An incredibly bright junior and an exceptional advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Bethany is experienced in all types of applications under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, including child arrangement orders (contact and residence disputes), specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders. She has appeared in her own right in the High Court.

Bethany is experienced in handling hostile cases where contact has broken down, as well as cases with allegations of domestic abuse.

Where negotiation is possible, she strives to help her client’s find creative solutions to their dispute, helping them to move forward in a manner that serves the best interests of their children.

Bethany also has a particular interest in cases where children law and medical law overlap. This may be a contact or residence dispute in relation to a child with physical or mental health difficulties, or alternatively in specific issue applications concerning a child’s future medical treatment. This area combines Bethany’s practical experience with her academic specialism of children’s rights in the medical sphere.

Directory Quotes

Bethany is an excellent advocate. She prepares thoroughly and is skilled at working with vulnerable clients as she employs both empathy and objectivity. She is razor-sharp in her ability to find the key to the case. Her approach to each matter is entirely client centred. Her advocacy is a force to be reckoned with. ‘Bethany’s approach to each case is meticulous. She is astute and dynamic’.”

Chambers UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Bethany is fiercely intelligent, forthright and dynamic. She is, forensically, extremely astute and provides sensible, client-focused advice.”

The Legal 500 2023, Divorce and Financial Remedy

Bethany specialises in financial remedies disputes and private children law, with particular experience in cases that involve cross-jurisdictional issues. ‘Bethany has an excellent eye for detail and quickly grasps complex issues.’ ‘She is an extremely strong advocate who is able to empathise with clients while providing robust advice.’ ‘Bethany’s client relationship work was excellent. She made a difficult case easy for the client to understand.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Client Quotes

I was personally very impressed with the manner in which Bethany dealt with the case going the extra mile to assist us and the client. Most importantly my client was extremely delighted with Bethany. Bethany is approachable and puts clients at ease. As a firm we would have no hesitation in instructing Bethany again and can highly recommend her.”

Gemma Sampson, Solicitor & Director, Sampson Solicitors

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BCL, Oxford University, (Distinction),
    • BA in Jurisprudence, Oxford University, (First Class) (top of the year in family law and administrative law)
    • BPTC
    • BPP Law School, (Very Competent)
    • Manches Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • The Martin Wronker Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2013)
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award (Lincoln’s Inn 2012)
    • 4 New Square Scholarship (University of Oxford 2014)
    • Sunley Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2015)
    • Ruth Deech Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)
    • Ely Carter Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Bar Pro Bono Unit
    • Lord Denning Society
    • Lincoln’s Inn

  • Additional information:

    In addition to practice, Bethany has also taught final year undergraduates in the subjects of child arrangement orders and children’s rights.

  • Bethany Scarsbrook is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.