Children - Private Law (CAP) Cases

Children Act 1989 Holly was involved in a case in which the father sought a child arrangements order, which the mother opposed.  The mother alleged that she had suffered serious domestic abuse at the hands of the father.  During the proceedings, cross-applications were made for disclosure of the case papers to the Crown Prosecution Service, … Continue reading →

Nicole acted for the applicant father in a multi-day fact-finding hearing where cross-allegations had been made. Both parties were assisted by interpreters. The mother had alleged that the father had been physically, sexually, and financially abusive and had been controlling and coercive towards her. She also alleged that the father had physically abused the children. … Continue reading →

Kevin Jackson represented the father who had been refused contact with his young daughter for over 2 years. There were allegations of domestic abuse against him. His daughter had health issues and developmental delay, which made communication difficult. There was an earlier report from CAFCASS recommending that there be no direct contact. At the court … Continue reading →

  Resolving A Child Arrangements Dispute At The First Court Hearing   Kevin represented the mother of a young child in a case where the father had applied for a defined ‘spend time with’ order (formerly known as a contact order). The mother was nervous about speaking in court and was worried about legal expenses … Continue reading →

Case Summary Marie represents a father who is seeking an order for his young child to live with him as a result of concerns for the welfare of the child. Children’s Services are involved and it is understood that they also have concerns.   He had also made allegations of domestic abuse which need to … Continue reading →

Case Summary Marie represents a father who had retained the children after contact because of welfare concerns. He was acting as a litigant in person until very recently, after a year of proceedings. The court had ordered the children to go back to the mother, and although the mother was not objecting to contact continuing, … Continue reading →

CASE SUMMARY Kevin was instructed by solicitors to represent a parent in family proceedings where there was an issue between the parents as to what child arrangements would be in the best interests of the child. The parents were not able to resolve the issues and so the court listed the case for final hearing … Continue reading →

Case Summary Marie represents a father of a young child, separated from the mother. He retained the child after a period of agreed contact. He was very concerned that he had received information that the child had been caught up in a domestic violence incident between the mother and her ex partner. The child had … Continue reading →

Case Summary Legal Aid funding had only been secured 2 weeks prior to the final hearing in a private law matter. It was clear that the client had not been given a fair opportunity to demonstrate her progress with her alcohol issues. There was also a significant concern in respect of domestic abuse and ongoing … Continue reading →

Case Summary Marie represents a father of a young child, separated from the mother. He retained the child after a period of agreed contact. He was very concerned that he had received information that the child had been caught up in a domestic violence incident between the mother and her ex partner. The child had … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where the child had alleged sexual abuse by the Father. The matter had been dealt with by the Police and Children’s Services. The Father then made an application to spend time with the child and Marie was instructed to represent her client. A Children’s Guardian was appointed under … Continue reading →

Marie represents the Mother in a case where an order was made by consent a few years ago. As a result of the Father subsequently moving several hundred miles away, the contact arrangements and handovers have become difficult and in dispute between the parties. The case was listed for a FHDRA and both Parties agreed … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a private children’s case where an order was made by consent and listed for review to see how it has progressed. Unfortunately, over the adjournment period, contact had completely broken down. Marie’s client believed this was as a result of the Father again abusing cocaine and alcohol (which had previously … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in a situation where he had been sharing the care of the children after separation. Disputes subsequently arose between the Parties and contact was suspended by the Mother. A Children and Families assessment had recently been completed by the Local Authority. At the FHDRA the Judge adjourned the case for this … Continue reading →

Dean represented a Mother in a claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 for financial support from the Father in respect of their child. The matter progressed to a multi-day contested final hearing following which the client was awarded permission to reside with the child in the property solely owned by the Father … Continue reading →

