“Caroline Jennings has always been there to help and advise me through the whole procedure. I am extremely grateful for all her hard work and patient in dealing with matter. Thank you.”

Client

Simcocks has an experienced Family Law team with specialist skills in all aspects of what has become an increasingly complex and challenging area of the law.

We work closely with experts across Simcocks in corporate, trust and property law to provide a complete service for our clients. We are committed to the resolution of family problems by negotiation and conciliation wherever possible and have a high success rate in negotiating favourable settlements on behalf of our clients.

Our expertise lies in the ability to mix robust and rigorous litigation skills inside the courtroom with effective negotiation outside.

The head of Family Law at Simcocks, Caroline Jennings, is an Affiliate member of Resolution, a group of lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to problems where appropriate.

Divorce and Separation

The ending of a marriage or civil partnership can be a distressing time whether you have made the decision or your spouse has made it for you. We recognise the stress that accompanies the breakdown of a relationship and offer specialist, sensitive and practical advice.

We are able to issue divorce  or dissolution proceedings on your behalf and in the event of you receiving a divorce or dissolution application we can deal with this quickly to protect your interests. We are able to provide advice on other options available to you such as separation agreements.

Our practitioners are accustomed to advising in complex financial cases often with an international dimension. We can take any necessary steps to bring financial claims, including the obtaining of interim orders to protect assets and/or compel proper disclosure of relevant documents and information.

We  often liaise with lawyers in other jurisdictions to deal with cases where there are assets in more than one country, sometimes held through companies, trusts or other asset protection structures.

Children

When a relationship breaks down we can help you safeguard the interests of your children. This may be through negotiation, mediation or by an application to the court.

We provide practical advice and assistance designed to minimise upheaval and disruption and aim to ensure your child’s welfare is the primary consideration.

Some parents are unsure how to tell their children about their separation or divorce and we often guide parents to the Resolution website which includes a very comprehensive advice centre for parents.

Simcocks has considerable experience in advising parents, whether married or unmarried, in relation to the whole range of private law matters involving children. We are also accustomed to dealing with matters that have an international element.

We also have the expertise to represent parents and children who have become involved in public law proceedings brought by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Cohabitation

If you are intending to live with someone, but are not married, Simcocks can draw up an agreement reflecting your intentions.

At present in the Isle of Man, there is relatively little legislation governing the breakdown of relationships between unmarried couples who live together, in contrast to divorcing couples. As a result, there is very little legal protection for cohabitees.  Cohabitation agreements can increase your legal protection in the event of separation.

If your relationship breaks down and you have not been married or in a civil partnership, we have the expertise to advise you on the rights that you do have. We can guide and represent you through issues including claims based on interest in property or land, or for financial provision for children, which may be in addition to child maintenance.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are entered into before marriage with the intention of providing a framework for the division of property in the event of a divorce. They are increasingly popular as a means of increasing financial certainty in the event of separation, but also as an important part of wealth and estate planning. This is a rapidly developing area of the law so expert advice, which Simcocks can provide, is essential.

Postnuptial agreements are entered into by a couple at some stage after their marriage and the 2008 Manx case of MacLeod v MacLeod indicates that such agreements are likely to be enforced by the Court.

We have the expertise to advise upon and to prepare appropriate agreements including those involving international elements.

Mediation

Mediators are trained to help you and your partner work things out together. They meet with you and your partner to identify issues you differ over and help you both reach an agreement. Mediators are neutral, will not take sides and usually recommend each person obtains legal advice alongside the mediation process. Further information about mediation can be provided on request.

Contact Caroline Jennings or Louise Byrne to discuss your needs.

View or download our Family Law brochure.

“For our company’s legal needs, Simcocks’ corporate and commercial team delivered exceptional results. Their unique strength is industry-specific expertise, providing tailored, proactive advice. We can only recommend their expertise and proactive approach to anyone looking for no nonsense advice that delivers.”

