Expertise

Bart’s practice spans both children law and financial matters following separation. He advises on cases involving relocation, safeguarding concerns, dispute resolution pathways and fact-finding proceedings, drawing on his background as a registered social worker to inform his understanding of child welfare and multi-agency processes. His financial work includes cases with substantial assets, business holdings, trusts and international considerations. Bart acts for parents, carers and high-net-worth individuals in the Family Court and High Court, and works across negotiation, private FDRs and litigated outcomes. He brings structured analysis and careful preparation to each case, aiming to give clients clarity and direction through complex decisions.

Experience

• International relocation to a non-Hague country, involving safeguarding issues and parallel fact-finding.
• Financial remedy proceedings concerning American trust structures and cross-border disclosure.
• Children proceedings involving allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour.
• Cross-border surrogacy matters addressing consent, parental status and international compliance.
• Schedule 1 claim for an adult child with disabilities requiring long-term provision.
• Financial negotiations involving substantial overseas property and business interests.

Career

Bart studied at St Andrews and Sant’Anselmo in Rome and formerly lived as a Benedictine monk. He trained and qualified as a solicitor at a leading London firm before moving to Stewarts, and is a registered social worker with experience in inner-London child protection.

Accreditations and Memberships

Bart maintains professional registration with Social Work England and engages in ongoing training in safeguarding, evidence analysis and cross-border family law. He is a member of Resolution. Bart acts as a Trustee of the Royal Scottish Corporation (ScotsCare) and is involved in the governance and strategic development of the charity. He also holds memberships connected to his academic and monastic background.

Publications and Media

• For recent commentary on equality in same-sex relationships and modern family law, see “Equality, wealth and family law: Navigating love’s legal landscape in LGBTQ+ relationships.”
• For analysis of routes to permanency for children and the role of Special Guardianship Orders, see “Special Guardianship Orders: Securing Stability for Children Amid Economic Challenges.”
• Bart contributed to the Department for Education’s evaluation of the Family Safeguarding model in Hertfordshire, co-authoring the report assessing its impact on child protection practice and outcomes, available here.

Personal

Bart’s interests include theology, history and modern literature, particularly writers who reflect on family, belonging and the ways in which people shape one another. These themes have long informed his approach to family law and continue to influence how he thinks about relationships in practice. He is engaged in LGBTQ+ communities and supports work that promotes inclusion and wellbeing. Outside work he enjoys strength training, reading widely and cooking, with a particular love of Italian food. He also shares his life with Agnes, a rescue Vizsla who accompanies him on most outdoor adventures.