Department profile
Barcan+Kirby

Family/Matrimonial

UK Guide 2026 : South West


Barcan+Kirby

Rankings

About

Provided by Barcan+Kirby

The family department is one of the largest in Bristol and are recognised for the breadth of experience and expertise within the team, offering the full remit of Family and Matrimonial legal services. Every member of the dedicated matrimonial finance team is a Resolution-accredited specialist and most solicitors across the department hold at least one Law Society panel membership. The department is unique in having its own specialised team dedicated to assisting clients with all aspects of child arrangements, including Surrogacy and Parental Orders, as well as having developed its own domestic abuse team (DAT) who are able to provide support to vulnerable clients, often on an emergency basis. The family team also includes a large and extremely experienced care team, acting for parents, children and other family matters throughout the community in difficult and challenging public law proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family/Matrimonial - South West

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Barcan+Kirby in Bristol is noted for its adept handling of financial remedy proceedings arising from divorce. The team is additionally well placed to advise on private law children cases. The lawyers are experienced in acting for high net worth individuals, among other clients.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They provided excellent communication.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • They provide an exceptional service, and the friendly team are always on hand to give advice.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Throughout my case they were thorough and clear, and they responded quickly and efficiently every time.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Tom Powles
    Band 3Tom Powles

    Tom Powles

    Tom Powles is adept at handling sensitive matters, particularly in relation to shared care orders, changes of residence and contentious matrimonial finance cases.

    • Tom has an eye for the important issues in his cases and works hard to achieve their resolution.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • He is very good at keeping a level head when things are acrimonious.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • He is empathetic and approachable.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Tom gave excellent advice and support throughout the process.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Barcan+Kirby (1)

South West

Members

Provided by Barcan+Kirby

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