Marie represented a child and Guardian, who was appointed under Rule 16.4 in this private law case. The Father sought contact with the child and the Mother was implacably hostile to contact, hence the need for a Guardian to be appointed. Both Parties had made domestic abuse allegations against each other and a four-day fact-finding … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had escaped with a child from a violent relationship. The Father was convicted of violent offences against her and of harassing and stalking her. The case was listed for a fact finding hearing and there was no contact in the interim, since Cafcass considered it unsafe until a proper risk … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in a case where a final order was made two years ago in respect of his two children, for shared care. This involved them living with him and their Mother on an exactly 50/50 basis. The Mother made an application for a Specific Issue Order as a result of the Parents … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father in a case where his application to spend time with his child was proceeding (having been suspended by the Mother after an argument). His contact had been alternate weekend staying contact. When the interim contact arrangement of once per week supervised visiting contact, which was put in place pending final hearing, … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had obtained a Non Molestation Order in respect of her husband, from whom she is separated. He had made an application for a CAO to spend time with the children. The Mother opposed interim contact between the Father and the children. The Court decided they did not need to have … Continue reading →

Cara acted for the Applicant in an application was for enforcement of a child arrangements order. The first hearing had been used as a FHDRA and the previous child arrangements order discharged. The Section 7 report had been received for this hearing which suggested a change of residence to the Applicant and for the Respondent … Continue reading →

This case originally began as a Public Law case but was restarted as Private Law. After a highly contested Final Hearing, the child was to remain with the then current carers under a Special Guardianship Order. The Mother suffers with fairly significant mental health issues and also has alcohol and drug abuse issues. She was … Continue reading →

Nicole represented an Applicant, who was a very vulnerable individual with multiple medical conditions. The Applicant had felt pressurised into letting the Respondent (her brother), his partner and their child stay temporarily at her property where she was the sole tenant. Allegations were then made against the Respondent and he refused to leave. Upon hearing … Continue reading →

Nicole acted for the Respondent in a case where the Applicant Father had made a Child Arrangements Order application to spend time with his daughter. The Applicant Father and Respondent Mother had made cross-allegations of domestic abuse. The Court decided that a Fact-Finding Hearing was necessary. Nicole represented the Respondent Mother at a Directions Hearing. … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in a case where she had not been legally represented at a fact-finding hearing within proceedings concerning an application by the Father to spend time with the children. At the fact finding hearing, the Mother had unfortunately failed to prove her allegations of domestic abuse (possibly due to lack of legal … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father in his application to spend time with his child. He is a foreign national with leave to remain in the UK, and the Mother is non-domiciled, with properties around the world. The Father has not seen the child for several months, as the Mother is refusing contact. The child resided in … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where there had been a fact finding hearing at which she was unrepresented, at which none of the findings in relation to domestic abuse she sought against her ex-partner were found proved. The children had not seen their Father for some time, as the Mother’s position was that … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother, who has mental health and alcohol misuse difficulties, in a case where final care orders were made in respect of her children several years ago. The children went into long-term foster care, as per the Care Plan, however within a few months they were re-habilitated to the Mother’s care. The family … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother and Stepfather in a case where the Stepfather, supported by the Mother, was applying to adopt the child. The child had no contact with the biological father for a number of years and was of an age where his wishes and feelings would be very seriously considered by the Court. His … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for the Wife/Mother in a case which had been in proceedings for well over two years with a huge amount of acrimony between the parents arising from serious domestic violent issues and breakdown of the relationship. In addition to the couple’s child, there was also an older child from a previous relationship living … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for the Mother in a case where the Father sought a shared residence order. The parents were separated and had attended mediation. The Father sought for a shared residence order, despite his working commitments being such that the Mother managed all the child care. After an initial hearing in which Father appeared to … Continue reading →

Cara acted for a Respondent Mother, where the Father had made applications for a child arrangements order and prohibited steps order (PSO). The PSO was to prevent the children coming into contact with the Mother’s partner, someone who the children already had a relationship with. The PSO application was dismissed by the court with child … Continue reading →

Cara acted for the Applicant Father in an FHDRA hearing. Serious allegations had been made with the parties agreeing a small amount of interim contact. Directions were for set for a DRA in front of a Tier 2 Judge

