John Hooper

Profile – John Hooper About the Lawyer John Hooper is a specialist family lawyer known for his expertise in high-net-worth divorce and separation cases. He is the sole director of John Hooper & Co, a family law firm based in Nottingham, England. Established in May 1995, the firm focuses on the financial aspects of relationship breakdowns and acts for clients throughout the Midlands. John Hooper and his team have extensive experience in handling complex financial disputes between spouses, including those involving substantial assets, pensions, offshore trusts, private and public companies, and financial applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. The firm maintains close working relationships with specialist divorce counsel, forensic accountants, and valuers to provide comprehensive legal support for clients involved in high-value financial claims arising from divorce or separation. <h2>Experience</h2><p> John Hooper qualified as a solicitor in 1987 and has focused his career on family law with a particular concentration on high-net-worth divorce and separation. In 1992, he moved to Nottingham and practised as a specialist family lawyer in the Family Courts of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, preparing and presenting cases principally involving financial disputes between divorcing spouses and separating cohabitees. In May 1995, he became a partner in and then founded his current practice as John Hooper &amp; Co, a boutique family law firm dedicated to complex financial work arising from relationship breakdowns.</p><p> Over several decades in practice, he has developed a reputation as a leading family law specialist in financial claims on divorce, representing clients in high-worth financial disputes that frequently include intervenors, offshore trusts and corporate assets. His work encompasses the negotiation and litigation of intricate financial structures, including business interests and pension arrangements, as well as long-term income and capital provision following the breakdown of marriage or civil partnership. John has also advised on financial arrangements for children where substantial resources are in issue, ensuring that high-net-worth financial positions are properly reflected in court orders and negotiated settlements.</p><h2>Specialty</h2><p> John Hooper’s practice is centred on high-value financial remedies in the context of divorce and separation. His work is focused on the following core areas within high-net-worth family law:</p><ul> <li> <strong>High-Net-Worth Divorce &amp; Separation</strong>: Negotiation and finalisation of complex financial settlements following the breakdown of marriage or long-term relationships, including cases involving substantial property portfolios, business interests and sophisticated pension arrangements. </li> <li> <strong>Financial disputes involving offshore trusts and corporate assets</strong>: Advising and acting in cases where family wealth is held through companies, partnerships, trusts or structures in other jurisdictions, and where tracing, valuation and disclosure issues are central to the outcome of the financial remedy proceedings. </li> <li> <strong>Applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989</strong>: Pursuing or defending high-value applications for financial relief for children, including maintenance, school fees and capital or lump sum provision, particularly where one or both parents are high-net-worth individuals. </li> <li> <strong>Cohabitation cases with significant assets</strong>: Resolving financial and property disputes between former cohabitees where substantial assets, business interests or investments are involved, including disputes over beneficial ownership and contributions to family wealth. </li> <li> <strong>International high-net-worth family law</strong>: Acting in matters with cross-border financial or jurisdictional elements, particularly those involving connections with the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, and advising on the strategic choice of forum and recognition or enforcement of financial orders across jurisdictions. </li></ul><p> Across these areas, his firm’s focus is on delivering tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals navigating complex financial and familial legal matters arising from divorce and separation.</p><h2>Education</h2><p> John Hooper was educated at St Andrew’s College and Christ Church in New Zealand. He earned his LLB degree from Otago University, New Zealand, in 1980. He later qualified as an English solicitor and has also been admitted as a New Zealand barrister and solicitor, underpinning his capability to advise on international family law issues with Australasian connections within the context of high-net-worth divorce and separation.</p>

• Achievements and Recognition
  • John Hooper is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
  • John Hooper & Co is independently recognised by the Legal 500 and ranked joint number one in the East Midlands for Family Law.
  • John Hooper & Co was shortlisted in three categories at the Family Law Awards 2024, including Regional Family Law Chambers of the Year, Family Law Clerking Team of the Year, and Family Law Young Barrister of the Year.
  • John Hooper & Co was voted Regional Family Law Chambers of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2023.
  • John Hooper & Co is praised for its high standard of client service in Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with strong work in financial remedy and children law proceedings.