Gender and Inclusivity in International Families

London
23 June 09:00 CEST - 25 June 2022 12:00 CEST
Seven years on from AIJA’s ground-breaking seminar, “The same sex family: ‘going global’”, LGBTQ+ individuals and families are more visible than ever before. More countries have legalised same-sex marriage. Trans voices are being heard as part of mainstream national and international conversations in ways that few could have predicted.
For all the progress that has been made, huge challenges remain. 71 jurisdictions currently criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity (and in 11 of those the death penalty is a possible sentence). Fifteen jurisdictions criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of trans people. Many others refuse to recognise same-sex family relationships at all, and countless challenges remain.
This seminar will explore:
- same-sex marriage, civil partnerships and LGBT rights, including international developments in the last five years;
- the developing law relating to financial claims upon separation, including an exploration of the role of gender in such claims;
- trans issues;
- LGBT issues in children cases;
- surrogacy and immigration issues; and
- wealth planning for international LGBT+ families.
AIJA Commissions
- International Private Clients and Family Law
Full programme
Thursday 23 June 2022
08:30 » 09:30Registrations at Friends House09:30 » 10:00Welcome address by the AIJA President and the OC10:00 » 11:15LGBTQ+ 2022: An introduction and retrospective
An update as to developments in recent years and a look at potential progress and challenges facing LGBT+ communities in relation to rights and recognition.
Moderator:
John Davies, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Scott Halliday, Irwin Mitchell, UNITED KINGDOM
- Paul van Lange, Voogt Advokaten, NETHERLANDS
- Sandra Strahm, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, SWITZERLAND
- Melanie Burtscher, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, LIECHTENSTEIN
11:15 » 11:45Coffee Break11:45 » 13:00Financial orders on divorce: The same but different?
A panel discussion considering whether courts are gender blind when it comes to financial disputes on divorce or relationship breakdown. What if the claim is made following the breakdown of a same-sex relationship? Does that make any difference to the way the financially weaker/claimant party is treated in practice?
Moderator:
Jennifer Wilkie, Burness Paull, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Rachael Kelsey, SKO Family Law Specialists, UNITED KINGDOM
- Frances Auchincloss Goldsmith, Libra Avocats, FRANCE
- Roxane Reiser, 1 Hare Court, UNITED KINGDOM/SWITZERLAND
13:00 » 14:00Lunch - at the seminar venue14:00 » 15:15LGBTQ+ Wealth Planning and tax
A panel discussion considering what considerations there might be when acting for members of LGBTQ+ families in different jurisdictions (including in jurisdictions where marriage is not open to them). This discussion will also consider how “neutral” tax law is so far as it relates to LGBTQ+ issues and whether there are tax burdens which are more likely to affect LGBTQ+ people.
- Hannah Mantle, Forsters LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Ruth A Mattson, Verrill Dana, USA
- Catherine Kavadze, MLL, SWITZERLAND
- Valentin Todorow, Raue, GERMANY
- Julien Tron, SWITZERLAND (Moderator)
15:15 » 15:45Coffee Break15:45 » 17:00Pink Pensions
A session considering issues relating to LGBTQ+ pensions, including the extent to which the type of partnership determines the pension rights of partners and spouses. Do partners have the same pension rights as spouses? Is a less strict approach conceivable? What about LGBTQ+ partners in jurisdictions where marriage is not open to them?
Moderator:
Ferenc Ballegeer, FB-tax, Belgium
Speakers:
- Inès Amar, Libra Avocats, France
- Julius Berling, Mishcon de Reya, United Kingdom
- Matthijs Roest Crollius, Doorn & Keizer, The Netherlands
- Lucy Chebout, Raue, Germany
17:00End of first day scientific program19:15 » 22:30Thames Boat Dinner
• Embark: 19.15 at Westminster Pier
• Disembark: 22.30 at Westminster Pier
Friday 24 June 2022
09:00 » 09:30Registrations at Friends House09:30 » 10:45The end of the rainbow – disputes within LGBTQ+ families
Moderators:
Emma Holland and Jenny Duggan, Stewarts, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Berangere Diot, Cadiou & Barbe FRANCE
- Andrea Dorjee-Good, Schellenberg Wittmer, SWITZERLAND
- Carolina Marin Pedreno, Dawson Cornwell, UNITED KINGDOM/SPAIN
- Fernanda Machado, BRAZIL
10:45 » 11:15Coffee Break11:15 » 12:15LGBTQ+ Asylum claims
A discussion concerning the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers fleeing persecution.