Marie represented a Father who had not seen his child for four years, having separated from his ex-partner at a time when he was using drugs and had a troubled family life. He was violent to his partner at this time, and had accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty to criminal charges in relation to that. … Continue reading →

Marie represents a Mother in a case where she alleged domestic violence against her ex-husband and had fled to a refuge with the children. The Mother had made an application for an injunction, which was on going when the Father made an application for contact with the children. At the first hearing, the case was … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in a case where her former partner and the Father of the children had been convicted of serious domestic abuse against her. The s.7 report recommended a risk assessment by Probation, as the Father was still on licence after his prison release. The assessment showed that he was a high risk … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where there had been a fact finding hearing at which she was unrepresented, and none of the findings in relation to domestic abuse she sought against her former partner were found proved. The Children have not seen their Father for some time, as the Mother’s position was that … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had a diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorder and had been assessed as being a ‘vulnerable litigant’. Marie is experienced in dealing sensitively with vulnerable clients, and in this case her client was also entitled to have an Intermediary at Court to assist him in understanding the proceedings and Court hearings. Marie’s … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother where the Father has a CAO for contact with their child. However contact was suspended after the child made disclosures of potential sexual harm whilst in his care. A s.47 investigation was carried out by Children’s Services and the concerns were substantiated, although whether it was sexual harm by the Father … Continue reading →

Sandria represented the Mother in a contact application by the Father. Her client had made allegations of verbal and physical domestic violence by the Father, who was under police investigation. A prohibited steps order was in place, as there was the possibility of abduction, and there were cultural issues in relation to perceived threats to … Continue reading →

Sandria represented the Respondent Husband and Father in a case where the Wife had made ex-parte non-molestation application. Sandria’s client issued a statement refuting all allegations made by the Wife and containing his own allegations, and made a cross application for a non-molestation order. His main concern was to reinstate his contact with his children … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in an application for a non-molestation injunction, which she obtained. She also agreed an interim child arrangements order with her former partner in relation to the children, as he had issued an application for a child arrangements order. A third party was to do handovers, however the Father breached the injunction … Continue reading →

Philip represented a Father in an acrimonious children dispute, where the Mother was making allegations of sexual abuse and withholding contact from him. Philip supported his client through the case, and all of the mother’s allegations were found not to have occurred. An Order was made that the children should live with both parents, i.e. … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father in a case where he had separated from his wife and she refused contact. Initially she allowed limited contact, then refused contact completely. At the first hearing, the Court ordered contact to take place at a contact centre and for there to be a s.7 report. The case is listed for … Continue reading →

Marie represents the Mother in a case where there has been serious domestic abuse. A Guardian had been appointed for the children. The Guardian recommends no direct contact and the case is listed for a final hearing.

Marie represented the Mother in a fact-finding hearing in relation to her allegations of domestic abuse towards her and the children by the Father. There were also allegations of drug and alcohol abuse by the Father, and hair strand testing had confirmed this was an issue. The case was heard by a Circuit Judge and … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in an application to vary a CAO, adjusting the time he spends with his child. He was seeking a more defined order in relation to holiday contact than previously, seeking half of all the holidays. At the first hearing (FHDRA) nearly all matters were agreed save arrangements for Christmas contact, and … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in a case where she alleged she and her children had been subjected to physical and emotional abuse. The Father, her ex-husband, made an application for a child arrangements order to spend time with the children. The Court found all the Mother’s allegations proved at a fact-finding hearing. The S.7 report … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where there was a background of domestic violence against her. The Father had made an application for a CAO that the child should live with him, less than a year after a final hearing where that application had previously been refused, and contact had been ordered instead. The … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who left a relationship as a result of domestic abuse. As a result of injunctions and restraining orders there was a long gap in the child seeing the Father. It had therefore been agreed that contact could commence at a contact centre on a supervised basis, in order to reintroduce the … Continue reading →

Sandria represented the Mother in a case where the Father was seeking to enforce a CAO which gave him contact with the couple’s youngest child. The child, now a teenager, was refusing contact with the Father. Sandria’s client, who had two other children, had fled the family home several years previously, and had subsequently been … Continue reading →

