Mark Hands

Mark joined Lodders in 2026, bringing with him an outstanding reputation as one of the country’s leading family lawyers, having previously led a regional family law team at a Top 50 UK law firm.

He advises on the most complex and sensitive family law matters, including divorce and financial remedy cases, children disputes, cohabitation and TOLATA claims, applications under Schedule 1, and pre and post nuptial agreements.

Consistently recognised at the highest level by the leading legal directories, Mark is ranked as a Band 1 lawyer by Chambers & Partners (who rank the world’s top law firms and lawyers), a Leading Partner by The Legal 500, “preeminent” by Doyle’s Guide and by Spears 500 (2025) as a ‘Top Recommended’ lawyer putting him amongst the elite of London family lawyers.

Mark is uniquely adept at dealing with both financial and children cases.

He is particularly sought after for complex and technically demanding financial cases involving business interests, pensions, trusts, international assets, tax issues and complex corporate structures whether that be acting for husbands or wives.

His extensive experience advising on and drafting pre and post nuptial agreements gives him a sophisticated understanding of how such agreements are approached, and how they may be challenged where they no longer produce a fair outcome.

Mark’s London practice has been built over many years. He is one of only a handful of lawyers based outside of London that has true expertise in dealing with ‘London-based’ cases. In research conducted by Legal 500 (2024) one commentator stated: “…[He] goes toe to toe with the best in London and wins.”

Mark’s admission to the International Academy of Family Lawyers (a worldwide association of practising lawyers who are recognised by their peers as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries) is recognition of his international expertise in dealing with cases involving cross-border issues and sophisticated wealth structures. His practice spans across various jurisdictions and professional trustees seek his advice where they become involved in family related issues.

Mark also has distinctive experience advising clients from Asian and Jewish communities, including cases involving cultural and family dynamics, third-party family interests, dowry, jewellery and family loans. His practice further includes a notable niche advising footballers and their partners, informed by his own background as a former semi-professional footballer and his knowledge of the industry. He has represented professional football players and partners from clubs in the Premier League. He contributed to the book: ‘Retired: What Footballers Do When the Game’s Up’.

He has dealt with numerous cases where claims are made on behalf of children under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 and has a personal goal to ‘bust the myth’ that these claims are only available to the wealthy.

He is equally recognised for his expertise in highly sensitive children related cases, including matters involving allegations of parental alienation, fact-finding hearings and challenges to CAFCASS recommendations. Mark is known for combining formidable strategic judgment with empathy and emotional intelligence, often working alongside psychologists, counsellors and divorce coaches to support clients through exceptionally difficult circumstances. In addition he is regarded by many as an expert in dealing with family law cases where there are allegations of narcissistic or other abuse in the context of both financial and children matters, whether that be acting for victims or those that have been falsely accused.

A specially trained and accredited Collaborative Lawyer, Mark is a powerful advocate when litigation is required, but equally committed to resolving disputes constructively and privately wherever possible, including through the Collaborative process whereby specially trained lawyers sign a participation agreement committing to resolve issues like finances and child arrangements through respectful meetings and discussions rather than litigation.

Clients value his rare combination of technical excellence, tactical strength, commercial realism and a genuinely down-to-earth, human approach. Mark prides himself on putting client service at the heart of his practice.

In 2016 he was awarded the IAFL Young European Lawyer Award. He won The Birmingham Law Society Solicitor of the Year Award (2015). He sits as Vice-Chair of the Family Law Committee of The Birmingham Law Society and as a Committee Member for Resolution.

Away from work, Mark is a proud father of two, a lifelong sports enthusiast, a supporter of his beloved Manchester United and a keen vegetable grower.

Mark is independently recognised by the leading legal directories as one of the country’s foremost family lawyers, including as a Legal 500 Leading Partner and Chambers & Partners Band 1 ranked lawyer.  He has been described as:

“A powerhouse who is feared across the world of family law. He is an amazing tactician…”

“He is the best family law solicitor I have come across. He is incredibly clever and strategic. His knowledge of the law is second to none…”

“The stand-out partner in the area of family law in Birmingham and the West Midlands and beyond… strategically brilliant… his client care skills are amazing.”

“Mark is the Rolls-Royce of solicitors in this area of law; clients love him.”

“Mark is a superstar of financial remedy in Birmingham.”

“He is as good as it gets anywhere.”

“Clients really like him but opponents also respect him; he has a sensible and pragmatic approach.”

“Mark Hands is truly brilliant. He has gravitas and knowledge way beyond his years. He is equally adept at handling big money cases and complicated children cases..”

“I regularly work with Mark Hands. He is the stand-out partner in the area of family law in Birmingham and the West Midlands and beyond. He is extremely clever, strategically brilliant…his client care skills are amazing. I have recently been involved with him in in very high value cases (measured in the £100s million) and cases involving professional sports people and celebrities… his ability to understand complex corporate structures is second to none.”

A barrister and deputy district judge commented that Mark is: “…one of the region’s stellar matrimonial lawyers… extremely hardworking… always prepared to go the extra mile…”

I am based in Birmingham and work across all of Lodders' offices