- Malini Skandachanmugarasan, UNITED KINGDOM
- Moud Goba, UNITED KINGDOM
12:15 » 13:15Paths to parenthood
An introduction to LGBTQ+ paths to parenthood, including international and domestic adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproduction. This session will explore the various options in different jurisdictions.
Moderator:
Katie Newbury, Kingsley Napley, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Connie Atkinson, Kingsley Napley, UNITED KINGDOM
- Veronica Dindo, ITALY
- Lieven Vandendriessche, BELGIUM
13:15 » 14:30Networking Lunch14:30 » 15:30Keynote Speaker - “Trans* 101”
An introduction to the trans* space designed for audiences coming to the subject for the first time.
15:30 » 16:00Coffee break16:00 » 17:00Gender identity and children: experiences from different jurisdictions.
An exploration of the approach of the court to child welfare issues involving gender identity in different jurisdictions. The role of parents, medical professionals, schools and the state.
- Niamh Ni Ghairbhia, Garvey Avocats, FRANCE
- John Davies, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Katie Fudakowski, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Kristin Doeberl, Verrill Dana, USA
- Scott Halliday, Irwin Mitchel, UNITED KINGDOM
17:00End of second day scientific programme19:30Friday optional dinner at several restaurants
* Payable onsite
Saturday 25 June 2022
10:00 » 16:00Brunch at Granary Square Brasserie - Optional Social Program
You will be able to visit a free museum which has opened in Kings Cross on Queer Britain: https://queerbritain.org.uk/
Become a sponsor
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please fill out the form*.
You can download the sponsorship brochure after submitting this form.
* Filling out this form does not obligate you to become a sponsor.
Practical information
Seminar Venue
The seminar will be taking place at Friends House.
Friends House is a meeting and event space in Euston, London. They are one of just a few London venues to be Green Tourism Gold accredited.
The venue is located in the city centre very close to Regent Park and the British Museum.
Contact details:
Address: 173-177 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ , London
Phone: +44 (0)20 7663 1100
Email: events@quaker.org.uk

Accommodation
We have negotiated special rates for the participants of the seminar with Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel:
- Before 26 May 2022, the preferred rate for those registered to the AIJA seminar will be £ 199.00.
- After 26 May 2022, the rate for those registered to the AIJA seminar will be 10% discount from best available rate the hotel will be selling at that time of the bookings
- AIJA participants will also benefit from a 10% discount in food and beverage when staying at the hotel.
When booking your accommodation, please use the 3rd Party Authorization form and email to reservations@ambassadors.co.uk quoting "Friends House" to get the preferred rate.
Rates are per room, per night, taxes and breakfast.
Please note that rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis according to availability and that we have the special rates until 26 May 2022.

General terms and conditions
By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.
Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.
It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.
Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.
Organising Committee
Ferenc BALLEGEER
FB-tax (BELGIUM)
John DAVIES
Farrer & Co (UNITED KINGDOM)
Katie NEWBURY
Kingsley Napley LLP (UNITED KINGDOM)
Julien TRON
MLL Legal (SWITZERLAND)
Jennifer WILKIE
Burness Paull LLP (UNITED KINGDOM)
Full programme
Thursday 23 June 2022
An update as to developments in recent years and a look at potential progress and challenges facing LGBT+ communities in relation to rights and recognition.
Moderator:
John Davies, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Scott Halliday, Irwin Mitchell, UNITED KINGDOM
- Paul van Lange, Voogt Advokaten, NETHERLANDS
- Sandra Strahm, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, SWITZERLAND
- Melanie Burtscher, Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte, LIECHTENSTEIN
A panel discussion considering whether courts are gender blind when it comes to financial disputes on divorce or relationship breakdown. What if the claim is made following the breakdown of a same-sex relationship? Does that make any difference to the way the financially weaker/claimant party is treated in practice?
Moderator:
Jennifer Wilkie, Burness Paull, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Rachael Kelsey, SKO Family Law Specialists, UNITED KINGDOM
- Frances Auchincloss Goldsmith, Libra Avocats, FRANCE
- Roxane Reiser, 1 Hare Court, UNITED KINGDOM/SWITZERLAND
A panel discussion considering what considerations there might be when acting for members of LGBTQ+ families in different jurisdictions (including in jurisdictions where marriage is not open to them). This discussion will also consider how “neutral” tax law is so far as it relates to LGBTQ+ issues and whether there are tax burdens which are more likely to affect LGBTQ+ people.
