Rupert Chapman
Recognised in the Legal 500
Chambers is delighted to congratulate Rupert Chapman on his ranking as a leading junior on the Western Circuit by the Legal 500 in the area of Family and Child Law. Rupert, who is joint Head of Chambers with Nigel Moore, is described as ‘always meticulous in his preparation and clear in his advice.’
Rupert specialises in family law, focussing on financial remedy claims between divorcing couples and cohabitees, claims in relation to financial provision for children, and in private children matters, particularly those involving allegations of significant harm and international issues.
Rupert joined chambers in 2011 having previously practiced from 1 Garden Court Chambers since pupillage and has since built a loyal client base amongst solicitors, locally and nationally, with his thorough preparation, measured advocacy and personable manner.
Rupert has been recognised as a leading junior in the field of Family and Children Law by the Legal 500 since 2014 as well as UK Chambers & Partners, being described as;
Acknowledged for his handling of cases involving matrimonial finance disputes and private law children matters. Many of his cases straddle multiple jurisdictions around the world.
“An excellent advocate who is always willing to go the extra mile for clients. He is very approachable and has an excellent knowledge of family law and procedure.” “Gets to grips with complex matters easily.” – Chambers & Partners 2019
“His bedside manner with vulnerable clients is excellent.” – Legal 500 2019
"He is very thorough in preparation and has a common-sense approach. He is imperturbable and clients find him very reassuring." - UK Chambers & Partners, 2017
"Recommended for financial remedy cases and private law children matters." – Legal 500, 2017
“Intelligent, methodical, unflappable and approachable.” – Legal 500, 2016
In addition to his expertise in family law, Rupert has built a practice in related areas of civil practice including claims in relation to land under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (ToLATA), CSA litigation, and Court of Protection matters.
Rupert acts for people from all walks of life and is able to accept instructions from solicitors as well as on a direct access basis
Family - Children (Private Law)
Rupert is regularly involved in complex private law children cases including issues of international relocation, child abduction and domestic or sexual abuse. Rupert’s cases often involve multiple parties, including rule 16(4) guardians and international issues.
Family Finance
Rupert specialises in financial remedy proceedings and appears in all levels of the family court and the Court of Appeal, representing clients of both high net worth and more modest means.
Rupert’s financial remedy practice includes applications for relief on divorce, following foreign divorce and for financial support for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act, as well as cases involving domestic and international enforcement of orders. Rupert has acted in cases involving complex business assets, farms, foreign resident parties and foreign assets (including offshore trusts) and third party interests.
Rupert has developed an expertise in cases involving the Child Support Agency, regularly appearing in the Child Support Tribunals and in the Magistrates Courts in cases involving the enforcement of child support. He provides advocacy as well as written and oral advice for a range of clients in such cases and has presented a number of seminars on the subject.
Court of Protection
Rupert is experienced in conducting cases in the Court of Protection in proceedings under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and involving the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. He acts for local authorities, family members, personal representatives and for the person concerned and deals with all areas relating to vulnerable adults.
Rupert has appeared in matters involving issues arising from Deprivations of Liberty, the appointment of Deputies and the protection of vulnerable adults with capacity under the inherent jurisdiction. He regularly presents seminars on issues in this field
Wills Trusts and Probate
Rupert has extensive experience in claims between cohabitees under TOLATA 1996, including cases involving issues of bankruptcy and mortgage fraud both at County Court level and in the Chancery Division. Cases have involved multiple parties, farming and business issues.
His practice also includes proceedings under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 and proceedings in the chancery division in relation to family trusts (seeking remedies from trusts in support of children).
Reported Cases
Dubarry v Dubarry (2002) All ER (D) 207.
H v O (Contempt of Court: Sentencing) (2005) 2 FLR 329.
K v W (2007) All ER (D) 145
Re D (2010) EWCA 50 (appeared at first instance only, relocation application).
Re K (Children) (2012) EWCA Civ 1549.
Williams v Minnock and another (2015) All ER (D) 162, (2015) All ER (D)174, (2015) All ER (D)176
Re G (A Child) (2015) EWHC 2941 (Fam) (International abduction)
Re L and B (Children)(Specific Issue: Temporary Leave to Remove from the Jurisdiction; Circumcision) (2016) EWHC 849 (Fam)
Professional Memberships
- Family Law Bar Association
- Court of Protection Practitioners Association.
- Western Circuit
Qualifications
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- LLB (Exeter) BVC (Inns of Court School of Law)
- Appointment as a Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal assigned to the Social Entitlement Chamber.
Publications
Rupert is a co-author of Applications Under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 (Lexis Nexis) and regularly writes articles and presents seminars on a wide range of topics
Personal
Rupert lives in Devon with his wife and two children. He is an avid follower of Formula 1 racing and cricket and enjoys off-road cycling, golf and walking on Dartmoor in his spare time.
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