Christopher Sharp KC

Christopher is acknowledged by Chambers and Partners as one of only 4 star Silks in Family Law in the country and he is in constant demand. He is widely known for his expertise in high-value financial remedy, TOLATA and Schedule 1 cases, including those with a foreign element. He is keen to promote ADR and conduct negotiated settlements but equally happy to run cases to trial if necessary and is renowned for his cross examination skills. His experience in personal injury work also translates to cases involving catastrophic injury to one partner where, in subsequent divorce proceedings, financial complexities surround the damages awarded and the particular needs of the injured party. In children cases he is instructed by both local authorities and parents, as well as the Guardian and Official Solicitor, in cases involving the serious injury or death of a child, in which issues involving complex medical evidence frequently arise and where his expertise in the field of personal injury can also be applied. Issues of privacy, and publicity frequently arise.. He regularly appears in the appellate courts.

A visiting Fellow at the University of the West of England, Christopher regularly lectures to solicitors and barristers on developments in the field of financial remedies and contributes articles to the legal press

Recent case load includes:

• Medium term marriage between mature parties, H having brought a modest business to the marriage which then blossomed. Net assets c. £27m; 
• Financial remedies claim having been resolved at trial some years ago, with a joint lives maintenance order, H’s business took off for a period. Issues around variation or termination of maintenance; 
• Long marriage during which H’s career prospered; complicated remuneration package including bonus and share options. Issues of basis of provision for W. 
• “Old money” family with very valuable heirlooms: basis for division of assets. (negotiated settlement) 
• Business started during relationship floated and providing very comfortable life style. Assets c. £50m. (negotiated settlement). 
• Substantial inherited wealth, H suffered catastrophic injury (tetraplegic), long marriage, basis for settlement (negotiated settlement)