About
Christopher specialises in family law and has developed a breadth and depth of experience in all aspects of the law relating to children. Christopher has particular expertise in complex public law cases and regularly represents local authorities, parents and children in care and supervision proceedings, adoption, placement and special guardianship proceedings and other applications under Part IV of the Children Act 1989.
Experience
Having started out in general common law practice, Christopher has since 1999 practised exclusively in family law and has since that time developed a breadth and depth of experience in all aspects of the law relating to children. Christopher has particular expertise in complex public law cases and regularly represents local authorities, parents and children in care and supervision proceedings, adoption, placement and special guardianship proceedings and other applications under Part IV of the Children Act 1989.
Christopher has recently been instructed in cases involving serious allegations of sexual abuse against a number of parties, fabricated and induced illness, parental homicide, and fatal non-accidental head injury. He has particular expertise in matters involving complex or conflicting medical evidence and regularly receives instructions in cases of suspected non-accidental injuries. He is frequently involved in care proceedings which are running in parallel with a criminal investigation or trial.
Christopher has a wealth of experience of vulnerable clients, whether as a result of poor mental health, cognitive deficit, or other disability. He has appeared on behalf of parties who are represented by the Official Solicitor. Christopher also acts in private law children applications, including those with an international element and proceedings in which the inherent jurisdiction is invoked to obtain emergency remedies with respect to children.
Testimonials
“Completely unflappable and very pragmatic in his approach, he regularly argues points with just the right amount of force.” Chambers and Partners 2023
Practice Areas
Public Law Children
Private Law Children
International Family Law
Local Authority
Education and Professional Memberships
University of Leeds LLB (Hons)
Inns of Court School of Law
Family Law Bar Association
Gray’s Inn
Cases
LB Hounslow v M and F [2015] EWFC B214
R (Care Proceedings: Rehabilitation) [2014] EWFC B193
Re A (Care Order) [2014] EWFC B210
The London Borough of Croydon v BU & Ors [2014] EWHC 823 (Fam)
Re KH and HH [2012] EWHC 4027 (Fam) & [2013] EWHC 165 (Fam)
RE O (SUPERVISION ORDER) [2001] EWCA CIV 16
Re T-R and W (Children) (Adoption: Expert Evidence) [2001] 1 FCR 130
