Do you need a barrister?
When a barrister is the right choice
Barristers are specialist advocates who represent clients in court. In family law, you are most likely to need a barrister if your case involves a contested final hearing in the Family Court or Family Division of the High Court — for example, a financial remedy trial, a fact-finding hearing, or a complex children case involving expert evidence or serious allegations.
Many people instruct a solicitor who then briefs a barrister for any hearings. This two-counsel model gives you continuous legal advice from your solicitor alongside specialist advocacy when you need it most. Some barristers also offer Direct Access, meaning you can instruct them directly without first going through a solicitor.
King's Counsel
King's Counsel (KC) is a designation awarded by the King to barristers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise. KCs typically handle the most complex and high-value cases. If your case involves very significant assets, competing expert evidence, or points of law that may be appealed, a KC may be the right choice. Their fees are higher than junior barristers, and they often work alongside a junior barrister in major cases.
Direct Access
If a barrister is Direct Access qualified, you can instruct them without going through a solicitor first. This can reduce costs in simpler cases or at specific stages of a case — for example, attending a single hearing. However, for ongoing proceedings where you need continuous advice, document drafting, and correspondence management, a solicitor is usually essential alongside your barrister.