Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2022
'His written work was top drawer and he dealt with a complex and emotive case with empathy and grace. One to watch!'
Instructing Solicitor
Ben Woolstencroft specialises in financial remedies and private children work, with particular experience in international children and child abduction cases.
In financial remedies, Ben regularly represents clients at First Appointments, FDRs and final hearings. His practice encompasses applications under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, as well as interim applications including maintenance pending suit, legal services orders and other financial relief. He has experience of cases involving substantial assets, complex financial arrangements and disputed financial needs.
Ben also has a particular interest and growing practice in international children cases, including applications for the return of children under the 1980 Hague Convention and other child abduction proceedings. He regularly represents parents in private children proceedings, including multi-day fact-finding and final hearings. He also undertakes work under the Family Law Act 1996, including applications for protective injunctions.
Ben joined Harcourt as a tenant in October 2024, having completed pupillage under the supervision of Suzanne Syme, Daniel Sheridan, Rob George and Mehvish Chaudhry. He previously worked at the Court of Appeal of England and Wales as judicial assistant to Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Moylan, gaining extensive experience in family law, including matrimonial finance, private children and international child abduction.
Ben studied Classics at the University of Cambridge before converting to law. During his legal studies, he gave supervised advice on family issues at the City Legal Advice Clinic and delivered a seminar on relocation law to an audience of current and aspiring family law barristers.
To instruct Ben or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Family Finance & Financial Remedy
Ben regularly represents clients at First Appointments, FDRs and final hearings. His practice encompasses applications under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, as well as interim applications including maintenance pending suit, legal services orders and other financial relief. He has experience of cases involving substantial assets, complex financial arrangements and disputed financial needs.
Ben regularly represents parents in private children proceedings, including multi-day fact-finding and final hearings. He also undertakes work under the Family Law Act 1996, including applications for protective injunctions.
Ben has a particular interest and growing practice in international children cases, including applications for the return of children under the 1980 Hague Convention and other child abduction proceedings.
Application by father for a delaration that the child had been wrongfully retained by his mother in Russia and was habitually resident in the UK at the point of retention.
'His position statement was excellent, and he was very pragmatic, approachable and constructive.'
Instructing Solicitor
'Super impressed with Ben - detailed PS and AN of the hearing which was very useful. He was also really helpful afterwards with the draft order and dealing with the client’s questions. Great communication.
I have already recommended Ben to my colleagues and would happily instruct him on future matters.'
Instructing Solicitor
'Ben has been one of the exceptional individuals I have instructed who has fully grasped and comprehended the case. His preparation was impeccable, and he maintained excellent communication with me throughout the two days of instruction keeping me updated on everything. Ben has presented a meticulous approach to his work which is evident from the very thorough and detailed attendance note he provided me after the hearing was concluded, which enabled me to debrief my client the following day. My client was also highly impressed with his work and greatly appreciated his comprehensive understanding of her case, especially considering he had received the papers only a few days before the hearing. Ben's ability to grasp the intricate detailed nuances of cases quickly and accurately is admirable. Ben is a brilliant addition to Harcourt and I look forward to working with him more in the future.'
Instructing Solicitor
'I wanted to drop you a line, just to say how impressive Ben was as an oppo on a case last week, his written work was top drawer and he dealt with a complex and emotive case with empathy and grace.'
Instructing Solicitor
'I just got a call from the client represented by Ben at this hearing, saying that Ben was amazing and he really wishes he will represent him at the final hearing. I really agree with him.'
Instructing Solicitor
'Ben was extremely well-prepared and the client was very pleased with his advocacy on his behalf which really made a difference in this case.
Ben has already been chosen by my client to deal with the next hearing. He provided a very comprehensive AN and an excellent PS. My client and I were very happy with him and would not hesitate to book him again.'
Instructing Solicitor
The High Court has considered the use of its inherent jurisdiction to seek the return of a child from Russia, a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention, where the Convention…
We’re excited to announce a brand-new series of finance-focused webinars designed specifically for junior solicitors (0–7 years PQE), trainees, and paralegals. These sessions will provide practical insights and guidance on…
Justine Ramsden and Ben Woolstencroft talk about the Cafcass domestic abuse practice policy in their latest webinar with For Media Group.
In the webinar they delve into the rationale…