Legal 500 testimonial, 2026

Simcocks offers the full range of corporate and commercial services. We provide pragmatic advice which helps clients achieve their goals and we pride ourselves on enabling matters to be conducted swiftly and effectively.

Our commercial lawyers have an international background and are flexible enough to provide advice to both large institutions and small businesses. Our clients include public and private companies, financial institutions, public sector bodies, partnerships and individuals.

We have strength and depth of experience in our principal areas of work and regularly work on high-value, complex transactions with cross-border dimensions.

Practice Areas:

• The Alternative Investment Market
• Collective Investment Schemes or Mutual Funds
• Company Law
• eGaming
• Insurance
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Pensions
• Planning
• Property – Commercial
• Redomiciliation
• Restructuring & Insolvency
• Shipping
• Trusts

In the corporate and financial sectors, we have specialists in corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, the acquisition and disposal of business undertakings, the formation of new companies, general and limited partnership matters, joint ventures and shareholder agreements, shareholder and partner disputes, regulatory compliance, pensions, banking and capital markets, including AIM listings. We also have experience in connection with funds management, ship, yacht and aircraft sales, purchases and financing.

In the commercial field, we deal with commercial contracts, employment, infrastructure projects, outsourcing, distribution and agency agreements.

In the property sector, we provide the full range of services, including property finance, development, planning, construction and environmental issues.

The department also enjoys the appointment, as with a small number of other practices, to a panel of approved advocates to be utilised by various banking institutions.

For your business to flourish, strategic decision-making is needed, whatever your company’s objectives are. Our Isle of Man Corporate Law team can offer sound business advice throughout the process thanks to our comprehensive knowledge of the commercial sector and the laws governing it. We have gained an enviable reputation for providing expert legal opinions in the Isle of Man, which is evident from our extensive and global client list.

Meet The Team

Irini Newby heads the corporate and commercial department. She has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, disposal of business undertakings, amalgamation and reconstruction of companies, complex corporate finance transactions and she advises directors and corporate service providers on matters of Manx company law. Her client base ranges from major high street  banks and large PLCs and boutique private enterprise to individual gaming companies and e-commerce entities.

Alex Spencer specialises in corporate and commercial law. His clients are both domestic and international and include private companies, PLCs, large blue chip institutions and corporate service providers. He has considerable experience in dealing with matters including corporate acquisitions and disposals, rights issues, AIM listings, shareholders’ agreements, general commercial agreements, security documentation, company migrations and non-contentious liquidation and insolvency matters.

Phil Games assists clients not only with legal issues but also with the strategic development of their businesses. He specialises in creating bespoke off-shore and multijurisdictional structures such as trusts, foundations, and companies. Phil has considerable expertise in advising those who want to restructure their personal and commercial interests as well as advising on estate planning, complex trust and probate matters.

David Spencer has widespread experience in banking and insurance law, regulation, and compliance. His specialisms include the drafting and implementation of bespoke bank loan and security documentation, media, and entertainment finance documentation and insurance contracts. David has particular expertise in schemes involving the transfer of insurance business and schemes of amalgamation. He is a Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public.

Kevin O’Loughlin has considerable experience in corporate and private client fields and practices in company law, trust law, funds, regulation and pension law. He has advised companies in relation to Isle of Man aspects of corporate activity such as mergers and takeovers and listings, including in relation to associated pensions implications. He regularly advises professional trustees in relation to all aspects of trust administration.

Janice Turnbull is an associate advocate in the Corporate & Commercial department, specialising in corporate, commercial and trust law.  Janice has particular experience in providing opinions on Isle of Man companies, advising on internal management governance, regulatory issues, trust disputes and variation of trusts. Janice has acted as a members’ liquidator and advised and challenged liquidators and receivers, as well as advising on distressed property portfolios, where necessary dealing with HMRC and other tax authorities.

View or download our Corporate & Commercial brochure.

Whether dealing with a multi-national corporation or a private client, Simcocks’ Litigation & Dispute Resolution advocates adopt a commercially realistic approach to bring each case to an efficient and practical conclusion.

