“Piers Pressdee KC is recognised as one of the foremost children law advocates in England and Wales, renowned for his expertise in complex child arrangements disputes, international relocation cases and sensitive welfare proceedings. Combining exceptional advocacy with strategic insight and genuine compassion, he has earned the trust of families, solicitors and courts alike in cases where the future of a child is often the most important issue at stake.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Piers Pressdee KC is a leading family law barrister who practises exclusively in children law. Called to the Bar in 1991 and appointed King’s Counsel in 2010, he has built a national reputation for handling complex private, public and international children cases at the highest level.

Consistently ranked in the top tier by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, Piers is regarded as one of the country’s leading specialists in child arrangements disputes, relocation cases, international child law and cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation and serious welfare concerns.

What Piers Pressdee KC does

Piers specialises exclusively in children law and advises on some of the most challenging and sensitive disputes affecting children and families.

His expertise includes:

• Child arrangements disputes
• International and domestic relocation cases
• Parental responsibility disputes
• International child abduction cases
• Jurisdiction and cross-border child law disputes
• Cases involving allegations of domestic abuse
• Parental alienation and alienating behaviours
• Schooling and education disputes
• Public law care proceedings
• Serious abuse and safeguarding cases
• Appeals involving significant children law issues
• Early neutral evaluation and non-court dispute resolution

He is particularly well known for representing parents, guardians and families in highly complex disputes where the future welfare of a child is at stake.

Why he stands out

Piers has earned an outstanding reputation for combining intellectual rigour with practical judgement and exceptional client care.

Legal 500 2026 describes him as:

“One of the finest advocates in the field of children law. His advocacy is clear, persuasive and compelling, marked by a calm authority that reassures both clients and judges alike.”

Chambers & Partners 2026 notes:

“Piers is strategic and just brilliant. His written work is top notch and he is a joy to work with. Clients love him.”

Unlike many advocates, Piers is recognised not only for courtroom excellence but also for his ability to develop winning case strategies long before a hearing begins. His meticulous preparation, forensic attention to detail and calm approach frequently help clients navigate emotionally challenging disputes with confidence.

International children law expertise

Piers is widely regarded as one of the leading barristers in the field of international relocation and cross-border children disputes.

His work regularly involves:

• Applications to relocate children abroad
• International relocation within Europe, North America and beyond
• Cross-border jurisdiction disputes
• International child abduction proceedings
• Cases involving competing legal systems and international family arrangements

He has appeared in numerous reported international children law cases and is frequently instructed in matters involving complex international elements.

Reported cases and significant litigation

Piers has appeared in many leading reported children law decisions, including:

• GM & Anor v EB & Anor (Rules of Evidence) [2024]
• MG v AR (Security for Costs) [2022]
• MY v FY (Contact) [2021]
• AY v AS and Another (Relocation) [2020]
• R (Care Proceedings: Joinder of Foster Carers) [2022]
• CTD (A Child: Rehearing) [2021]
• M (A Child) (Secure Accommodation) [2018]
• Re F and H (Children: Relocation) [2008]

His extensive appellate work has contributed to the development of modern children law practice and procedure.

Thought leadership and professional contributions

Piers is widely respected for his contribution to children law education and professional development.

His roles and publications include:

• Co-author of Dictionary of Private Children Law
• Contributor to Family Law and Family Law Week
• Co-author of The Public Law Outline: The Court Companion
• Co-author of Contact: The New Deal
• Contributor to Halsbury’s Laws of England

He is a regular lecturer for leading family law organisations and conferences, including Resolution, Family Law Week and specialist children law events.

His expertise has also been featured by national media including the BBC, Sky News, The Times, The Observer and The Independent.

Approach to clients

Piers is known for combining exceptional legal expertise with empathy and accessibility. Clients frequently praise his ability to explain complex issues clearly while remaining calm and reassuring during highly emotional disputes.

His collaborative approach allows him to work effectively with solicitors, experts and families to identify practical solutions wherever possible. When litigation becomes necessary, he is recognised as one of the most persuasive and effective advocates in the field.

Recognition and trust signals

• King’s Counsel since 2010
• Called to the Bar in 1991
• Consistently ranked Top Tier by Legal 500
• Consistently ranked by Chambers & Partners
• Shortlisted for Family Law KC of the Year 2024
• Shortlisted for Family Law Silk of the Year 2024
• Former Co-Chair of the Association of Lawyers for Children
• Former member of the National Family Justice Board
• Member of the Family Law Bar Association
• Recognised nationally as a leading children law specialist