Paul Summerbell is a solicitor in the Family Law team, based at our office in Eastbourne, with over 20 years’ experience representing clients from all walks of life. Paul first trained in central London before moving to Kent and opening his own law firm in which he was Managing Partner and head of both the Family and Personal Injury Departments.
During the course of his career, Paul has dealt with proceedings in all courts requiring the full spectrum of levels of representation; from the local Magistrates Court right through to the Court of Appeal.
He is particularly experienced in advising high net worth clients in ancillary relief proceedings, often with assets of many millions of pounds. He drafts and carefully negotiates prenuptial agreements and is well used to providing robust yet sensible advice and assistance with financial orders/negotiations in cases involving clients of high net worth.
In addition to his skills in the financial arena of divorce proceedings, Paul represents cohabitants in actions under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (ToLATA), together with enforcement of such cases. He also has a comprehensive knowledge of the law coupled with years of first-hand experience in dealing with many aspects of the law relating to children; particularly including applications involving the relocation of children; further details of which can be found in his notable cases.
Paul Summerbell takes time to listen to his clients in order to truly understand what they wish to achieve, and his strong analytical abilities coupled with his strength in communication ensures that he supplies them with practical, no nonsense advice and an approach to problem solving which is constantly focused on their needs and in achieving the best possible outcome that he can for them.
Paul Summerbell’s Memberships
Advanced Member of the Family Panel
Accredited Specialist with Resolution in children and complex financial matters.
Family Law Advanced Accreditation
Past committee member of the LAPG (Legal Aid Practitioners Group)
Past member of Resolutions national Legal Aid Committee
Books/Publications
Contributor to:
Only Mums & Only Dads Family Law Panel (2019). 101 Questions Answered About Separating With Children. 2nd ed. Bath Publishing Limited.
Recent and notable cases
International child relocation/abduction: TC and JC (Children: Relocation) [2013] EWHC 292 (Fam) (21 February 2013)
International child relocation: Re F (A Child) (International Relocation Cases) [2015] EWCA Civ 882
Deduction and recovery of benefits: Clenshaw v Tanner (2002) EWCA Civ 1848
Wodehouse v Wodehouse – Financial Order (2018)
Testimonials
Paul Summerbell helped me through my case from beginning to end and was fantastic throughout. He gave excellent advice throughout the entirety of the case and I trusted his advice completely. It was a better outcome than I could have hoped for and I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.
Vicky (Client)
Paul Summerbell has dealt with matters concerning the financial as well as Children sides of the divorce in an efficient and professional way. He has explained everything in a way which was clear to me, given excellent advice and helped me make the right decisions throughout my divorce proceedings.
Nina (Client)
My greetings for the New Year 2025, especially to Paul Summerbell for his exceptional work dealing with my case.
AL (Client)
Paul was confident of the outcome throughout the court process. Paul helped me gain custody of my children leading to them living with me until they are 18 years of age. I have seen the outcome I was hoping for and forever grateful for Paul's help.
Levi (Client)
Paul explained everything to me carefully and showed great patents with me even though I can be very impulsive, he kept me calm but was not shy about telling me when I was doing wrong which is what I like about him! He did not molly coddle me but always told me what I needed to hear and not just what I wanted to here! I was given full custody of my daughter 18 months after Mr Summerbell became involved.
Allan (Client)
I gave my case to Mr Paul Summerbell and throughout the entire process I have been extremely impressed with his tenacity, integrity and professionalism. I would recommend him without hesitation. Mr Summerbell assured me that he had confidence in the success of my case and conducted himself with the utmost professionalism throughout. He encounted many delays, objections and obstructions introduced by my ex husband and he has dealt with all these situations with ease. The judgement I have received far exceeds my expectations.
Elizabeth (Client)
Paul Summerbell helped me through my case from beginning to end and was fantastic throughout. He gave excellent advice throughout the entirety of the case and I trusted his advice completely. It was a better outcome than I could have hoped for and I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.
Vicky (Client)
Paul Summerbell has dealt with matters concerning the financial as well as Children sides of the divorce in an efficient and professional way. He has explained everything in a way which was clear to me, given excellent advice and helped me make the right decisions throughout my divorce proceedings.
Nina (Client)
My greetings for the New Year 2025, especially to Paul Summerbell for his exceptional work dealing with my case.
AL (Client)
Paul was confident of the outcome throughout the court process. Paul helped me gain custody of my children leading to them living with me until they are 18 years of age. I have seen the outcome I was hoping for and forever grateful for Paul's help.
Levi (Client)
Paul explained everything to me carefully and showed great patents with me even though I can be very impulsive, he kept me calm but was not shy about telling me when I was doing wrong which is what I like about him! He did not molly coddle me but always told me what I needed to hear and not just what I wanted to here! I was given full custody of my daughter 18 months after Mr Summerbell became involved.
Allan (Client)
I gave my case to Mr Paul Summerbell and throughout the entire process I have been extremely impressed with his tenacity, integrity and professionalism. I would recommend him without hesitation. Mr Summerbell assured me that he had confidence in the success of my case and conducted himself with the utmost professionalism throughout. He encounted many delays, objections and obstructions introduced by my ex husband and he has dealt with all these situations with ease. The judgement I have received far exceeds my expectations.
Elizabeth (Client)