Oliver Woolley

Practice Overview

• Children (Private Law)

  Oliver regularly represents and advises clients in the full range of Private Law Children disputes. He has been instructed in a broad variety of Private Law cases, ranging from relocation to change of name applications and has particular experience in complex cases involving implacable hostility, mental health and domestic violence issues.

• Family Finance & Property

  Oliver has broad experience in the family finance field. He has regularly been instructed in complex matrimonial finance proceedings and disputes between cohabitants concerning property (TOLATA 1996) and financial provision for their children under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989. Oliver also has expertise in acting for interveners in financial remedy proceedings.

• Court of Protection

  During his pupillage under the supervision of Andrew Bagchi QC and Malcolm Chisholm, Oliver gained extensive exposure to Court of Protection work. From that foundation, Oliver has quickly developed a strong expertise in this area, principally in health and welfare cases where he has been instructed by Local Authorities and by the Official Solicitor. Oliver is also interested in cases involving financial arrangements of persons lacking mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.   

• Family Law Act 1996

  Oliver appears at hearings (either without notice and on notice) for both non-molestation and occupation orders. He has acted successfully for both Applicants and Respondents in such applications at final hearings. Oliver has also been instructed in forced marriage order applications (both for family members and on behalf of the applicant).

• What the Directories Say

  "Oliver is a fantastic barrister. He has excellent rapport with clients and always puts everyone at ease. His advocacy is measured, respectful and persusasive. He never fails to go the extra mile to provide a first-class service." Tier 5 - Legal 500, 2025

  "Oliver is personable and immediately puts clients at ease. He instils confidence and always fights tooth and nail for his clients. His understanding of the law is second to none, and he is a smooth and well-accomplished advocate." Tier 4 - Legal 500, 2025

  "Oliver has superb attention to detail, he is always very well prepared, and his advocacy is calm, measured and persuasive. He provides pragmatic and focused advice." Legal 500, 2024

  "Oliver is excellent. His skill is matched only by his charm, which helps clients feel at ease. His advocacy is robust, but in a managed and measured way, and drafting skills are also brilliant." Tier 5 – Legal 500, 2023

  “Oliver has the ability to identify pragmatic solutions to sometimes very complex issues. He will go above and beyond to put me and the client at ease. He has exceptional attention to detail and is incredibly charming.” Tier 5 – Legal 500, 2022

• Notable Cases

  MG v AR [2021] EWHC 3063 (Fam)

  D v E [2016] EWFC 3