Siddique Patel

Expertise

Siddique specialises in all areas of matrimonial work, including complex private law children, matrimonial finance, and Islamic divorce.

He advises a diverse range of clients from the UK and overseas. Specifically, Siddique advises on issues including domestic violence, forced marriage, international child relocation, pre-nuptial agreements, Islamic divorce, child abduction, and validity of marriages and divorces conducted overseas.

Siddique is one of the few qualified solicitors in the country to be able to provide solutions to clients ranging from matrimonial finance and complex private law children cases to specialist Islamic divorce, return of dowry (Mehr), and Shariah Council applications for dissolution of Islamic marriage.

With a strong focus and understanding of the legal, religious, and cultural issues affecting couples and families, Siddique has an innovative approach and a unique insight to best help his clients.

Siddique Advises

• Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
• Child arrangement matters relating to residence and contact, including complex children law disputes which include issues such as domestic violence, parental alienation, parental responsibility, etc.
• Islamic divorce issues, including return of Mehr, Talaq, Faskh and applications to Shariah Councils
• Applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders
• Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
• Financial provision arising out of divorce
• Cases with an international dimension, including validity of marriage and divorce conducted overseas

Experience Highlights

• Working with government bodies and departments on the issue of unregistered faith and non-qualifying marriage ceremonies
• Deputy Director of the Register Our Marriage Campaign which is working for change in legislation so that marriage ceremonies of all faiths can fall within the provision of the law so that financial protection is available to divorcing parties irrespective of their faith or belief system
• One of only a few solicitors in the country to have advised independent Shariah Councils and practised Islamic family law at two top-100 law firms
• Advisory Group Member on Nuffield Foundation Advisory Project: When is a wedding not a marriage? Exploring non-legally binding ceremony
• Frequent commentator on TV and BBC Radio on issues relating to Shariah law and Islamic family law

Press Articles

• Interview with BLC Legal’s The Brief
• Article in the Yorkshire Post on unregistered marriages

Career History

Previous Law Firms

• Associate, Shoosmiths (2018-2020)
• Solicitor, Kamrans Solicitors (2015 – 2018)

Education

• Northumbria University (2005-2006)

Volunteer Experience

• Legal Advisor, Sharee Council (2005 – 2013)
• West Yorkshire Fundraising Board Member for PSU (2017-2018)
• Deputy Director, Register Our Marriage Campaign (2017 – Present)
• Advisory Group Member on Nuffield Foundation Advisory Project: When is a wedding not a marriage? Exploring non-legally binding ceremony

Professional Memberships

• Committee Member, Resolution West & North Yorkshire