Family Court Appeals:
Challenging Unfair Decisions
Specialist help with appealing or overturning unfair family court decisions.
If you feel the family court has made the wrong decision - about money or children - you are not alone. I understand how upsetting it can feel when a judgment seems unfair or doesn’t reflect what happened in court.
If you are unsure what your next steps should be, or whether it is possible to get the decision overturned, I can guide you through your options clearly and realistically.
What I do
Specialist help when you think the judge made a mistake.
I am Mark Harrop, a specialist family barrister at 1GC Family Law - the Family Law Awards’ Family Law Chambers of the Year 2025.
I have over 15 years’ experience working directly with litigants to secure the best outcome in family proceedings.
Representing yourself in family proceedings can be hard work. Sometimes, you only find out at a final hearing just how hard. But all may not be lost.
My clients describe me as intelligent, pragmatic and approachable, and I work hard to keep the process as clear as possible. I can offer fast, clear and realistic advice on whether the decision can be challenged, and then help you take the next steps if an appeal is realistic.
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Typical Situations I Can Help With
Perhaps:
the judge overlooked or misunderstood important evidence
the hearing felt rushed or unfair
the wrong legal test was applied
the order doesn’t reflect what was discussed
the judge gave inadequate or unclear reasons
something went wrong procedurally
If any of these sound familiar, a Stage 1 review will tell you whether you have grounds.
I can advise on decisions relating to:
financial remedies on divorce
arrangements for children
domestic abuse and non-molestation orders
property (TOLATA) disputes between unmarried couples
finance and property decisions in the court of protection
Legal 500
“Incredibly intelligent, sensible and pragmatic. He is calm and unflappable even in situations where many would crumble.”
Citywealth Leaders List
“Exceptionally good at what he does and manages to combine sensible, practical and pragmatic advice with a caring attitude … whilst remaining completely approachable.”
What do you need right now?
Clear steps. Transparent fees. No surprises.
I find it helpful to structure my service into three distinct stages so you always know exactly where you stand.
Jump straight to the point that you need help with right now.
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Stage 1 - Advice
A clear assessment of whether the decision can be challenged.
I will review the papers and explain whether an appeal is likely to succeed.
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Stage 2 - Drafting
Already sure you want to appeal?
I will draft your appellant’s notice, grounds of appeal and legal submissions.
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Stage 3 - Hearings
I can represent you at any permission hearing and at the appeal.
A few things to think about right now
Is there a deadline?
Absolutely. And it’s pretty short - 21 days for most final decisions, and just 7 days for case management decisions. It is possible to apply “out of time”, but it’s much better to be in time if possible. If your deadline is imminent, please contact me urgently.
If the time limit has already passed, you should still get in touch - we can still explore whether a late appeal may still be possible.
What happens next?
Fill in the contact form and let me have whatever record you have of the judgment or the reasons for the decision. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can (usually within 24 hours) with a quote and we’ll take it from there.
This is all pretty overwhelming
You’re absolutely right it is, and that’s why I’m here to guide you through every step of the way. You don’t need everything organised, just send me what you have (PDFs or clear photos are fine) and I’ll walk you through it from there.
I am the respondent to an appeal
No problem at all. I can help you decide whether to file a Respondent’s Notice and explain what is likely to happen next. If there is going to be an appeal hearing, I can help you with that too.
Ready to discuss your appeal?