We are delighted to welcome Darren Francis to rhw’s growing Family Law team. Here is some background to Darren’s career and life thus far!

Darren recently joined the RHW Family law team after qualifying and practicing in a Legal 500 firm in London. He specialises in all areas of family and children law, including issues relating to residence and contact, divorce and ancillary financial matters and pre and post nuptial agreements. He advises unmarried couples in relation to cohabitation agreements and their rights as to ownership of property.  Darren advises on issues involving domestic violence and represents clients both as applicants and respondents in relation to protective injunctions such as Non Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.  He also has a wealth of experience in matters relating to child protection concerns involving local authorities, advising family members on special guardianship orders and representation in contact applications for children in care.

Darren was involved in the reported case of Re J (a child) [2015] EWCA Civ 222 where the the Court of Appeal reconsidered factors to be taken into account regarding adoption applications.

With a professional and approachable manner, Darren thrives in building a rapport with clients and offers practical solutions, helping clients focus on issues that matter whist striving for the best possible results. With his experience of dealing with people from various backgrounds, Darren is responsive to clients’ differing needs in what is often a difficult time in their lives.

Before embarking on a career in law, Darren worked in such diverse fields as retail fashion management and compliance within the Department of Work and Pensions. Throughout his legal career, Darren has maintained strong links within the community, volunteering at various law centres. He has also provided training to students and pro bono advice for London South Bank University Legal Advice Clinic.

Outside of work, Darren enjoys sports, particularly football and when not going to see his team Chelsea, he likes to get involved by being an occasional goalkeeper for a Sunday league team.

Darren can be contacted via email or call him on Guildford