Chris Lloyd-Smith

My role

I am a partner in the matrimonial team at Anthony Collins. Having qualified in 2004, I have predominantly dealt with divorce and financial matters, as well as associated children issues since qualification. I joined Anthony Collins in 2015 and have seen the team grow from strength to strength during that time. I am proud to have been ranked as Band 2 in Chambers and Partners as well as being named a ‘Next generation partner’ in the Legal 500, with my team as a collective being ranked Band 1 and Tier 1 respectively. I am an accredited family mediator and am authorised to conduct mediation information and assessment meetings (MIAMs). Within mediation matters I am authorised to speak to children directly so as to give them a voice within the discussions and have their thoughts and feelings taken into consideration during the process, this is otherwise known as ‘child inclusive’ mediation.

Alongside working directly with separating couples both as a solicitor and in mediation, I am also authorised to advise both parties upon separation. Recent changes in legal regulations now allow parties to take that one step further and jointly instruct one lawyer to resolve any issues arising from their divorce or separation quickly, amicably and together. This change to the legal regulations applies to both those who are married; in civil partnerships or those who share children. As with my mediation qualifications, I have trained with Resolution to enable me to offer this service to separating couples – this way of working is now known as ‘Resolution Together’.

As part of my commitment to the Resolution code of practice, I was elected in 2021 as chair of the Resolution’s West Midlands group and sit also on the national regional liaison committee for Resolution as the regional liaison for the West Midlands. My tenure as chair will be coming to an end in autumn 2023, however, I will continue to sit on the committee for the Resolution’s West Midlands group as well as continue my role as a regional liaison and an active member.

My experience

I have particular experience in dealing with complex financial matters arising from divorce, especially those where there are business assets, pension(s) and/or trust assets. With regard to matters involving children, I have acted in a number of parental alienation cases as well as those where allegations of violence have been made against a parent or child. I hope to provide my clients with pragmatic, family-focused advice that will ensure goals are focused on both the short-term outcome but also the wider lasting effect on their family relationships.

As an accredited family mediator, I have mediated numerous financial and child-related matters. I receive most of my instructions from other solicitors as well as directly from the court. As detailed above, there are a number of services that I am able to offer clients depending on their particular circumstances, geographical location and financial resources.

Whilst the changes to the legislation, allowing one lawyer to resolve issues for separating couples, are very recent, I have built on my mediation training to enable me to offer Resolution Together as a service to my clients. This will entail being instructed by both applicants in divorce or civil partnership dissolution applications as well as being able to guide couples through the process of separating their financial relationships and enshrining any agreement reached in a binding court order. ​

“Christopher Lloyd-Smith is experienced in preparing pre-and post-nuptial agreements and is also an accredited mediator and Resolution-accredited specialist, for both financial matters and those involving children.” – Legal 500, 2023

“Chris Lloyd-Smith and Elizabeth (Liz) Wyatt lead by example. I highly rate both individuals for their pragmatic approaches in cases. They are both seen to be highly approachable to the younger members in their team, this was particularly key during the pandemic. Both combine exceptional client care with an impressive knowledge of the law‘. – Legal 500, 2023

“The team is at the forefront of family law in the region. From knowledge of the law to client care and support they are second to none! Chris Lloyd-Smith is a standout partner. He is highly knowledgeable but also develops a great rapport with clients.” – Legal 500, 2023

“Christopher Lloyd-Smith is always excellent. He doesn’t break a sweat over multi-million pound financial remedy cases and is a smooth operator”. – Legal 500, 2023

“Christopher is always excellent.” – Chambers and Partners, 2023

“He is a smooth advocate who’s very well regarded.” – Chambers and Partners, 2023

“Chris Lloyd-Smith is a trained mediator as well as a partner in the department. He is able to give his clients clear, focused advice at a very early stage. He is extremely well respected with his peers which means that he strikes up an easy rapport with the other side in cases. His people skills are phenomenal. He will often be able to bring about a satisfactory conclusion in some of the most acrimonious of cases.” – Legal 500, 2022