Our team of skilled advocates can assist with a range of litigation matters:

• Commercial
• Criminal
• Debt Recovery
• Employment
• Estates & Probate Disputes
• Family Law
• Injunctions & Asset Recovery
• Personal Injury
• Property Litigation
• Regulatory & Compliance
• Restructuring & Insolvency
• Sanctions
• Trust Disputes

With our specialist knowledge and commercial awareness we have a reputation for finding creative and cost-effective solutions to achieve an early settlement to problems of any size. We understand that our clients are often concerned about the cost of being involved in a dispute so we will explain the likely costs involved in managing your case at each stage.

If you are in a dispute with another person or organisation you may be thinking about taking legal action. Civil litigation is the process by which public and private legal disputes are resolved through negotiation or the courts. Most of these disputes involve money in the form of compensation or require another party to take or not take a specific action.

Please see our Alternative Dispute Resolution section for information on the processes and techniques that can be used for disagreeing parties to resolve their differences as an alternative to going to court.

MEET THE TEAM

“Chris is excellent at managing technical and difficult litigation.“ – Chambers & Partners UK Guide 2024

Christopher Brooks joined Simcocks in May 2019 as a Consultant to the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, and is now head of the team.

He is an experienced Advocate specialising primarily in employment and civil and commercial litigation, but also able to advise on a range of non-contentious or semi-contentious matters including corporate, trusts, estates and land issues.

Testimonials from independent directory, the Legal 500, describe Chris as “an outstanding legal mind” and “Has substantial experience in the contentious space and advises on union matters”.  A recent Chambers & Partners testimonial stated: “He understands clients’ commercial needs and is really assiduous and meticulous. He also clearly has the ear of the court.”

“quick thinking, depth of knowledge, practical as well as legal advice. Caroline is forward thinking and will go above and beyond to help” – Legal 500

Caroline Jennings specialises in all aspects of family law including divorce/dissolution and related financial claims, disputes involving children and protective measures such as pre/post nuptial  and cohabitation agreements.

Recommended by The Legal 500 for “heavyweight family litigation,” and named as a “Leading Individual”, Caroline has considerable experience in handling financially complex matters, often with international elements.

Charlotte Ronan is a Consultant Advocate working with our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team. She has experience in a variety of litigation including regulatory matters, professional negligence and director dispute cases.

Michael Mudge joined Simcocks in 2025 as a Consultant Advocate to the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, having qualified in 2017. His current practice is primarily focused on commercial and civil litigation, but he retains interest in family, criminal and commercial/corporate work.

“Elizabeth Simpson is simply outstanding; a great litigator who fights for her clients. Very thorough and highly responsive.” – Legal 500, 2024

Elizabeth Simpson is an Advocate of the Manx Bar, a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and is a Consultant with Simcocks’ Litigation & Dispute Resolution department. Elizabeth specialises in heavyweight commercial litigation and dispute resolution, often involving large multinational companies, multiple jurisdictions and competing laws. Whilst having a particular expertise in dealing with large, factually and legally complex cases, she is equally able to apply a sensible and commercial approach to problems of any size.

“Louise Byrne is the stand out family practitioner on the Isle of Man. She is in a class all by herself.” – Legal 500, 2024

Louise Byrne acts as a consultant advocate to our Family Law team, helping clients with financing and divorce matters, child contact, residence of children, care proceedings and adoption work.

During a career spanning over 30 years, Louise has been a leading Isle of Man litigation practitioner, having acted in a number of major civil and criminal trials. She has worked on particularly complex, high-net-worth financial relief divorce cases, and has considerable experience of appearing at all levels, including the Privy Council, where she acted in a number of appeals.