Marie represents a Father who separated from his Wife when their child was very young. Contact progressed for nearly a year, when the Mother refused contact and alleged that domestic abuse had occurred during the relationship. She also moved home and could not be located for almost a year. At the point Marie took over … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in an application by her former partner for a CAO to spend time with their child. The Father had been convicted of violence against Marie’s client, and had last seen the child as a baby – so there was no current relationship between Father and child. The case was listed for … Continue reading →

Marie represents a Father who separated from his wife when their child was very young. Contact progressed for nearly a year, when the Mother refused contact and alleged that domestic abuse had occurred during the relationship. She also moved home and could not be located for almost a year. At the point Marie took over … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a complex and unusual case where the child had a disability which required special schooling and a plan from the Local Authority, but the parents could not agree on the right school. In addition, contact with the Father had broken down, and the child was refusing to see him and … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother where the Father has a Child Arrangements Order for contact with their child. However the child made disclosures of potential sexual harm in the Father’s care and contact was suspended. A s.47 investigation was carried out by Children’s Services and the concerns were substantiated, although sexual harm by the Father was … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where her former partner had stopped having contact with the children of his own accord for a significant period of time, but then made an unexpected application for contact. The children did not wish to see him, but it was agreed that if they did wish to see … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a Mother, where the Father had made a further application to change a current CAO, which included changing the child’s arrangements from living with Mother to a shared care arrangement. The Father had previously applied to change the arrangements, but without changing the living arrangements. There was indication that the Father is controlling, … Continue reading →

Marie acted for the Children via their Guardian ad Litem in a protracted case where the parents had separated acrimoniously. The difficulties were such that the court ordered a Guardian to represent the children under rule 16.4. The children live with their Mother, and the Father has applied for a CAO to spend time with … Continue reading →

Philip represented the Mother in an acrimonious contact dispute, where his client had made allegations of rape, threats to kill and strangulation as well as coercive and controlling behaviour by the Father. His client’s allegations were found proved and the cross allegation made by the Father were dismissed.  

Philip represents a Mother opposing the Father’s contact on the basis of his controlling and coercive behaviour. The case has so far only reached a directions hearing, but his sensitive representation and thorough preparation have been recognised by his client. Philip’s client, initially nervous about dealing with the controlling Father in court, felt that his … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father in a case where he had a shared care arrangement for a child but the Mother then refused contact. After contact had not taken place for several months, at the FHDRA it was re-instated by a court order with the help of Cafcass. One contact took place, and then the Mother … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother of young children who was applying for an Occupation Order to have her husband removed and excluded from their jointly owned property. He was addicted to drugs and alcohol and being threatening and abusive, which was also putting the children at risk of significant harm. At the First Directions Appointment it … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a Father in a case where the Mother wished to re-locate to another part of the country to live with a new partner. Sandria’s client had a close relationship with his child, having care every weekend. He had concerns about the status of the Mother’s new relationship, as well as about the profound … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in this case where her ex-partner and the Father of their two children had (by his own choice) not had any contact for over seven years. At the children’s request, the Mother had contacted him to offer contact, and some contact took place until he refused to return them. The Father … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who was the victim of domestic violence by his wife, who also has serious alcohol abuse issues. Her client had fled from the home with his young child. The court agreed that the Mother should only have contact supervised by the Grandparents until the safeguarding issues were dealt with; and that, … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother, a foreign national who had come to the UK with her husband, who was also a foreign national but had a British passport, after an arranged marriage. During their short marriage he had been physically, verbally and emotionally abusive and coercive and controlling. For financial reasons, he sent her and their … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where her ex-partner had stopped having contact with the children of his own accord for a significant period of time. He then made an application for contact out of the blue. The children did not wish to see him but it was agreed that if they did wish … Continue reading →

