Chris Wells

Chris represents parents, grandparents, and other family members in all areas of private law children work. His practice covers the full range of disputes including:

- Child arrangements orders (where a child should live and how much time they spend with each parent)

- Specific issue orders (disputes about schooling, medical treatment, religion, or relocation)

- Prohibited steps orders (preventing the removal of a child from a parent’s care or from the country)

- Applications to relocate children within the UK or abroad

- Parental responsibility disputes

- Change of name applications

- Grandparents’ contact and extended family involvement

- Allegations of domestic abuse, coercive control, or harmful behaviour

- Fact-finding hearings where serious allegations are made

- Enforcement of contact and breach of orders

- Cases involving parental alienation, implacable hostility, and high-conflict relationships

- Representation of vulnerable parties, including those with learning difficulties or mental health needs

- Urgent and emergency applications

- Family Law Act applications, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders

Chris is calm, approachable, and down-to-earth. He takes a no-nonsense approach, offering honest advice from the outset. He explains each stage of the process in plain English and helps clients focus on practical solutions rather than unnecessarily prolonging disputes.

Chris understands that court proceedings can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. Wherever possible, he makes himself available to speak with clients before a hearing to explain what to expect, answer questions, and offer reassurance. He is also responsive and accessible throughout the process, ensuring clients can contact him with queries or concerns when needed.

Chris’ overriding aim in every case is to secure the best outcome for his client and their child without increasing costs or the number of hearings unnecessarily. He looks for practical and lasting solutions, encouraging early resolution wherever possible. When a hearing is required, his advocacy is persuasive, well-prepared, and focused on the key issues.

As a Direct Access barrister, Chris can be instructed directly by members of the public without the need for a solicitor. He provides clear guidance, strong representation, and a supportive, efficient approach designed to help clients navigate their family law matters with confidence and clarity.

Chris has a broad and well-established public law children practice, acting for parents, children (through their Guardians), and local authorities in care, supervision, placement, and adoption proceedings. His work frequently involves complex medical evidence, allegations of non-accidental injury, neglect, or emotional harm, and multi-party cases with competing expert evidence.

Chris is known for his no-nonsense approach and pragmatic advice. He gives clear, realistic guidance from the outset, ensuring that both clients and instructing solicitors have a firm understanding of the case. His ability to explain complex legal and evidential issues in plain English is valued by clients and professionals alike.

In court, Chris is a persuasive and focused advocate. He combines meticulous preparation with calm, authoritative presentation, ensuring that the key issues are kept firmly in view. His advocacy style is robust yet measured, and he is adept at handling sensitive matters involving vulnerable clients and serious allegations.

Solicitors instruct Chris for his straightforward style, reliability, and consistent results. He works collaboratively and efficiently with legal teams, providing timely communication, realistic advice, and strategic focus throughout every stage of proceedings.

Solicitors can expect Chris to be available if they want to discuss the case (for example by telephone before a hearing) and to provide orders and attendance notes promptly.