Rupert Chapman

L.L.B (Exon)
(Call 2000 Inner Temple)

Rupert practices in all areas of family law, with the emphasis on ancillary relief and private law children. He appears in all levels of court from the Magistrates Court to the Court of Appeal and represents clients of both high net worth and more modest means.

In addition Rupert has developed an expertise in cases involving the Child Support Agency, regularly appearing in the Child Support Tribunals and providing seminars on the subject. His practice also includes applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act, Claims between cohabitees under TOLATA, Inheritance Act claims and the international enforcement of orders. Recent cases have involved complex business arrangements and international elements including Jersey Trusts and foreign resident parties.

Private Law

In Private Law children work Rupert is regularly involved in complex cases including international relocation, child abduction and sexual abuse. Rupert’s cases often involve multiple parties, including rule 9.5 guardians.

Public Law

In Public Law children work Rupert is instructed by Local Authorities in all levels of Court and on behalf of parents and children in a wide variety of cases, including non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, drugs issues and neglect.

Rupert wrote a chapter on jurisdiction in the recently published Jordans guide to Applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and has given seminars on subjects including the CSA/CMEC, international enforcement of maintenance orders, and changes and challenges affecting private law children cases.

Rupert joined Southernhay Chambers in January 2011, having previously practiced from One Garden Court Family Law Chambers in London, where he did his pupillage. He studied for his L.L.B. at the university of Exeter. Rupert is a member of the Family Law Bar Association.

Reported cases

Dubarry v Dubarry [2002] All ER (D) 207 (sentencing in committal proceedings)
H v O (Contempt of Court: Sentencing) [2005] 2 FLR 329,
K v W [2007] All ER (D) 145 (appeal against findings of fact – guidance on Magistrates’ Court practice),
Re D [2010] EWCA 50 (appeared at first instance only, relocation application)