Edward Kenny

Edward is a Family Law barrister, specialising in divorce and matrimonial finance, and civil partnership and cohabitation. He regularly advises and represents clients involved in particularly complex financial remedy cases arising out of divorce, and similar disputes where a couple was not married (usually involving TOLATA cases).

In financial remedy proceedings, Edward appears in cases across the spectrum, from those limited to need and modest wealth to multi million-pound cases involving complex asset structures.

His cases often involve business assets, investment properties, sizeable pensions and trusts as well as issues of post-separation earning, conduct, and inherited wealth.

Edward acts for divorcing clients and also for clients who were not married to their ex-partners and find themselves in a very different situation as a result.

Dealing with finances and assets following divorce or separation frequently comes hand-in-hand with disagreements around how much time children spend with either parent, and where they live. Edward also has considerable experience in dealing with contact and residence disputes within private law proceedings including cases involving removal from the jurisdiction, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and intractable hostility.

Edward’s clients appreciate his ability to deal tactfully with delicate emotional situations, as well as his ability to explain complex legal issues in a straightforward manner. He prides himself on providing pragmatic and sensible advice, enabling his clients to take a long-term view of their situation. His aim is to help, where possible, to find a solution which avoids the stress and expense of long-running litigation. However, where this isn’t possible, in the courtroom he is known for his persuasive advocacy and steadfast support of his clients.

Edward also acts in cases which involve issues of domestic violence, and represents applicants and respondents in applications for non molestation and occupation orders.

Since coming to the bar, Edward has also been a criminal and civil practitioner.

Edward acts in private law proceedings concerning children, representing parents and family members in disputes over where the child should live and spend their time as well as disputes arising out of the exercise of parental responsibility, including removal within and out of the jurisdiction, the surname of the child and the child’s health and educational needs (specific issue and prohibited steps orders).

Edward frequently acts in cases involving issues of drug and alcohol use and domestic violence, and represents those seeking injunctive relief, whether by non-molestation or occupation orders, against their ex-partners and others. He also represents individuals who are subject to applications for non-molestation orders or occupation orders in respect of the family home.

Financial remedies arising out of divorce are a central part of Edward’s practice and he is regularly instructed by clients in complex cases involving business assets, investment properties, sizeable pensions and trusts as well as issues of post-separation earning, conduct, and inherited wealth.

Although he frequently represents clients with large portfolios and multi-million-pound assets, Edward is equally committed to helping clients to reach agreement where the assets are modest. In such cases, he prioritises the need to ensure that the parties involved are able to reach an acceptable outcome, afford suitable accommodation, and that any children involved are protected.

Edward represents co-habitants and co-owners in property disputes governed by the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘TOLATA’).

These cases invariably concern the existence of an express or implied trust and subsequent issues arising out of contributions and equitable accounting.

Edward will advise and draft documents at any stage as well as representing parties during proceedings.

Typical examples of Edward’s cases in this area would be:

• advising, drafting documents and providing representation in all aspects of cohabitation disputes


• disputes over the division of the equity in the home (and any expenditure on the home) on separation of cohabitees (known as a TOLATA case)


• financial and property disputes between those who have no other legal relationship

Spousal applications for reasonable financial provision under section 1 (1) (a) of the Inheritance Act 1975

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