Band 2
Provided by Christopher Hames KC
Financial Remedies
International Children Law
Private Children Law
Non-Court Dispute Resolution
Arbitration
Collaborative Law
Early Neutral Evaluation
Private FDR
Direct Access
Christopher is a fearless and persuasive advocate, combining formidable strategic and tactical thinking with a keen forensic insight. He is a specialist in all areas of international law, with the knowledge and experience to take on complex issues of jurisdiction, finance and movement of children.
Christopher’s practice involves resolving difficult international issues concerning both children and substantial financial resources, routinely tackling novel jurisdictional dilemmas in the Court of Appeal and the High Court whether this be in private or public law children, divorce or financial remedies cases.
He was Chair of the CALA since 2018 and regularly participates at international conferences. As Chair, he has been involved in extensive consultations about practice and procedure following the President’s Guidance and on the post Covit-19 lockdown court environment. In February 2020 he gave evidence to the House of Lords EU Justice Sub-Committee on behalf of the Bar Council on “Civil Justice Co-operation after Brexit. His evidence ranged over both divorce/finance and children.
Finance:
His practice covers mainly HNW individuals and cases with an international element including disputes over jurisdiction and forum non conveniens. He has appeared in leading cases concerning legal service payment orders, avoidance of disposition orders and the impact of confiscation orders in financial remedy cases.
Private Children Law:
His private law children work usually involves relocation or an international element. He was lead advocate in Re H-N the leading authority on domestic abuse and controlling behaviour in children cases.
Non-court dispute resolution:
Christopher is an experienced arbitrator in both children and money cases. He is able to combine in one arbitral hearing both issues. He is also available to conduct pFDRs.
Public Children Law:
He has advised local authorities on questions of jurisdiction and placement abroad, including international adoption. He represents parents and guardians only where there is an international element.
Cases:
Please see a selection of reported cases in which Christopher Hames KC was involved.
A & B (Separate Representation), Re [2024] EWHC 2834 (Fam)
Re AB and CD (Children) (No 2) (1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention: Joinder; Set Aside) [2025] EWHC 1463
A v M & Ors [2024] EWHC 2020 (Fam)
E, F And G (Interim Child Arrangements) [2024] EWCA Civ 874
A & Ors (Care Proceedings: Inherent Jurisdiction: Order for Return to Austria), Re [2024] EWFC 178)
Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple
Former Chair of Child Abduction Lawyers Association
Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Association of Lawyers for Children
Member and reviewer for Advocate
Trustee of Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB)
Provided by Chambers
Christopher Hames KC has a notable international children practice and deep expertise in matters concerning the application of the Hague Convention. His financial practice sees him representing high net worth individuals in divorce proceedings. He wins plaudits for his willingness to get fully involved with a case.
Provided by Chambers
Chris is a preferred silk for international matters due to his breadth of knowledge, clear and precise advocacy skills and determination to achieve the best outcome for the client.
He is always well prepared and has a great manner that judges like. Christopher is superb on international children’s law.
A real gentleman who takes a wonderfully collaborative approach. You always feel part of the same cohesive team when you instruct him.
Chris is a preferred silk for international matters due to his breadth of knowledge, clear and precise advocacy skills and determination to achieve the best outcome for the client.
He is always well prepared and has a great manner that judges like. Christopher is superb on international children’s law.
A real gentleman who takes a wonderfully collaborative approach. You always feel part of the same cohesive team when you instruct him.