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Family Finance
George Coates specialises in financial relief in divorce proceedings and related family financial disputes. He has extensive experience and is able to advise effectively in cases involving substantial assets; valuation of businesses and minority shareholdings in private companies; partnerships; family trusts; pensions; undisclosed assets and conduct (eg serious violence or dissipation of assets). In recent times he has appeared in cases involving shareholdings/options in companies engaged in a merger or takeover; an inter-generational family business run as an LLP; family trusts with discretionary beneficiaries; commercial and private properties whose valuations were difficult to ascertain; and properties the subject of disputed claims by the wider family. He appeared in the preliminary stages of the leading case on the impact of Bankruptcy in financial relief proceedings and is well versed in the issues which arise including negotiation with Trustees. He is also able to handle detailed Duxbury calculations for use in large money cases.
A particular area of practice is financial disputes between unmarried couples involving financial claims under sch.1 of the Children Act 1989 (claims between unmarried parents). He has written articles and lectured on this topic which often involves parallel disputes as to ownership under TOLATA.
George is happy to undertake cases in which the assets are more modest and the question of the parties’ needs dominate the agenda. In these, he is able to provide detailed and practical guidance on Tax Credits and other social security benefits, housing, disability rights and other such matters so that the case stands the very best chance of resolution at an early stage before legal costs eat into the precious resources.
CSA
He frequently advises on the Child Support Act 1991 and has conducted a number of cases before the Appeal Tribunal as well as lecturing in this area. Last year he was appointed to sit on the Social Security and Child Support Appeal Tribunal.
Property
He has substantial experience in property matters extending to co-ownership disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1991, misrepresentation, fraud, building disputes, subsidence damage claims, proprietory/promissory estoppel and nuisance.
Education
George is a member of Chambers’ Education Law team. He has advised parents and even schools on school admissions issues and on challenging LEA policies in this area. He co-authored the chapters on School Discipline and Exclusions in Atkins Court Forms. He is well acquainted with Special Educational Needs issues and appeals relating to statements and disability discrimination.
Children
He also regularly acts in cases involving children including care proceedings and private law disputes. He has dealt with cases had contested cases involving numerous experts on issues such as non-accidental injury (baby with broken femur and arm – involving 2 of leading consultant radiologists in the UK), also child with cigarette burns, shaken baby syndrome, serious mental illness, child/adult rape and drug dealing/abuse. Often these involve extensive medical as well as legal research.
Civil and commercial law
Over the years, he has undertaken a wide variety of general civil and commercial law cases, including professional or other negligence, contract, sale/supply of goods and personal injury cases both before the Courts and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
He is ready to handle cases with a technical aspect, having read Engineering at university as part of his degree course. He has acted in disputes involving computer-controlled testing systems, automatic lathes, water boreholes, building work and vehicle repairs
In addition, he has a good working knowledge about the management and training of horses and has conducted a number of cases in that area involving disputes over ownership, training, liens and general care of horses at livery.
Public Access
He has undertaken a wide variety of work under the Public Access scheme and is happy to see clients in Chambers or advise by email.
"Head of Chambers George Coates is adept at handling high-value ancillary relief matters and cases concerning financil provision for children" - Legal 500 2011
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