Marie acts for a Mother who has mental health difficulties and a child who is subject to a Child Protection Plan with Children’s Services. Marie’s client has also had a child adopted previously after a final care and placement order was made. However, she has done very well with this child. These proceedings relate to … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in a case where there had been a shared care arrangement for a number of years until the Mother refused contact and made allegations of physical abuse by the Father on the child. The Child Arrangement Order was suspended and contact was to be supervised until after the outcome of a … Continue reading →

Melanie represented a Father who was experiencing a blank refusal by the Mother to extend his time with his children. There were no difficulties with the current contact but the Mother felt that it was enough. At trial, Melanie successfully argued that the Father should see the children every other weekend, plus one overnight every … Continue reading →

Melanie represented a Mother who was concerned with the Father’s mental health and drug taking and wanted contact to be restricted to supervised contact only. The court ordered drug testing and medical records in respect of the Father and ordered that contact should remain supervised until the Father could show that he was not abusing … Continue reading →

Melanie represented a Father who was concerned about the Mother’s alcoholism. At court it was agreed that the children would live with the Father, and that the Mother would wear an alcohol testing bracelet for the next three months to monitor her alcohol intake.

Melanie represented a Mother who was asking that her child should live with her and have no contact with the biological mother because of the abuse perpetrated by the biological mother on to the Applicant Mother, some of which was observed by the child. The court agreed and gave Melanie’s client an order that the … Continue reading →

Melanie represented a Father who wanted to have his child live with him full time due to concerns about the mother’s new partner. The court agreed with Mel that the risk posed by the Mother’s partner was such that the child should live with the Father and see the Mother for day contact only, minimising … Continue reading →

Melanie represented a Father who was seeking to care for his teenage child after the relationship between the mother and child broken down. Despite having not had a particularly close relationship with his child historically, and the mother saying there should be no contact with the father at all, Melanie secured an order for the … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in an application for a non-molestation injunction, which she successfully obtained. She also agreed an interim child arrangements order with her client’s ex-partner in relation to the children, as he had issued an application for a child arrangements order. Under the terms of the order, a third party was to do … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had been having contact with his very young baby for several months after he and his partner separated. However, when he started a new relationship the Mother became difficult about contact and there were problems at handover. The Mother made allegations of abuse and threats, which he denied, and contact … Continue reading →

Louisa acted for a parent at a hearing listed by the Court after the parents had compromised applications for both child arrangements and injunctive orders at a previous first hearing without the CAFCASS safeguarding checks being available. The CAFCASS officer, who had raised concerns, was directed to attend the court to give further details about … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had agreed contact through Mediation. When there were difficulties with the Father’s behaviour she obtained a Non Molestation Injunction against him. Contact was then agreed but there were further issues with the Father’s violent behaviour and she stopped contact. The Father made an application to enforce, but because there had … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had separated from his wife when their child was a young baby. Contact progressed for nearly a year, when the Mother then refused contact and alleged that domestic abuse had occurred during the relationship. She also moved home and could not be located for many months. At the point Marie … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father in an application for shared care of his children. Her client had maintained a high level of contact since separation from the Mother, but she had started to prevent contact and change the arrangements. He therefore made an application to put an order in place, and also sought to increase the … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who was born outside the EU but is now a British Citizen. He was married to a British woman and they have two young children, but have since separated. During the proceedings a Child Arrangements Order was obtained for the Father to spend time with the children, including during holidays, but … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had made an application for a Child Arrangements Order in order to see his child. He had had regular contact since separation with the Mother, but it had broken down and the parents’ relationship had also broken down, making things difficult, and contact was rarely happening. At the first court … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a Mother who made an application to discharge care orders made on her eldest children several years ago. In this case, the Mother has another child who was also represented in care proceedings, with a plan of eventual rehabilitation to the Mother’s care. The Mother was following recommendations, completing some courses and having … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for a Father seeking to regularise contact arrangements against an aggressive stance by the Mother. The Mother wanted an order for their children to live with her, with more limited contact arrangements with the Father. An s 7 Report reported no concerns about either parent’s care. Both parents gave evidence, and with Sandria’s … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a Mother who has mental health difficulties, and whose child is subject to a Child Protection Plan with Children’s Services. There are also private law proceedings for Child Arrangements with the Father. With Marie’s support, the parents have reached an agreement for the child to stay temporarily with the Father. This will … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father of a young child, who had separated from the Mother in circumstances where she was struggling with substance misuse and mental health issues. Marie made a successful application for an interim Child Arrangements Order for the child to live with the Father, and to have contact (supervised by a family member) … Continue reading →