“Exactly the sort of modern barrister that you would like on your team.” – Legal 500, 2023

Zachary Kell is a London-based consultant to our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team. He is an experienced Commercial Chancery barrister qualified in England and Wales with particular experience in Commercial Law, Civil Fraud, Insolvency & Restructuring, Company Law and Shareholders Disputes. He regularly appears in the High Court in London, often acting in disputes in the Insolvency & Companies List and Business List of the Chancery Division and the Queen’s Bench Division. Zachary has also appeared in the Court of Appeal and has experience drafting in the Supreme Court. The Legal 500 has named Zachary a “Rising Star”.

Winston Taylor is an Associate Advocate and non-practising English Barrister who enjoys a diverse common law practice. He has unparalleled immigration expertise and is able to offer advice on all aspects of Manx law, including the Island’s immigration rules. He advises on work permits, visas and immigration appeals. He also specialises in personal injury, planning, disputes relating to property and licensing.

Adrian Briggs is a consultant to our Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, specialising in legal costs as well as commercial and civil litigation.

He has extensive experience in dealing with high value contentious matters, often working as part of a team. Clients describe Adrian as ‘well prepared’ and he is well regarded for his attention to detail, ability to think on his feet and objectively get to the heart of the matter in order to unlock legal disputes.

View or download our Litigation & Dispute Resolution brochure.

“They provide an extremely high standard of service and the advice is pragmatic, commercial and reliable.”

Chambers & Partners HNW, 2022

Simcocks Private Client department has built up an enviable reputation due to its expertise and experience, and is rated a Top Tier service by independent reviewer, Legal 500.

Our lawyers have proved they have a flair for creating solutions that are innovative but workable and the team offers a responsive and discreet service in the following areas:

• Estate Planning
• Family Law
• Foundations
• Immigration
• Planning
• Powers of Attorney
• Probate
• Property – Residential
• Trusts
• Wills

Led by chief executive Phil Games, the Private Client department advises wealthy local and international families who want to restructure their personal and commercial interests. We also work with other professionals to create bespoke off-shore and multi-jurisdictional structures such as trusts and companies for use in tax planning.

We have many years’ experience advising individuals on all aspects of relocation to the Isle of Man including local taxation, property acquisition, residency restrictions and immigration. Where necessary the Private Client department will liaise with other specialists both within Simcocks and externally to provide assistance with wealth retention and succession planning.

Our Isle of Man advocates give clear and expert advice on every aspect of making a Will to ensure the smooth management of an estate and to make certain assets are dealt with according to a client’s wishes.

We have also produced a guide on Isle of Man Wills and compiled a questionnaire to help cover some of the issues that arise when preparing Manx Wills.

Our Isle of Man probate service covers all aspects of probate and the administration of estates. The team has excellent local contacts and can deal with the complex matters arising from administering an estate, collecting assets and paying liabilities as well as dealing with the courts.

Our lawyers have a proven track record in working effectively with offshore clients who need to implement estate planning and have considerable experience with the administration of international estates that hold multi-jurisdictional assets.

Financially the Isle of Man is very attractive. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no stamp duty. In the 2024 Budget single people pay tax at 10 per cent on the first £6,500 of taxable income and 22 per cent on the balance up to the cap – personal income tax is capped at £200,000 per individual. Married couples pay tax at 10 per cent on the first £13,000 of joint taxable income and 20 per cent on the balance up to the cap. The personal allowance for a single person is £14,500 and for a married couple £29,000.

Details of rates and allowances can be found on the Isle of Man Government’s website.

View or download our Private Client brochure.

“Excellent advice.”

Chambers & Partners UK Guide, 2026

Simcocks is a market leader in the field of Isle of Man employment law with a team of experts who can offer practical, effective and swift advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Choose the area of advice:

The Team

Simcocks Director, Irini Newby, advises on a variety of issues arising from employment. She acts for individuals, directors, shareholders and corporate service providers on matters of Isle of Man employment law.

“Irini Newby is professional, knowledgeable, contactable and a good communicator.” – Legal 500, 2025

Irini has been placed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame UK, a sought-after commendation that indicates “exceptional legal talent”.  

