Kevin Skinner

Kevin is a leading family and children law solicitor based in London, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and families navigate some of the most complex and emotionally challenging legal issues. A partner at Goodman Ray LLP, he is widely recognised for his skill in resolving international child custody disputes, child abduction cases, and high-stakes care proceedings.

International Child Abduction Specialist

As a specialist in cross-border family law, Kevin regularly advises on international child abduction under the Hague Convention, as well as proceedings involving Wardship and the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court. His expertise makes him a go-to solicitor for clients facing international custody issues, particularly where there are multiple jurisdictions involved.

Children Law Solicitor

Kevin also acts in a wide range of public and private children law matters, including:

Child Arrangements Orders (lives with, spends time with)

Internal relocation, and leave to remove applications

Care proceedings, especially those involving non-accidental injuries, and concurrent criminal investigations

He is also experienced in Court of Protection work, advising families and carers on legal protections for vulnerable adults, capacity assessments, and safeguarding.

A well respected and practiced Children Law speaker

Kevin is not only a sought-after legal representative but also an active voice in legal education and advocacy. He has delivered seminars and training for organisations such as the Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC), NSPCC, NIA Project, and IMECE. His written contributions appear regularly in Jordans Family Law and LexisNexis, and he is a listed speaker for Amnesty International, where he discusses human rights issues including the death penalty and gender-based violence.

Kevin has consistently been ranked in Chambers & Partners: Band 1 (cross-border disputes – children), Band 2 (public law matters – care proceedings), and Legal 500: recognised for family and children law. He is also recognised in Spear’s 500 (2025): recommended children lawyer, and the Doyles Guide (2025): recommended international children lawyer.

Family Law Awards and Memberships

He was nominated for Family Law Awards (2024), International Family Lawyer of the Year. He won the ALC Award (2013), Outstanding Newcomer in Children Law; that same year he was nominated for a Family Law Award (2013) as Young Solicitor of the Year.

His professional memberships include Resolution, Association of Lawyers for Children, Human Rights Lawyers Association, International Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Child Abduction Lawyer Association (CALA), Amnesty International and the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association.

Kevin joined Goodman Ray in 2006 and became a partner in 2015. Known for his compassionate approach and strategic insight, he is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for families and children – no matter how complex the case.

Kevin is a member of Resolution, the Human Rights Lawyers Association, the Association of Children Lawyers, Young Legal Aid Lawyers, Amnesty International, the Lesbian and Gay Lawyer Association, and the Child Abduction Lawyer Association

What issues do local authorities face when trying to find appropriate placements? LexisNexis, 14 January 2014

The Hague Convention and the article 13 defence, LexisNexis, 3 June 2013

Without notice applications and litigants in persons, LexisNexis, 9 December 2013

Enforcement by way of committal proceedings, LexisNexis, 30 July 2013

Court examines the rights of biological, but not legal, parents, LexisNexis, 11 February 2013

Court of Appeal halts adoption proceedings in Vitamin D deficiency case, LexisNexis, 5 October 2012

Adoption, public policy and integrity; Re PW: – Jordan Family Law, May 2012, volume 42, page 577

Confidentiality in Children Cases after Doncaster MBC V Haigh – Jordan Family Law, December 2011, volume 41, page 1348

Family Law: Court Considers Request to Disclose Details of Proceedings, LexisNexis, 4 October 2011

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007: Two Years On – Jordan Family Law, January 2011, volume 41, Page 76