Marie represented children via their rule 16.4 Guardian in a case with an acrimonious history between the parents. In addition, the Father had mental health issues, which were being well-managed with medication and a treatment plan with mental health services. Marie worked effectively alongside the assistance and expertise of the Guardian, and the parties were able … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in an application for an Occupation Order to remove her ex-husband from their home. Marie’s client had previously fled the home with their child because of domestic abuse, and was effectively homeless. The Court made an order that the Father leave the house within four weeks and was not allowed to … Continue reading →

Dean acted for the father in an application by the mother under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 for periodical payments in respect of their two children. The parties did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) due to the mother and children living abroad. In light of the father’s significant level … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a Mother in a case where the extremely acrimonious relationship between the parents involved social services carrying out s 7 and s 47 reports. The Father had retained the child after contact, but after social services involvement the child was returned to the Mother’s care, with the Father having contact. There still remained … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a Father in an application for relocation, where the Mother was acting as a Litigant in Person. The Father was the primary carer for the child, and the Mother was not taking up the supervised contact she was offered. The Father and child lived with the paternal grandparents, and the proposal was for … Continue reading →

Marie successfully represented the Mother in an application for a non-molestation injunction. She also agreed contact with her client’s ex-partner in relation to the children, as he issued an application for a child arrangements order and the hearing is listed for a FHDRA in due course. A third party will do the handover and the … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother of three young children in a case where, for some time since separation, the Father’s behaviour at contact handovers had got progressively worse. She had already called the police on a number of occasions as a result of his aggressive behaviour, and this culminated in physical assault after which she needed … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother in an application by her ex-partner for a child arrangements order in respect of their two young children. There was no contact ordered because of concerns about the Father’s alcohol issues. The court was also concerned to learn that he was involved in care proceedings in respect of another non-subject child, … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had agreed contact through mediation, but following difficulties with the Father’s behaviour, had obtained a Non Molestation Injunction against him. Contact was then agreed but there were further issues with the Father’s violent behaviour and Marie’s client stopped contact. The Father made an application to enforce, but because there had … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a child arrangements application by the Father where there had been a background of emotional and psychological abuse. The Mother’s application for a non-molestation order had already been dealt with. Interim arrangements were agreed and the case was listed for a final hearing.

Marie represented a Father who had been having contact with his very young baby for five months after he and his partner separated. However, when he started a new relationship the Mother became difficult about contact. The Mother made allegations of abuse and threats at handover, which he denied, and contact stopped. The Mother obtained … Continue reading →

Kevin represented the Father of a young child. The parents had recently separated amid cross allegations of domestic violence and abuse, and the child was in the care of the Father, who was refusing to let the Mother have contact. The parents were in dispute as to which the child should live with, and the … Continue reading →

Kevin represented the Father of a young child. The parents were separated, and when the Father began a new relationship, the Mother cut down the amount of time that he was allowed to see his child, sometimes cancelling arrangements at the last minute. Kevin’s client therefore made an application to the court for a shared … Continue reading →

Kevin represented the Father of two children. At an earlier court hearing, the court had made an order that the children should live with their Father and spend time visiting their Mother, including overnight stays. The mother subsequently issued a further application, seeking to increase the amount of time that the children should spend with … Continue reading →

Clive represented a Mother who sought to oppose the Father’s application to have staying contact with his son in a European country in which he was resident. The case involved a number of safeguarding issues including past domestic abuse, failure to seek proper medical treatment for the child and the use of illegal drugs. Clive … Continue reading →

