Zoë is extremely bright and knows the law in this area inside out. ‘She is an extremely professional manner and courageous approach to cases.’ ‘Zoë is a fiercely intelligent and fearless advocate. Her preparation is second to none and she is brilliant with clients’.”

Chambers UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoë has extensive experience of advising and representing clients in relation to disputes involving TOLATA and additional issues which often accompany them such as civil and partnership disputes, intervention in matrimonial financial remedy cases, Proceeds of Crime Act claims and claims for financial provision under schedule 1 of the Children Act.

Zoë has been involved in numerous multi-track trials in many different areas of the country and have successfully dealt with cases before the Land Registry Adjudicator, County Court, High Court and at appellate level. She has particular expertise in relation to farming cases and claims of proprietary estoppel.

Recent work includes:

  • A case relating to both constructive and resulting trusts involving multiple properties and complex issues of tracing of funds held on trust.
  • A dispute over a farming estate involving contested probate and inheritance act claims as well as proprietary estoppel.
  • A claim to set aside deeds of trust as a result of alleged duress.
  • Conveyancing negligence as a result of which the property was not registered in the names of either party and the beneficial and legal ownership had to be determined.
  • A case involving substantial payments by a parent to the purchase of a matrimonial home where the entitlement to beneficial interests were disputed.

Zoë is also a CIArb and IFLA qualified Arbitrator in children cases and financial matters. For further information about our alternative dispute resolution services click here.

Directory Quotes

Zoë is a powerhouse, in both her preparation and on her feet. Her swift grasp of case nuances and complexities is second to none, and is matched only by her robust but kind way with clients.’

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Zoë is a specialist in family law often dealing with international leave to remove cases and divorce proceedings involving property in the UK and abroad.  ‘She is an exceptional advocate and will do all that she can to achieve the best outcome for the client.’ Zoë is unflappable, totally supportive and prepared to roll her sleeves up when necessary.’ She is thoughtful in her advice and anticipates challenges from your opponent way ahead of the game.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoe is a very dedicated barrister who is always keen for a challenge.”

Legal 500 2023, Divorce & Financial Remedy

Zoe is very sharp and knowledgeable whilst being understanding of a client’s difficulties. She is an outstanding advocate in court. She’s very thorough, very good with clients and effective at explaining things.”

Chambers UK 2022, Family/Matrimonial

Zoë is very willing to go the extra mile for your case.”

LEGAL 500 2022, DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY

A fierce advocate, Zoe is undoubtedly very bright and has mastered well before most the art of paperless working. Her advice is clear and backed by both a sound understanding of the law and a ready appreciation of the client’s predicament.”

LEGAL 500 2021, DIVORCE & FINANCIAL REMEDY

Zoe is a formidable advocate with a truly forensic attention to detail. She prepares her cases robustly but with the client’s needs in clear focus. ‘She is keen to embrace a tricky legal question and to turn the question on its head to develop a commercially sound solution for the client.“

CHAMBERS UK 2021, FAMILY: MATRIMONIAL FINANCE
  • Appointments:

    • Deputy District Judge
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA Joint Hons (Bristol), PGDL (City)
    • Scholarships David Karmel Award & Lord Justice Holker Scholarship (Gray’s Inn)
    • Zoë has completed the FLBA Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training
  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Resolution (Associate Member)
    • Professional Negligence Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
    • South Eastern Circuit
    • Society of Mediators
    • IFLA qualified arbitrator in financial matters
  • Zoë Saunders 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.