Ben Haseldine

Ben has a busy family law practice and regularly accepts instructions in both financial remedies and private law children proceedings. In relation to family finance matters, Ben regularly attends first appointments, FDRs and final hearings, as well as case management and directions hearings. In relation cases involving children, Ben represents parents and other family members at all stages of private law disputes including fact-finding hearings. Ben has acted for parties both seeking and resisting Non-Molestation Orders. He also has extensive experience of advising and drafting pleadings across all areas of family law.  Ben’s experience includes dealing with vulnerable individuals and appropriately addressing allegations of domestic abuse and substance abuse.

Examples of Ben’s recent work include:

• Attending an FDR involving a dispute as to whether extensive international property holdings should be considered matrimonial assets.
• Successfully opposing an application to prevent a father from moving to a different part of the country with his children.
• Appearing in respect of an SGO application by an aunt in circumstances where other family members had applied for CAOs and where there were various issues relating to capacity.
• Obtaining a Child Arrangements Order after a three-day final hearing. The case involved numerous allegations of domestic abuse against Ben’s client, none of which were found proven by the Court following effective cross-examination and submissions.

Ben is regularly instructed in cases involving trusts, interests in land, and TLATA claims, as well as claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. He has both drafted and made applications in Court for declaratory relief, including claims with international elements. Prior to joining 4KBW, Ben taught trusts and equity to undergraduates.

Examples of Ben’s recent work include:

• Junior counsel in the High Court Chancery Division in a case centring on the interpretation of an oral agreement, and which involved arguments on estoppel and constructive trusts.
• Drafting an application to compel a tenant in common to engage with the sale of a valuable property.
• Advising as to the potential liability of a beneficiary to pay occupation rent following the death of a testator.

Ben has developed an extensive practice in commercial matters and general civil litigation. He regularly appears in the County Court and High Court in cases involving contractual disputes, negligence, nuisance, and recovery of monies. He acts for both Claimants and Defendants in cases concerning liability and quantum disputes, including various FTSE 250 companies and local authorities. He also undertakes drafting and advisory work.

Examples of Ben’s recent work include:

• Advising in respect of unpaid consultancy fees in the context of a building development worth over £4,000,000.
• Appearing on behalf of the successful claimant seeking to recover extensive commercial debts.
• Drafting pleadings in respect of the seizure of goods from a well-known leisure shop, involving complex issues relating to bailment and restitution.
• Appearing on behalf of a statutory body on numerous occasions seeking to recover damages for damage caused to their property.

Ben’s practice covers all aspects of property law, and he welcomes instructions both in respect of drafting and Court work. Ben is developing a specialism in boundary disputes, but also has significant familiarity with disputes concerning easements, covenants, and mortgages. Prior to joining 4KBW, Ben taught property law to undergraduates and post-graduates.

Ben also accepts instructions from private landlords, tenants, financial service providers and local authorities in claims for possession, forfeiture, or involving rent / service charge arrears, as well as other housing matters. He has appeared in the High Court in respect of an application to set aside an order staying the effect of a possession order, as well as in numerous County Court hearings.

Examples of Ben’s recent work include:

• Successfully opposing an order for sale of a property, making submissions in respect of set off and the Court’s discretionary powers under section 36 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970.
• Advising as to whether an interim charging order should be sought against the trustee of a charity in their personal capacity.
• Drafting pleadings in respect of various long-standing boundary disputes.

Ben regularly represents both claimants and defendants in multi-track and fast track personal injury claims. His practice covers all aspects of road traffic, employers’ liability and public liability cases, and he routinely makes submissions relating to fundamental dishonesty, credit hire, and costs.

Keating on Construction Contracts – contributor

•    ICLR Pupillage Award, Incorporated Council of Law Reporting
•    Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award, Inner Temple
•    Major Exhibition, Inner Temple