Tel: +44 1624 690339

Chris Brooks is Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and regularly advises on employment matters for both employer and employee. He has dealt with a wide range of issues including protected disclosures, maternity rights, unfair dismissal, sex discrimination and victimisation, unlawful deductions and restrictive covenants. He obtained the first injunction restraining suspension in the Isle of Man.

“Christopher Brooks is very responsive and commercial. Sensible in his tactical approach and has an excellent record in his advocacy.” – Legal 500 UK, 2025

“Chris is always aware of the bigger picture and has a great intuition for what his clients want and how to get there.” – Chambers & Partners UK Guide, 2025

“He is very thorough and comes out with responses beyond client expectations.” – Chambers & Partners UK Guide, 2025

Tel: +44 1624 690309

Louise Byrne is a consultant within our Litigation & Dispute Resolution department with over 30 years of experience as a litigator.

“Louise exudes confidence and puts her client’s at the very forefront of her case strategy. Her experience and standing within the Isle of Man legal market allows her clients to feel totally reassured and understood.” – Legal 500, 2024

Tel: +44 1624 690347

Charlotte Ronan is a consultant within our Litigation & Dispute Resolution department.

Insights

Restrictive Covenants in Contracts of Employment – The Exception Proves the Rule…

View or download our Employment Law brochure.

“An excellent and responsive team that gives considered advice and really pushes a transaction to closing. Great at trouble shooting on issues that crop up on deals.“

Legal 500, 2023

We provide legal opinions to financial institutions, corporate lenders, funds, money lenders and high net worth individuals. We also advise borrowers and those purchasing assets.

What is a legal opinion?

In banking and finance matters, Isle of Man legal opinions are often sought from an advocate to confirm the capacity and valid incorporation and existence of a legal entity (whether the legal entity is a company incorporated under the Companies Acts 1931-2004 or a company incorporated under the Companies Act 2006, a limited partnership or limited liability company), established under the laws of the Isle of Man and the ability of the legal entity to enter into transactions and documents.

Isle of Man legal opinions are also often requested in connection with property transactions (for example in connection with the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold real estate).

Information usually requested

The advocate providing the Manx legal opinion will often request some or all of the following information in connection with the transaction:

•  a structure chart
• a copy of the legal entity’s constitutional documents, certificate of incorporation and any certificate of change of name, the last annual return (all of which may be obtained by undertaking a company search at the Isle of Man Companies Registry)
• draft board minutes relating to the transaction
• if relevant, a copy of any draft shareholder resolutions
• a certificate from the Registered Agent of the company (if the company is incorporated under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006); and / or
• a certificate from a director of the company, depending on the subject matter of the opinion.

The Isle of Man advocate instructed to act would usually review any transaction documents being entered into by the Isle of Man legal entity from a Manx law perspective. If Isle of Man law security is being granted by the legal entity, the advocate acting for the bank / lender would usually be involved in drafting this documentation and negotiating its terms with the legal advisors for the Isle of Man legal entity.

Assumptions and qualifications

Isle of Man legal opinions will include a number of standard assumptions and qualifications. This is in part because only limited information may be available to the Isle of Man advocate providing the legal opinion, but also because legal opinions given may require further explanation.

The legal opinions given will be subject to a number of assumptions and qualifications, for example:

• assumptions will be made as to matters such as the genuineness and authenticity of signatures
• assumptions as to compliance with applicable laws
• assumptions that the transaction will be of commercial benefit to the relevant company
• an assumption as to the good title of the Company to the assets being secured (in respect of which the Isle of Man advocate may have limited knowledge).

Qualifications will often deal with matters such as legal limitations on the enforceability of transaction documents.

There may also be transaction-specific assumptions and qualifications included in legal opinions from time to time.

Alex Spencer leads our Banking & Finance team. Read his article for more details: Legal opinions: What are they and why might you need one?

“Alex Spencer has been a trusted adviser to our businesses for a long time and continues to be our main contact for any corporate and commercial matters. His expertise and industry knowledge is second to none. Alex is always available to assist with matters at short notice and delivers on tight deadlines.”

