Family

Luke's areas of practice include financial remedy proceedings and Children Act 1989 proceedings, as well as guiding clients through the process of divorce. Luke also has experience advising on the breakdown of unmarried but cohabiting couples, and concomitant proceedings under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. He has acted in a number of contested reported cases, and many more cases which have end in private and consensual resolutions. In the non-contentious sphere, Luke also advises clients in the drafting and agreement of pre and post nuptial agreements. Much of his caseload involves high net worth families with an international element.

In the last twelve months, Luke acted for the applicant wife in HO v TL [2023] EWFC 215 (Finances) (https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewfc/2023/215) securing a very favourable result for his client. The judgment clarifies the law in relation to business valuations and trusts.

Luke also writes widely on topics such as mental capacity, the role of trusts, and family businesses. He spoke at a Thought Leaders conference in March 2024 on the subject of Modern Relationships. Luke was also instrumental in PHB’s Mental Health and Family Breakdown initiative.

Luke joined Payne Hicks Beach as a trainee in 2015, qualified into the Family department in 2017 and was promoted to senior associate 2023.

Luke studied Theology at Durham University (2013) and completed his legal training at BPP (2015).