Clive represented a Mother seeking the permission of the court to remove her children from the jurisdiction so that they could all go and live abroad permanently. The case was of huge importance to the client as it involved a plan for a complete change of lifestyle for her and the children. Clive advised his … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in a case where he had been sharing care of his young child with the Mother after separation. However, there was then a dispute about an incident between the parents and the Police were called. The Mother alleged domestic violence, which was disputed by the Father, and all contact stopped. The … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had a Child Arrangements Order which she and her ex-husband had made by consent in respect of their two children. This dated back several years. Their arrangements had since evolved, and Marie’s client sought to vary the order to reflect this. However, the Father refused to agree to the changes … Continue reading →

Melanie represented the Respondent in a final contested non-molestation hearing under Part 1V of the Family Act 1996 (“the Act”).  She raised the preliminary issue whether the parties were associated persons in terms of the Act. The Court found for Melanie’s client on the preliminary issue, and dismissed the Applicant’s application with costs.

Marie represented a vulnerable Mother of four very young children, who had fled to a refuge and subsequently been re-housed in another part of the country. The Mother alleged that the Father, her husband, was violent, and that there was a risk of him abducting the children and taking them from the UK to his … Continue reading →

Mike acted for the respondent Mother in a case concerning the Father’s application for a Child Arrangements Order (contact) in respect of one child. The parties had separated when their child was quite young, and whilst the Mother and child remained in Kent, the Father moved away. The Mother claimed that the father had not … Continue reading →

Marie represented two very young children in an application made by the Local Authority for Care Orders. The children were found in circumstances of very poor home conditions and neglect and removed from the home by the Police. Subsequent interim care orders were made at court and the children were removed to foster care, with … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had separated with his wife when their child was one year old. Although contact with the child had progressed for nearly a year, the Mother then refused contact and made allegations that domestic abuse had occurred during the relationship. She also moved home and could not be located for almost … Continue reading →

Marie represented a step-mother who had applied for a Child Arrangements Order in order to see her stepchild. She was the child’s primary carer for several years and, unusually, had a Parental Responsibility agreement in relation to the child, which enabled her to make the application without leave. Marie’s client ended her relationship with her … Continue reading →

Clive acted for a Father in a long-running application for contact with his child. The Mother engaged only sporadically with the proceedings and failed to comply with orders made on a number of occasions. Clive recommended that enforcement proceedings be issued and thereafter persuaded the Court to make both an enforcement order requiring the Mother … Continue reading →

Clive represented a Father at a contested final hearing to establish with which parent the children should live with. A number of concerns had been raised about the Mother’s ability to care for her children due to drug use and issues with her mental health. The case lasted several days before a District Judge, and … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case where she alleged serious domestic violence by the Father of her children. She had obtained an injunction against him and the Father had applied for a child arrangements order to see the children. The Mother fled the home almost a year earlier and the children have not seen … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a Father in a case where he had not seen his child for two years because the Mother repeatedly breached court orders and alienated the child against him. Particularly distressing to Marie’s client was that the Mother had actually told the child the Father had died. The Local Authority commenced care proceedings … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother of four children (two of whom are very young) who was a victim of very serious domestic violence for which she received serious lifelong injuries. The Father is in prison, both for those offences and for a serious violent offence on another person. The Mother has received the highest level of … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had escaped to a refuge with her pre-teen child, leaving the family home because of controlling and coercive behaviour and verbal and emotional abuse. With very difficult conditions in the refuge, the Mother was struggling, so the child returned to the Father on a temporary basis until the Mother was … Continue reading →

  Kevin represented the mother of two children. The parents had separated, and the father, who had not seen the children for some years, applied for a child arrangements order. The mother was opposed to any face-to-face contact, since both she and the children alleged that there had been domestic violence against her, and excessive … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a Father who took over the care of two children when the Mother’s difficulties with alcohol became acute. The children went to live with him, and Children’s Services were involved and assessed the family. One maintained regular contact with the Mother, but the other refused contact. The Mother, though having relapsed since … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who is a member of the Armed Forces with an application for a child arrangements order to spend time with his two young children, one of whom was born after the relationship with the Mother ended. He was successful in obtaining an order by consent at the Dispute Resolution hearing and, … Continue reading →

