Stephen Lue is a specialist family law barrister. His practice covers a wide range of applications including public and private children law, financial remedies in divorce cases, international child abduction work and domestic violence. He also acts in Court of Protection cases.
Stephen was shortlisted in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2021 for Barrister of the Year.
FAMILY LAW: CHILDREN'S LAW
Overview
Stephen's experience in private law children work covers contact and residence applications including contested final hearings where there are serious allegations of sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and violence. His strength is always keeping the focus on the welfare of the child, regardless of the issues that adults in the case seek to litigate.
In relation to his public law children practice, Stephen has experience representing parents, Guardians, grandparents and parties making special guardianship applications, and is regularly instructed in cases which involve issues of neglect, drug misuse, mental health, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse. Stephen has a particular interest in working with neurodiverse clients.
Notable Cases
S (A Child) (Care and Placement), Re [2024] EWFC 211 (B)
V & Anor (Children: Welfare), Re [2024] EWFC 69 (B)
OZ v ML & Ors [2023] EWHC 2412 (Fam)
Fixsler & Anor v Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust & Anor [2021] EWCA Civ 1018
A (A Child : Surrogacy: S.54 Criteria) [2020] EWHC 1426 (Fam)
B (Children) (Remote Hearing: Interim Care Order) [2020] EWCA Civ 584
L (A Child) (Placement with mother or father), Re [2019] EWFC B49
Egeneonu v Egeneonu & Anor [2018] EWHC 1392 (Fam)
Kent County Council v A,B,C and D (Rev 1) [2017] EWFC B72
V, W, X, Y And Z (Children) [2014] EWFC B103
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FAMILY LAW: FINANCIAL DISPUTES AND SOLUTIONS
In financial remedies work, Stephen represents wives, husbands and civil partners in all financial remedy applications; dealing with parties who have modest assets, as well as those who hold more complex assets in multiple jurisdictions. Stephen has advised clients with complex shares and property portfolios. Stephen advises in conference in respect of what the court may rule as being pre-marital assets/post separation assets, or assets that should fall outside of the matrimonial pot based on contribution.
Stephen advises on the consequences of inheritance and the likely impact on the divorce settlement ordered by the court. Stephen advises regularly in respect of without prejudice offers that should be made to the other side in the lead-up to financial dispute resolution or the final hearing, in an effort to save time, stress and cost for clients. Stephen advises in circumstances where a s.37 freeing order application is appropriate to protect the matrimonial pot, prior to a final order by the court.
Stephen is experienced in providing clear guidance on whether a court would consider the conduct alleged in the relationship as relevant to the distribution of assets. Stephen advises on how the court may treat the parties pensions in the context of the other factors at play in the marriage. Stephen also handles financial applications for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. He regularly advises and represents clients with claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act.
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Court of Protection
Stephen is a member of the Court of Protection Team at Garden Court Chambers. He is ideally placed to work on all applications concerning vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection, drawing on his expertise in children and family law for families. Stephen has acted on behalf of families are who are not content with the provisions in respect of care and contact proposed by the Local Authority. Stephen has acted for deputies who are not in agreement in respect of the provisions that are in place for “P”. Both areas of law are based on the 'best interests' jurisdiction and involve the application of parallel principles, in which Stephen is fully experienced.
Stephen has dealt with contentious and sensitive issues, including applications concerning forced marriage, medical treatment, deprivation of liberty, care, contact with family members where there are allegations of sexual or physical abuse and/or neglect, access to the community unescorted, and injunctions to remove persons from their home or prevent family members returning them to the family home.
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CROSS-BORDER FAMILY CASES
What Others Say
"A conscientious, calm and focused advocate who is a sensible, reassuring presence in court." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Family: Children)
"Has a calm, yet authoritative manner which means that he is able to remain professional even in the face of difficult or aggressive clients. He is a knowledgeable and confident advocate." - Legal 500, 2021 (Children Law)
"Stephen's kindness, sensitivity, compassion and understanding enabled me to feel safe and supported. He ensured he covered everything that was necessary. His strength, clarity, knowledge and personable manner have been unwavering and his ongoing support has been an invaluable source of strength. I would unequivocally recommend Stephen." - Anonymous Client
"I really want to thank Mr Stephen Lue. I cannot give this charming young man enough credit. He never gave up. He fought my case with utmost professionalism." - Anonymous Client
"He was very aware of how I was feeling, showed empathy and understanding during both my visits to court. He was determined to make sure I received the best possible settlement and what he achieved was far beyond my expectations." - Anonymous Client
"Never lose this barrister, hang on to him, you all make a great team." - Anonymous Client
"Thank you Stephen for all of the work you have just completed on my case. It was my first experience working through the public access scheme and you were helpful and sensitive in the navigation of the difference in approach." - Anonymous Client
"This talented and remarkable man was a pleasure to work with. Stephen is highly skilled and sensitive, but tenacious. I was confident my children and I were in safe hands. Once you have worked with Stephen you will want no one else." - Anonymous Client