Tom Powles

“Tom Powles is very experienced in Family Law, and his professionalism, litigation skills and strategic thinking were paramount in securing my financial future.”

– Legal 500 2026

Tom is the Head of our Family department. He has practised family law since he qualified in 2003 and, since then, has developed specialisms in multiple areas of family law, including children.

Tom also regularly helps clients in separating their finances following the end of a relationship or marriage and offers advice and support about matters concerning domestic abuse.

He advises on surrogacy and donor conception, and assists clients with Parental Orders, as well as other LGBTQ+ matters.

Tom is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and is a Resolution-accredited specialist. Previously, he was also a qualified family mediator and now utilises those skills when seeking to establish a non-contentious approach towards family matters, where appropriate.

Tom is recognised as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in Legal 500 UK 2024 and Chambers and Partners UK 2025 and 2026 for his work in handling sensitive matters, particularly concerning shared care orders and changes of residence. One testimonial states: “Tom has an eye for the important issues in his cases and works hard to achieve their resolution.”

Tom Powles is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.

Qualifications

  • Law Practice Course from the University of the West of England
  • Law (LL.B.) from the University of the West of England

Expertise

  • "Tom Powles is adept at handling sensitive matters, particularly in relation to shared care orders, changes of residence and contentious matrimonial finance cases."
    Legal 500 2026
  • "Tom Powles is very experienced in family law, and his professionalism, litigation skills and strategic thinking were paramount in securing my financial future. I appreciated his empathy with my case, guidance, clear communications and prompt responses to my concerns during the horrendous ordeal."
    Legal 500 2026
  • "I approached Barcan and Kirby for assistance and advice during my acrimonious separation and ultimate divorce. My solicitor is Tom Powles, and we built a good relationship based on trust and collaboration that positively impacted the outcome of the divorce settlement."
    Legal 500 2026
  • "Tom is extremely experienced."

    Chambers and Partners UK 2025
  • "Tom Powles – a very conscientious lawyer, who always gives 100% for the benefit of his clients"
    Legal 500 UK 2023