Zoë Saunders is a standout barrister for complex matters.”

Chambers UK 2025, Matrimonial Finance

Zoë is a specialist family law barrister with extensive experience of cohabitation disputes involving ToLATA and Applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act. She has expertise in financial remedy cases involving farms and farming businesses, multiple properties, trusts of land, complex pensions and insolvency. Zoë uses her expertise to advise and represent both claimants and defendants in professional negligence matters arising from financial remedy and ToLATA disputes.

Zoë also has experience in private law children cases at all levels of the Family Court and in the High Court. She is one of the authors for the Dictionary of Private Children Law (2024). The book is a unique reference guide to the key concepts, cases and practice of private children law. Read more here.

She was involved in the high-profile case of Hudson v Hathway [2022] EWCA Civ 1648 in which she was nominated for ‘Family Law Case of the Year’ by the Family Law Awards 2023.

Zoe is a mediator as well as an IFLA qualified arbitrator in financial matters. For further information about our alternative dispute resolution services click here.

Directory Quotes

Zoe is fiercely intelligent and her ability to grasp the issues of a case quickly is second-to-none. Her preparation of case is extremely thorough, as is her breadth of knowledge.

The Legal 500 2025, Divorce and financial remedy

Zoë is a fearless and effective advocate who will stand her ground. She is my go-to barrister for complex cases.

Chambers UK 2025, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoë is extremely bright and knows the law in this area inside out. ‘She is an extremely professional manner and courageous approach to cases.’ ‘Zoë is a fiercely intelligent and fearless advocate. Her preparation is second to none and she is brilliant with clients’.”

Chambers UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoë is a specialist in family law often dealing with international leave to remove cases and divorce proceedings involving property in the UK and abroad.  ‘She is an exceptional advocate and will do all that she can to achieve the best outcome for the client.’ Zoë is unflappable, totally supportive and prepared to roll her sleeves up when necessary.’ She is thoughtful in her advice and anticipates challenges from your opponent way ahead of the game.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoe is a very dedicated barrister who is always keen for a challenge.”

The Legal 500 2023, Divorce & Financial Remedy

Zoë is a very dedicated barrister who is always keen for a challenge.”

The Legal 500 2023, Divorce and Financial Remedy

Zoe is very sharp and knowledgeable whilst being understanding of a client’s difficulties. She is an outstanding advocate in court. She’s very thorough, very good with clients and effective at explaining things.”

CHAMBERS UK 2022, FAMILY/MATRIMONIAL

Zoë is very willing to go the extra mile for your case.”

LEGAL 500 2022, DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY

Zoe is a formidable advocate with a truly forensic attention to detail. She prepares her cases robustly but with the client’s needs in clear focus. ‘She is keen to embrace a tricky legal question and to turn the question on its head to develop a commercially sound solution for the client.“

CHAMBERS UK 2021, FAMILY: MATRIMONIAL FINANCE

Zoe is a formidable advocate with a truly forensic attention to detail. She prepares her cases robustly but with the client’s needs in clear focus. ‘She is keen to embrace a tricky legal question and to turn the question on its head to develop a commercially sound solution for the client.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Zoë is a formidable advocate with a truly forensic attention to detail. She prepares her cases robustly but with the client’s needs in clear focus. She is keen to embrace a tricky legal question and to turn the question on its head to develop a commercially sound solution for the client.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, FAMILY: MATRIMONIAL FINANCE

Zoë has a great manner with clients, excellent cross-examination skills and delivers advice in a sympathetic and honest manner. ‘She’s an excellent negotiator and is good on her feet. She is very down-to-earth and clients have been delighted with the results she has achieved on their behalf.“

CHAMBERS UK 2020, FAMILY/MATRIMONIAL

She exudes authority and skill.”

LEGAL 500 2020, FAMILY AND CHILDREN LAW

She is a fearless advocate.”

Legal 500 2019, Family and Children Law

Zoë is a strong advocate who you know will always give clients sensible, realistic advice but won’t shy away from pursuing challenging routes. ‘Very thorough, good on her feet and clients love her.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, FAMILY/MATRIMONIAL
  • Appointments:

    Deputy District Judge

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA Joint Hons (Bristol), PGDL (City)
    • Scholarships David Karmel Award & Lord Justice Holker Scholarship (Gray’s Inn)
    • Zoë has completed the FLBA Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training
  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Resolution (Associate Member)
    • Professional Negligence Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
    • South Eastern Circuit
    • Society of
    • IFLA qualified arbitrator in financial matters
  • Zoë Saunders is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.