- Hannah Mantle, Forsters LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Ruth A Mattson, Verrill Dana, USA
- Catherine Kavadze, MLL, SWITZERLAND
- Valentin Todorow, Raue, GERMANY
- Julien Tron, SWITZERLAND (Moderator)
A session considering issues relating to LGBTQ+ pensions, including the extent to which the type of partnership determines the pension rights of partners and spouses. Do partners have the same pension rights as spouses? Is a less strict approach conceivable? What about LGBTQ+ partners in jurisdictions where marriage is not open to them?
Moderator:
Ferenc Ballegeer, FB-tax, Belgium
Speakers:
- Inès Amar, Libra Avocats, France
- Julius Berling, Mishcon de Reya, United Kingdom
- Matthijs Roest Crollius, Doorn & Keizer, The Netherlands
- Lucy Chebout, Raue, Germany
• Embark: 19.15 at Westminster Pier
• Disembark: 22.30 at Westminster Pier
Friday 24 June 2022
Moderators:
Emma Holland and Jenny Duggan, Stewarts, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Berangere Diot, Cadiou & Barbe FRANCE
- Andrea Dorjee-Good, Schellenberg Wittmer, SWITZERLAND
- Carolina Marin Pedreno, Dawson Cornwell, UNITED KINGDOM/SPAIN
- Fernanda Machado, BRAZIL
A discussion concerning the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers fleeing persecution.
- Malini Skandachanmugarasan, UNITED KINGDOM
- Moud Goba, UNITED KINGDOM
An introduction to LGBTQ+ paths to parenthood, including international and domestic adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproduction. This session will explore the various options in different jurisdictions.
Moderator:
Katie Newbury, Kingsley Napley, UNITED KINGDOM
Speakers:
- Connie Atkinson, Kingsley Napley, UNITED KINGDOM
- Veronica Dindo, ITALY
- Lieven Vandendriessche, BELGIUM
An introduction to the trans* space designed for audiences coming to the subject for the first time.
An exploration of the approach of the court to child welfare issues involving gender identity in different jurisdictions. The role of parents, medical professionals, schools and the state.
- Niamh Ni Ghairbhia, Garvey Avocats, FRANCE
- John Davies, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Katie Fudakowski, Farrer & Co LLP, UNITED KINGDOM
- Kristin Doeberl, Verrill Dana, USA
- Scott Halliday, Irwin Mitchel, UNITED KINGDOM
* Payable onsite
Saturday 25 June 2022
You will be able to visit a free museum which has opened in Kings Cross on Queer Britain: https://queerbritain.org.uk/
Become a sponsor
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please fill out the form*.
You can download the sponsorship brochure after submitting this form.
* Filling out this form does not obligate you to become a sponsor.
Practical information
Seminar Venue
The seminar will be taking place at Friends House.
Friends House is a meeting and event space in Euston, London. They are one of just a few London venues to be Green Tourism Gold accredited.
The venue is located in the city centre very close to Regent Park and the British Museum.
Contact details:
Address: 173-177 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ , London
Phone: +44 (0)20 7663 1100
Email: events@quaker.org.uk
Accommodation
We have negotiated special rates for the participants of the seminar with Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel:
- Before 26 May 2022, the preferred rate for those registered to the AIJA seminar will be £ 199.00.
- After 26 May 2022, the rate for those registered to the AIJA seminar will be 10% discount from best available rate the hotel will be selling at that time of the bookings
- AIJA participants will also benefit from a 10% discount in food and beverage when staying at the hotel.
When booking your accommodation, please use the 3rd Party Authorization form and email to reservations@ambassadors.co.uk quoting "Friends House" to get the preferred rate.
Rates are per room, per night, taxes and breakfast.
Please note that rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis according to availability and that we have the special rates until 26 May 2022.
General terms and conditions
By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.
Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.
It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.
Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.
Organising Committee
Ferenc BALLEGEER
FB-tax (BELGIUM)
John DAVIES
Farrer & Co (UNITED KINGDOM)
Katie NEWBURY
Kingsley Napley LLP (UNITED KINGDOM)
Julien TRON
MLL Legal (SWITZERLAND)
Jennifer WILKIE
Burness Paull LLP (UNITED KINGDOM)