Richard regularly acts for local authorities, parents, grandparents and guardians at all stages of public law children proceedings. Richard has experience of dealing with cases involving non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, physical chastisement, chronic neglect, mental health issues, substance misuse and unaccompanied child asylum seekers. Richard appeared in the High Court on the first case to involve an application to change both a forename and surname in relation to looked after child (Re BC (Child in Care: Change of Forename and Surname) [2024] EWHC 1639 (Fam)). Richard regularly provides training to local authorities.

Further to his expertise in public law children, Richard specialises in private law children proceedings, acting for both parents and 16.4 guardians. Richard is regarded by clients to be ‘down to earth’, solution focused, and well-prepared. Due to such, Richard is often requested to represent clients at repeat hearings. While Richard is a strong believer in encouraging parents to reach a sensible child focused decision, Richard appreciates such outcome will not always be possible. Accordingly, Richard regularly represents clients at final hearings and fact-finding hearings. Some of Richard’s successes have included allegations of rape made against his client being dismissed, obtaining an interim change of residence order in his client’s favour, and obtaining orders for contact when the same has been opposed by professionals.

Richard accepts instructions in relation to proceedings concerning non-molestation orders and occupation orders.

Richard specialises in financial remedy and TOLATA proceedings. Richard is frequently instructed to represent clients at first appointments, FDRs and final hearings. Those instructing Richard have been particularly impressed with his preparation, realistic advice, and the outcomes he has achieved. Richard has assisted on cases involving non-disclosure of international assets, large pensions, inheritance, non-matrimonial property, and complex enforcement applications. Richard recently successfully defended against a claim brought by a husband and intervenors that the beneficial interest in a property was varied by a subsequent agreement.

“I first began instructing Richard as a pupil and was very impressed with his thorough approach. He always went over and above in ways to help the client and so he is one of my first choices for Family work. The clients really like him, and I am often asked by clients to check he is available for repeat hearings. He is very obliging, friendly, and down to earth which puts clients at ease. He prepares very well, and his position statements are comprehensive, clear, and detailed.” – Solicitor at JWP Solicitors

“Rich was a pleasure to instruct. He was calm, measured and clear on his feet even under close scrutiny. He was excellent at supporting our witness and gave helpful and balanced advice in a succinct, accessible way. It was also appreciated that Rich was happy to ‘roll his sleeves up’ when documentation needed updating and amending at swift pace during a hearing and his sensible pragmatism was of great assistance.” – Associate at Bevan Brittan LLP

•  Middle Temple

Re BC (Child in Care: Change of Forename and Surname) [2024] EWHC 1639 (Fam)

Applications to change a forename and/or surname of a child: the law – [2024] Fam Law 1257

• BPP University (Manchester), BTC – Outstanding (2021)
• BPP University (Manchester), LLM – Distinction (2021)
• The University of Liverpool, LLB – First Class Honours (2018)

• Cunningham Scholarship, Middle Temple
• Excellence Scholarship, BPP University
• Career Commitment Scholarship, BPP University
• Best Academic Performance in Family Law, The University of Liverpool