Over the last five years, Katy has appeared in a significant number of the leading cases in international family law in both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. She appears routinely in the High Court. In tandem with her international practice, Katy undertakes work in matrimonial finance and private law children. She has a keen interest in relocation cases and those involving applications under the Maintenance Regulations.
Katy’s private law practice has a particular emphasis on the relocation of children, both external and internal, as well as domestic cases concerning child arrangements.
Katy’s practice covers all aspects of international child abduction (under the Hague Conventions 1980 and 1996 as well as under wardship); the recognition and enforcement of foreign orders; jurisdictional disputes; and, international contact disputes. She has numerous cases reported at High Court level. Her reported cases in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court include:
Cases of interest
L-S (a child) [2017] EWCA Civ 2177
In re D (A Child) (Recognition of Foreign Order) (Reunite Child Abduction Centre and another intervening) [2016] UKSC 34; [2016] WLR (D) 340
Re B (A Child) (Habitual Residence: Inherent Jurisdiction) [2016] UKSC 4 [2016] 1 FLR 561
Re S (Habitual Residence and Child’s Objections: Brazil) [2015] EWCA Civ 2 [2015] 2 FLR 1338
Re LC (Reunite: International Child Abduction Centre Intervening) [2014] UKSC 1 [2014] 1 FLR 1486
Re Y (Abduction: Undertakings Given for Return of Child) [2013] EWCA Civ 129 [2013] 2 FLR 649
Katy is a ranked practitioner for her work in financial remedies. Her practice encompasses applications under the Maintenance Regulations and enforcement of foreign orders.
Cases of interest
Mittal v Mittal [2013] EWCA Civ 1255; [2014] 1 FLR 1514
AB v CB (Divorce and Maintenance: Discretion to Stay [2012] EWHC 3841 (Fam)
Reputation & Awards
‘… a reputation for possessing expertise that goes far beyond her level of call. She specialises in international children matters with a particular emphasis on leave to remove, abduction and related financial applications.’
Chambers and Partners
“She takes great pride in her work.”…“Katy Chokowry is a lovely barrister with beautiful court manners.” – Chambers & Partners, 2024
“She’s authoritative in the way she delivers her advocacy. She’s a very strong advocate who isn’t afraid of judges and she makes sure she puts the client’s case brilliantly.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Katy Chokowry is an exceptional advocate. She is well respected by peers and the judiciary. Her drafting is excellent and precise and clients feel they are in very good and experienced hands with her.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023
‘She’s well organised, bright, tenacious, adaptable, approachable, very sensible and pragmatic in her advice. She has an eye on the ultimate goal at all times and is a fighter.’ – Chambers and Partners, 2018
‘She prepares her cases conscientiously and argues them vigorously.’ – Legal 500
Awards
Nominated for the Junior Barrister of the Year – Jordans Family Law 2013
Nominated for the LALY Newcomer: Barrister award 2013
Education
LLM (King’s College, London)
BVC (2003)
Professional Memberships
Member of the International Family Law Committee
Policy Officer for the Child Abduction Lawyers Association
Member of the FLBA
Languages
French
Publications
Re D: a decision of its time? Family Law Week 30 June 2016
Habitual Residence and Joinder in Child Abduction Cases: The Supreme Court’s judgment in LC (Children) Family Law Week 19 January 2014
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007: Two Years on [2011] Fam Law 76 (co- author);
The Non-recognition and Enforcement of Judgments Relating to Parental Responsibility Under Brussels II Revised [2010] Fam Law 1121;
The Registration of Judgments and Orders Under Brussels II Revised [2010] Fam Law 854