Mark Hands Family Law Expert

30/08/2025

Living amongst someone with NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is challenging, but exiting that relationship can be even more difficult. It can be compounded where one party has the financial means to use the litigation as an extension of that abuse or to make false allegations (both are damaging). In these circumstances it is important to recognise the signs and put in place techniques to combat the effects

A true narcissist exhibits behaviors that hurt your health. Learn the signs you're dating a narcissist and how to get out.

30/08/2025

Living amongst someone with NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is challenging, but exiting that relationship can be even more difficult. In such circumstances it is vital to choose a family lawyer that understands narcissistic abuse (and can implement techniques to reduce wasted costs) including defending allegations where these are falsely made

A true narcissist exhibits behaviors that hurt your health. Learn the signs you're dating a narcissist and how to get out.

19/07/2025

Beware of the Font!

Uncovering hidden assets is one of the most rewarding parts of being a family lawyer. It can come in many forms. In my experience it is now far more sophisticated than ‘the hidden bank account’.

In one recent case of mine it became apparent that the font used on a loan agreement (seeking to reduce the pot by a substantial sum) had not even been created by Microsoft at the time the agreement was allegedly entered into by the relevant party(!).

On the opposite side - it can be hugely damaging to matrimonial finances when false allegations of non disclosure are made. Successful defending those cases can be equally satisfying.

Listening (very carefully) to the clients story is essential. This informs everything. Surveying all the evidence and using forensics or analytical experts, where appropriate, helps build a case

Andrew Williams, a millionaire shipping executive, has been ordered to pay £12.5 million in divorce settlement after being found guilty of hiding assets.

04/01/2024

Narcissism…

It is an over (and often incorrectly) used label. But how do you recognise it?

Dealing with narccistic personalities following separation is a challenge. Having supported many clients that have either been married to a narcissist or falsely accused/labelled as such (often by the narcissistic partner), it is a crucial skill for any family lawyer to identify this at the earliest possible stage. This will model the strategies deployed, not only to deal with the legal process, but also the emotional journey of the client - which, in my experience, must be supported by professionals such as Dr Supriya McKenna MBBS and Dr. Daksha Hirani DClinPsy / Parmi Psychological Services Ltd who specialise in dealing with this highly complex personality disorder

Clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula joins Hoda & Jenna to discuss narcissism: what it is exactly, how to recognize the signs, the difference between narcissism and gaslighting, and ways to effectively deal with the narcissist in your life.

04/09/2023

Although not a UK based article, narcissism in a relationship is a global issue; the principles are the same wherever you reside. Narcissists are brilliant manipulators and it is therefore important that victims are surrounded by strong legal and emotional support. Equally, this experience enables us to identify where a party has been falsely accused, the damage caused by which can be similarly profound

Lawyers and mediators share their best tips on how to divorce a narcissist and tackle custody issues with effectiveness.

05/05/2023

*Long Post Apology* Insanely busy start to 2023! Some highlights have included being a Finalist in the Partner of the Year category at the Birmingham Law Society Awards, having the privilege of being asked to deliver a talk at the STEP – Advising Families Across Generations seminar on the treatment of offshore and onshore trusts in the context of a divorce, Fiona Farrell being named as Solicitor of the Year, Saffron Burgess qualifying, continuing to connect with all of my old friends and contacts. I am very privileged to lead our Birmingham family team whilst also working nationally. So much to look forward to in the year ahead, including our own webinar with my friend and lawyer Gloria James-Civetta (Ph.D.student) and our Webinar being hosted in May. I would also like to thank everyone who continues to recommend my services. I can never thank you as much as I would like, but it is the lifeblood of any practice and is genuinely appreciated! One last push and then looking forward to the Summer break ☀️(when it gets here)…

01/02/2023

29/09/2022

Super proud to be ranked in the Legal 500 (a global directory for ranking lawyers). Incredibly humbled by all of the comments. Not sure how I feel to be told that I am “…feared across the world of family law…” 🫣 but it must mean we represent our clients robustly where necessary! This is, however, a testament to our whole team, evident by the plaudits my colleagues received below. We also achieved a Tier 1 ranking which means we are regarded as one of the best family law teams in the Midlands 🥳🙌…

07/04/2022

Very kind of this client to take the time to write a review. This was a particularly complex financial remedies case, which was challenging, but dealt with from start to finish outside of the court arena

11/03/2022

Raising awareness of gaslighting and narcissistic characteristics in the context of relationships is essential; not only for those individuals who are the victims of abuse, but also perpetrators to gain insight as to the impact of such damaging behaviours. These issues need to be carefully argued, both on behalf of victims and also in defence to those who assert that they have been falsely accused of inflicting such abuse. Lucy Todd and I will be sharing our vast experience in this area by shortly releasing a series of articles and guidance. This is an informative piece by Relate … wishing my connections a nice weekend

Gaslighting can undermine your self-belief — find out how to recognise it and what you can do to address it

25/02/2022

What a wonderful way to start and end the week. This case was particularly difficult, requiring us to act on short notice to secure urgent orders. Brilliant outcome for the client makes the job worthwhile .

21/10/2021

Very proud to feature in Chambers and Partners rankings for the 6th year in a row. Congratulations to all my fellow and talented colleagues at Irwin Mitchell who are also involved, to my clients for giving me the opportunity to work with them and all those that recommend my services and always support me. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

"Mark's vast experience, impressive attention to detail and empathy are a winning combination." "He is hard-working, exceptionally clever and pragmatic, with a detailed knowledge of the law." "He is phenomenally well organised and gives very sensible, pragmatic advice."