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 has extensive experience of 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).

She has particular experience in international cases involving the interplay between Brussels II and the Hague Conventions, as well as issues of Wardship and risk of abduction. She has also been involved in numerous cases involving applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction.

Zoë has experience of complex cases such as intractable disputes involving parental alienation and allegations of significant harm to children. Zoë also has experience of enforcement of children act orders.

Zoë 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.

Recent work includes:

  • Enforcement of a children act order in which serious allegations of sexual abuse had been made but were found not to be true. An enforcement order of 40 hours of community service was made
  • A child psychologist to assist with issues of serious emotional harm being caused to a child.
    Removal of children to Australia in which there were disputes as to the court’s jurisdiction to make orders and the habitual residence of the children.
  • A case in which the children were made wards of court as a result of risk of abduction to Syria.
  • Change of residence as a result of difficulties with contact orders.

Zoe is a IFLA qualified arbitrator in children cases and financial matters. For further information about our alternative dispute resolution services click here.

Directory Quotes

Zoë is a powerhouse, in both her preparation and on her feet. Her swift grasp of case nuances and complexities is second to none, and is matched only by her robust but kind way with clients.’

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

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

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

A fierce advocate, Zoe is undoubtedly very bright and has mastered well before most the art of paperless working. Her advice is clear and backed by both a sound understanding of the law and a ready appreciation of the client’s predicament.”

LEGAL 500 2021, DIVORCE & 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
  • 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 Mediators
  • 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.