Henry L A Hood

Practice Areas

Henry’s practice largely comprises complex, high-value financial remedy cases on divorce, often involving cross-border elements and trust structures. Henry regularly advises on nuptial agreements in the context of family wealth protection, where he works closely with Hunters’ leading Private Client advisors.

Henry has a particular specialism in landed estate and farming divorce cases. Henry’s farming background means he is alert to the complexities arising in these cases, including dynastic trusts, partnerships, and liquidity, and he is well-placed to assist clients in developing creative solutions suited to their circumstances.

Henry is also accomplished in sensitive children cases, where his expertise and understanding are highly regarded. Henry recognises the importance of taking a holistic approach to the family’s future, working with therapeutic and other providers where appropriate.

Henry has a strong Dispute Resolution base as an acclaimed mediator, family law arbitrator (finance), and a collaborative lawyer, meaning he is well placed to navigate clients through the range of dispute resolution options which now exist.

Career

Henry heads Hunters’ family department, bringing over 25 years’ experience in HNW family cases.

Having joined Hunters as an articled clerk in 1985, Henry gained initial experience in commercial litigation before becoming the firm’s sole family lawyer. He became a partner of the firm in 1991 and head of the Family department in 2000. Since then he has brought in both partners and junior talent to create one of London’s leading family law teams.

In January 2022 Henry was elected as Hunters’ Senior Partner, committed to promoting cross-departmental collaboration and providing a welcoming and inclusive home for all clients, lawyers and staff.

Professional Memberships

Henry is a Fellow of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers and regularly attends their conferences.

Henry is a member of Resolution (the association of Family Law professionals), of the Agricultural Law Association, the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA)and the Lowtonian Society.

Henry is an accredited Resolution Specialist in complex higher income financial provision and private children law, and an accredited mediator, collaborative lawyer and family arbitrator (finance).

Publications

Henry makes notable media contributions, both raising awareness of family law in the mainstream press (including The Times) and contributing to the development of the law with specialist analysis.

Henry’s recent publications include:

“Digital manipulation of documents” in ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Divorce, October 2022

“How divorce settlements can be influenced by personal asset management during a marriage” in STEP Journal Plus, January 2022

“Thwaite to the rescue?” in Resolution’s The Review, August 2021

“Can I take my child abroad on holiday if the other parent doesn’t agree?” in The Times, June 2021

“Violence is not the only way to impact a settlement” in The Times, June 2020

“Regretful spending decisions: millionaire divorcee to serve as a lesson?” in Family Law, July 2019

“Versteegh's ‘unfair’ £90m divorce settlement” in Family Law, July 2018

Personal

Married with five children, Henry lives in London and Dorset, where he farms (in a non-executive capacity!).