- Dividing Matrimonial Property on Divorce: Colonialism, Chauvinism and Modernism in Kenya International Family Law Journal (June 2010)
- The ‘Second-Wife Impact’ and Ancillary Relief, Family Law Week (4 May 2010)
Publications
- Engaging with Informal Justice System – a practitioners guide published by FIDA, Kenya (2010)
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012
- Andrew, who is tipped as a future star on the circuit. He comes highly recommended for ancillary relief and cohabitation disputes. “He is my junior of choice – the most able of the next generation,” enthuses one source.
Chambers UK 2010
- Andrew Commins continues to climb the rankings as a result of his “intellect, hard work and superior client-handling skills.” He is a notable junior.
Chambers UK 2009
- Andrew Commins enters the tables after receiving a raft of positive feedback for his “fantastic way with clients.” He pays “great attention to detail” and is praised for his “ability to put people at ease.”
Legal 500 2011
- Andrew Commins has a ‘steely yet deft approach’, is ‘outstanding for his call’, and has a ‘lucid and well-planned’ advocacy style.
Legal 500 2007
- At the junior end, Andrew Commins, has ‘a charming client manner and excellent legal skills’.
