International Family Law Chambers

About IFLC

"IFLC is one of the leaders in the field. David Truex is obviously extremely switched on, fights his client's corner well [and] what he does, he does better than anyone else"

Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession (2007)

David Truex founded David Truex and Company as a specialist international family law firm in 1990 after coming to London from Australia. Although leading family lawyers in England and other jurisdictions were increasingly working in international cases by the end of the 1980s, no individual or firm was previously able to bring the insight and experience of a dual-qualified specialist to this complex area of practice. David Truex believes that the firm was the world's first to specialise in international family law.

Initially the firm's work was predominantly Anglo-Australian, drawing on members' Antipodean roots. Since 1990 the international scope has broadened, particularly with an increase in Anglo-American cases, brought in by David Truex's United States connections, and European work generated by Britain's growing legal, economic and social ties with the European Union. In 1999 lawyers from the USA and Germany joined and the firm was restructured into International Family Law Chambers. We have found that our knowledge of the general principles of international family law practice is largely transferrable between many jurisdictions. The general rule, that a prudent lawyer examines all relevant international options before advising on any, is a truth we universally acknowledge.

Our lawyers practise in all areas of matrimonial and family law work, including divorce, finances (maintenance and property), child custody and access (residence and contact), international child abduction (Hague and European Conventions) and preparing pre-marriage contracts. We have particular expertise in complex financial disputes where off-shore assets are in issue, especially where questions of choice of jurisdiction and forum arise.

In international cases our ability to advise on whether, where and when to either sue or settle is, we believe, not matched elsewhere.

All members of the Chamber's subscribe to the Code of Practice of Resolution, a voluntary organisation whose members agree to deal with matters in a way designed to ensure that the client's dignity is preserved, with every encouragement to reach agreement and avoid unnecessary litigation. Clients are referred to counselling and mediation services whenever appropriate. If contested litigation is the only way to protect a client's interests a robust approach is taken, although options for a negotiated settlement are continually explored.

Fees are competitive with those of other Central London family lawyers. Preliminary advice may be charged at an agreed fixed fee in straightforward cases. Estimates of the likely cost of negotiations or litigation are given at the beginning of a case and are reviewed periodically with the client as the matter progresses.

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