Biography

Representing people up and down the country, I’ve successfully litigated the most complex family law cases. The cases I work on involve divorce, money or children.

I’ve helped families with very complicated family law issues in the UK and internationally. I have an established practice representing people across a wide range of financial claims on divorce. This includes a niche area advising in the context of third party intervenor claims. I also have expertise in dealing with overseas trusts and my practice spans across the world, representing large and small business owners and entrepreneurs.

I’ve represented many parents in disputes about their children, including child abductions and relocation locally and abroad. Reunite, the leading UK charity specialising in the movement of children across international borders, lists me as one of five specialist lawyers in the West Midlands that deals with these issues. I'm regarded as an expert in cases involving alienating children, fact find hearings and giving advice to parents and grandparents.

As well as handling complex cases, my passion for football led me to become a registered lawyer with the Football Association. I’ve also contributed to the book ‘Retired: What Footballers Do When The Game’s Up’. My expertise is often in demand from professional football players, who value my ability to combine legal advice with an in depth knowledge of the industry.

Over the years I’ve built up a niche practice advising families from Asian communities. This often includes representing third party family members who may have an interest in matrimonial assets or defending these claims. I’m one of only a handful of specialists in this area and regularly write and lecture on the topic.

I’ve won multiple awards (IAFL European Lawyer Award 2016, Law Society Solicitor of the Year 2015, Jordan’s Family Law Team of the Year 2017, and Birmingham Law Society – Family Law Team Excellence in Client Service 2019).

Outside the office I’m a proud father of two children. I enjoy playing football and I’ve played to a semi-professional level for over a decade. When I’m not celebrating my love of football and sport I also enjoy growing my own vegetables (a welcome break from the children!)

Testimonials

"Extremely well organised’, ‘utterly dedicated to each case' and 'ridiculously hard-working'". - Legal 500, 2018/19

"He is very astute, commercially aware and has a friendly manner." - Chambers, & Partners, 2019

"...not only have you been very efficient, professional and always helpful, you also showed a great deal of compassion which made the whole process much less painful. The results which you achieved were beyond all our expectations and I cannot recommend you enough..." - Former Client

"Thank you for your support and advice during a very difficult time. I would not hesitate to recommend you as a solicitor" - Former Client

“His advice and support have been second to none, he was diligent in seeking my views and constantly kept me informed... Mark represented my interests very efficiently and with great judgement and sensitivity. I would not hesitate in recommending [him].” - Former Client

"... one of the region’s stellar matrimonial lawyers... he is extremely hardworking and is always prepared to go the ‘extra mile’... he is considerate and has repeatedly demonstrated a clear insight into the range of issues faced by clients in a diverse, multi-cultural city like Birmingham.” - Barrister and Deputy District Judge

Publications

Blog - https://thematlawblog.wordpress.com/

Retired: What Footballers Do When The Game's Up, 2016

Read My Comments On The Latest News

11/09/2017
India's Supreme Court Judgment On Islamic Instant Divorces Ban 'Will Begin To Alleviate Stigmas'

“The Indian Supreme Court’s judgment will begin to alleviate stigmas in the country for Muslim women who have been divorced using the triple talaq. It is pleasing to see that India has taken this step, which has the third-largest Muslim population in the world. “It is important to note that Sharia law carried out in the UK has no impact or binding effect on the English courts. However, Sharia establishments in the UK still exist and many Muslim women are unaware of the difference, therefore never trying to pursue an English divorce upon which financial claims can be made. It will therefore be interesting to see if UK Sharia establishments outlaw the triple talaq practice following India’s decision. “As it stands, these women are missing out on valid financial claims that will help to support them after their divorce. While the judgment is a welcome one, a change in attitude towards Muslim women will not happen overnight and will require key members inside and outside of the Muslim community to support a greater drive towards equality.”
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18/01/2016
A Lack Of Planning And Support Leads To A High Number Of Divorces When Footballers Retire

“There is an endemic failure to recognise mental health issues amongst footballers and the emptiness caused at the end of a career, which has a direct and indirect impact on family life. “At a time when they need support from their partner they end up pushing them away and relationship worries then add to the strain felt after stopped doing the only thing they’ve known since they were teenagers. “Yes, for many people being a footballer is a dream job but hundreds of professionals do not enjoy the money and fame that is associated with ‘the beautiful game’. Footballers from the lower leagues don’t earn enough money to support them once their career ends and therefore spend countless hours worrying about what to do when they retire and how they’ll continue to live the lifestyle they’re accustom too. “Players are often advised to settle down and marry whilst they’re young so they’re away from the well-publicised distractions that can harm their career. But not enough is done to provide them with financial guidance and explain why prenuptials may help avoid some of the problems that could come later down the line. “Unfortunately we’ve seen first-hand that often the first time a player speaks freely about their emotions and starts to get the support they need is in the first appointment with their divorce solicitor. “Tony Cascarino’s words should not be ignored and it is worrying to hear his admission that “no wonder marriages fail at this point (after retirement), everything changes and the players feel lost and isolated”. Players may well become coaches and pundits but that may not make the transition any easier. “Football is a unique industry. It is often assumed that splits are financially motivated and there is a distinct lack of empathy amongst the public when often a range of reasons are involved in the decision – ones that could have been prevented. “Despite being modern day celebrities (whether they like it or not) we should not lose sight of that fact that these players have relationship challenges just like many of us do and the football clubs, the governing bodies and everyone with a vested interest in protecting footballers should work together to help prevent so many divorces taking place so soon after retirement.”
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Mark Hands

Key Details

Biography

Testimonials

Publications

Read My Comments On The Latest News

India's Supreme Court Judgment On Islamic Instant Divorces Ban 'Will Begin To Alleviate Stigmas'

A Lack Of Planning And Support Leads To A High Number Of Divorces When Footballers Retire

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