Legal 500, 2026

Alex Spencer heads our Banking and Finance team, which advises banks, financial institutions and corporates on all areas of finance including general bank lending, project finance, property finance, acquisition finance, asset securitisation and structured finance. We are the first port of call for many financial institutions, both locally and internationally.

“Alex is great. He’s a really reliable and trusted adviser. His input is always clear, to the point and has helped us complete deals within challenging timescales.” – Chambers & Partners UK Guide 2024

Many of the world’s leading financial institutions conduct business in the Isle of Man and our knowledge and experience enables us to advise them in respect of all areas of their operations. Our clients range from domestic banking operations to global financial institutions. We provide quick, commercially focused advice to enable transactions to complete without delay

The depth and range of our Isle of Man advocates’ expertise and experience generates many complex referrals and we are regularly instructed by Magic Circle and Silver-Circle firms. The group is strong on litigation support as well as transnational, restructuring and complex advisory work.

Our borrower clients operate in a diverse range of industries, including heavily regulated sectors and our lender clients include banks, insurance companies, funds and other financial institutions.

The team provide advice on:

• The establishment and licensing of banks licensed in the Isle of Man
• Regulatory and compliance issues encountered by Isle of Man licensed banks
• Acquisition, project and asset finance transactions, syndicated loans and other domestic and international financing transactions
• Securitisations and derivative products
• Syndicated letter-of-credit facilities in support of insurance/reinsurance and capital market liability
• Onshore lending secured by a portfolio of securities offshore with or without custodial obligations
• Reviewing terms/conditions of facility and security documentation
• Registration requirements in the Isle of Man
• Restructuring and change of control of Isle of Man licensed banks
• Isle of Man Legal Opinions

Drafting of Security Documents

We can assist with the drafting of a wide range of security and other finance documentation. Our Isle of Man lawyers act on a diverse range of finance transactions including restructuring of loan facilities, refinancing transactions, and also assist clients with enforcement actions. We also advise on issues relating to ranking, registration, priority and discharge of security. Our Banking and Finance lawyers work closely with our Corporate and Commercial Property lawyers and also with our Dispute Resolution team to provide appropriate advice to clients.

Undertaking of Security Reviews

We are regularly instructed to conduct security reviews by institutional and non-institutional lenders in connection with the review of existing loan arrangements entered into with Isle of Man companies and the review of Isle of Man law security documents. Our lawyers are experienced in undertaking such reviews and in preparing reports for our clients.

Our Manx advocates in the banking and finance department have strong relationships with the regulatory authorities in the Isle of Man. We play an active role in maintaining the Isle of Man’s position as a leading international finance centre.

Simcocks has considerable experience responding positively to requests to act as a trustee and protector on family trusts and will trusts. In order to provide continuity, Simcocks formed Juristrust to provide these services.

Juristrust complements our specialist legal team who advise on the creation of bespoke, multi-jurisdictional trust and foundation structures designed to maximise wealth, plan for succession and protect family or corporate assets.

The depth of experience and expertise in our legal team means we have cultivated lasting relationships and work with offshore trustees, accountants, bankers, property agents, investment managers, family offices and tax planners to provide clients with bespoke wealth management, wealth preservation or philanthropic solutions. We also act for private individuals, international families, estates, trusts and family businesses.

Visit www.juristrust.im for more information on our services.

IR Global

Juristrust is pleased to be the exclusive member of IR Global for Trusts & Estates in the Isle of Man.

IR Global is a multi-disciplinary network that provides legal, accountancy and financial advice to both companies and individuals around the world. They work with 1300+ members, and are represented in 165+ jurisdictions, covering over 60+ unique practice areas. They are perfectly placed to offer the highest quality bespoke advice that meets the needs of the most complex client requirements.

The network consists of the highest quality boutique and mid-sized firms that service the mid-market with firms that are focused on partner-led, personal service and have extensive cross border experience.

www.irglobal.com