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gunnercooke is the fastest growing corporate law firm in the UK, now making its mark globally. We comprise a rapidly growing number of experts spanning legal and other disciplines. Clients benefit from flexible options on fees to suit their needs, access to a wider network of senior experts throughout the relationship, and legal advice which is complemented by an understanding of the commercial aspects of running a business.
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Family Law / Islamic Family Law
Accolades
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 help his clients best.
Siddique is the Editor of the Islamic Alternative Dispute Resolution section of the Butterworths Family Law Service (BFLS). The BFLS is one of the leading looseleaf works on family law. It provides authoritative guidance on all aspects of family law affecting families and family breakdown. With experience of advising families and separating couples for over two decades, Siddique now contributes to the BFLS and shares his knowledge on Islamic family law and the factors affecting Muslim families and couples in the UK and Middle East.’
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
Career History
Previous Law Firms
- Associate, Shoosmiths (2018–20)
- Solicitor, Kamrans Solicitors (2015–18)
Education
- Northumbria University (2005–06)
Volunteer Experience
- Legal Advisor, Sharee Council (2005–13)
- West Yorkshire Fundraising Board Member for PSU (2017–18)
- Deputy Director, Register Our Marriage Campaign (2017–)
- 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
Expertise
Back to top
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 help his clients best.
Siddique is the Editor of the Islamic Alternative Dispute Resolution section of the Butterworths Family Law Service (BFLS). The BFLS is one of the leading looseleaf works on family law. It provides authoritative guidance on all aspects of family law affecting families and family breakdown. With experience of advising families and separating couples for over two decades, Siddique now contributes to the BFLS and shares his knowledge on Islamic family law and the factors affecting Muslim families and couples in the UK and Middle East.’
Siddique Advises
Back to top
- 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
Back to top
- 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
Career History
Back to top
Previous Law Firms
- Associate, Shoosmiths (2018–20)
- Solicitor, Kamrans Solicitors (2015–18)
Education
- Northumbria University (2005–06)
Volunteer Experience
- Legal Advisor, Sharee Council (2005–13)
- West Yorkshire Fundraising Board Member for PSU (2017–18)
- Deputy Director, Register Our Marriage Campaign (2017–)
- 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
Testimonials
“I would like to sincerely thank you for your valuable advice, for listening to what I needed throughout the process, and for all your hard work during my divorce proceedings. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I’m also especially grateful for your patience and understanding with my delayed decision making along the way, it meant a lot”.
Client
"I wanted to say a big thank you to you both for all your support and assistance in this whole process. It has been pretty much 3 years since opening the case file with yourselves and you have advised me, guided me and supported me all the way through. I really appreciate your representation and would definitely recommend your services to others."
Client
'Siddique is very knowledgeable in the family law, professional, kind, supportive and personable..’
Client
'Hands down the best lawyer I’ve ever come across. He was incredibly helpful, professional, and trustworthy. I came to Siddique with an Islamic divorce case, and he helped me resolve it very efficiently. I felt at ease throughout the process.'
Client
'I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for everything that you have done in relation to my case. You have probably come across cases as mine thousands of occasions, probably with more complications but it doesn't take away the tact and professionalism shown in dealing with these matters. I have been battling with mother for the past 6-7 years in hope that this day would come and now that it has, the feeling is overwhelming.
I no longer feel that I am on a string being pulled back constantly. I have it in black and white where MY responsibilities lie. And that wouldn't be the case without your advice and hard work that you both have put in. I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I went in today expecting the worse and came out with more than I expected.'
Client
Client‘I would like to thank you for your outstanding service you have provided me through out my time with you as a client. As you are aware, my case was very complex and needed the right expertise and knowledge — you were able to deliver that service with great confidence and success. The admiration and passion you had during the time of my case had gave me great confidence; but, most of all, you are very sympathetic and understanding which made me feel very comfortable throughout our meetings together. It is very rare; you come across as a person in such profession that has the knowledge and skills in regards to an Islamic divorce. Your passion and commitment throughout the case was outstanding, and I cannot thank you enough. As a client, you enabled me to start a new beginning in my life and I could not have done this without your service.’
Ms B
Client‘It became immediately apparent as to why I was referred to Siddique to handle my difficult divorce. Using his vast experience and understanding of cultural issues, Siddique put me at ease by breaking down the complex issues. His commitment to finding the best outcome has allowed me to move on quickly with my life and look to the future. Siddique kept me informed regularly of any updates and provided me with the best quality advice at each stage, in particular during the most challenging twists and turns. His professionalism and ability to understand issues first time stood out from other lawyers I have worked with. It is not often that you come across someone as knowledgeable and easy to work with as Siddique and I cannot thank you enough.’
Mr M
Client'Siddique has been really supportive and understanding throughout my case. He takes time and care in explaining things to me and providing advice and reassurance. He takes care and pride in his work and I have been very satisfied with the way he has represented me in my case so far.'
Ms F
ClientI just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for everything that you have done in relation to my case. You have probably come across cases as mine thousands of occasions, probably with more complications but it doesn't take away the tact and professionalism shown in dealing with these matters. I have been battling with mother for the past 6-7 years in hope that this day would come and now that it has, the feeling is overwhelming.
I no longer feel that I am on a string being pulled back constantly. I have it in black and white where MY responsibilities lie. And that wouldn't be the case without your advice and hard work that you both have put in. I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I went in today expecting the worse and came out with more than I expected.
Mr R
Client