Professional Practice

Tim is the preeminent silk specialising in international family law. He is regularly instructed by leading firms (and also many smaller firms) in cases with an international dimension concerning (among other areas) finance, children, and the recognition of foreign marriages and divorces. 

He also has wide experience in drafting international pre- and post-nuptial agreements and advises on the nuptial aspect of trusts. 

He has appeared in numerous reported cases, including in the House of Lords, the Supreme Court and the Privy Council as well as in Courts of Appeal of the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. He is accustomed to and enjoys working alongside foreign lawyers and regularly gives expert evidence on English law in other jurisdictions. 

Tim was closely involved with the drafting of the Regulations affecting English family law required as a result of the UK's departure from the EU. He has had a number of meetings with ministers and civil servants and has twice given evidence to a House of Lords committee about Brexit and family law.

• Recommendations

  "A very strong all-rounder with a tremendous reputation for international finance work." "Any hint of a jurisdiction issue and we rush to get his clerk on speed dial, hoping that that we have beaten our opponents to it." "Timothy is still Mr Jurisdiction."

  Chambers and Partners 2025

  "Timothy is a serene silk, and an extremely persuasive and effective advocate."

  Legal 500 2025

  "Timothy Scott has a thorough command of the law and how it applies to the most complex and high-value cases. He's excellent with clients and is a calm and extremely effective advocate," and "He is able to provide the guidance and support needed in any complex situation," and "He gets stuck in and is very responsive".

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  "Timothy is the consummate professional. He is sharp and incisive in determining the appropriate strategies in the most complex cases. He is always calm and collaborative, and his advocacy is superb." "He is a persuasive advocate with a very dignified approach in contentious cases."

  Legal 500 2024

  "Has an unrivalled reputation for technical, tricky cross-border maintenance cases." "A man with a brilliant brain, who is outstanding at multi-jurisdictional cases. He makes himself available to help, even at short notice, and always goes the extra mile." "He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of European enforcement."

  Chambers and Partners 2022

  "He is exceptionally calm and collaborative, and a reassuring presence to the most difficult of clients."

  Legal 500 2022

  ‘Is resourceful, lateral and creative in his arguments.'

  Legal 500 2020

  "He's the god of gods when it comes to international jurisdiction." "His experience, breadth of knowledge and exposure to top end cases make him a leader in his field."

  Chambers and Partners 2020

• Notable Cases

  • Villiers v Villiers
    [2020] UKSC 30
    
  • D v D (Financial Remedies: Pre-marital Agreement and Unequal Shares)
    [2020] 2 FLR 662 (HC)
    
  • Lachaux v Lachaux
    [2019] 2 FLR 712 (CA)
    
  • Giusti v Ferragamo
    [2019] 2 FLR 261 (CA)
    
  • Kelly v Pyres
    [2019] 1 FLR 62 (CA)
    
  • MS v PS
    [2017] 1 FLR 1163 (CJEU)
    
  • Baronetcy of Pringle of Stichill, Re
    [2016] 1 WLR 2870, [2016] UKPC 16
    
  • Ramadani v Ramadani
    [2016] 2 FLR 1233
    
  • Ray v Sekhri
    [2014] 2 FLR 1168 (CA)
    
  • T v T (Hemain Injunction)
    [2014] 1 FLR 96 (HC)
    
  • EA v AP
    [2013] EWHC 2344 (Fam)
    
  • Z v Z (No 2)
    [2012] 1 FLR 1100 (HC)
    
  • JKN v JCN (Divorce: Forum)
    [2011] 1 FLR 826 (HC)
    
  • Agbaje v Agbaje
    [2010] 1 FLR 1813 (SC)
    

• Publications and Lecturing

  • Tim is a regular contributor to Family Law, International Family Law and other publications. He is in great demand as a lecturer on a wide range of family law topics. He has spoken at all the major family law conferences as well as at numerous seminars and other lecture venues.