Sophie was recently instructed by a Father in internal-relocation proceedings. The Mother of the children hoped to move away from the local area and relocate with her children several hours’ journey away, with a view to being closer to the maternal side of the family and her new partner. This proposed move was opposed by … Continue reading →

Rachel represented a Father where a previous order was in place, which allowed for the child’s time to be split equally between the parents under a shared care arrangement. During the first year of the order being in place, the Father had care of the child for over three quarters of the time despite the … Continue reading →

Sandria represented the Mother in her application to alter the shared care arrangement made several months previously for two young children. The Mother had convictions for ABH and a restraining order against her in relation to the Father, but had now successfully completed a number of courses and the freedom project. In the meantime the … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for a Mother in a two-day fact finding where there were seven allegations including physical chastisement and intimidation of the children, and controlling and manipulative behaviour of the Mother, particularly sexual and financial, and threats to kill. With the Mother in a vulnerable state, Sandria was able to prevent the Father, who acted … Continue reading →

Melanie represented the Applicant and 1st Respondent in private law adoption proceedings. The application was initially contested and set down for a two-day final hearing. Ultimately, the opposition to the application was withdrawn. By working effectively together with her clients and the other parties, Melanie was able to help them to achieve an agreed Consent … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in a case involving allegations of serious domestic violence by the Father of her children. Her client had been forced to flee the home, after which the children had not seen their Father since then and did not want to. Marie’s client had obtained an injunction against him, but almost a … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Mother of an autistic child who was causing physical harm both to her and to a younger sibling. In additional, there were issues of high hostility between the parents and potential parental alienation issues. Marie brought her calm and reassuring approach to this difficult and emotive family situation. When she was instructed … Continue reading →

Louisa represented a Father in a case where the contact between him and his two children had become increasingly difficult, and one child was now said by the mother to be refusing to see him. The parties had grown increasingly frustrated with each other and this was creating an atmosphere at the handovers and causing … Continue reading →

Louisa represented a Mother who had concerns about re-introducing her children to their father after contact between them had broken down some time previously amidst a number of concerns. The CAFCASS officer’s report recommended some level 2 supervised contact to effect a re-introduction. Louisa’s supportive and sensitive approach enabled matters to be discussed at some … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a Mother who had a child arrangements order made a few years ago, stating that the child should live with her and see the Father every other weekend. After a weekend contact the Father had retained the child, and refused to return them. An urgent application was successfully made for immediate return … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had previously agreed contact through Mediation. When there were difficulties with the Father’s behaviour she obtained a Non Molestation Injunction against him. Contact was then agreed but there were further issues with his violent behaviour and she stopped contact. The Father made an application to enforce contact but because there … Continue reading →

Marie represented a couple in their application to adopt a child who was placed with them after care proceedings under a Special Guardianship Order. The child’s parents could not care for the child because of ongoing mental health issues. Marie’s sensitive approach to complex family dynamics was particularly helpful in this case, as the adopting … Continue reading →

Marie represented the children via their rule 16.4 Guardian in a case with an acrimonious history between the parents and mental health issues with the Father. Marie worked collaboratively with the Guardian, and with the combination of Marie’s knowledge and the Guardian’s assistance and expertise the parties were able to reach an agreement for contact … Continue reading →

Philip acted for the Mother and succeeded in preventing a very controlling father from having contact on his terms. Philip’s client and her children had set out preferred contact terms which included restricting summer time contact to just one week, and Philip was successful in persuading the Court to agree with their preference.

Sandria acted for a Father in a child arrangement application. Her client sought a defined contact and a shared care arrangement as the Mother was, despite agreeing contact at separation, beginning to withhold contact, or cancel it without proper cause. Through working closely with her client, Sandria was able to demonstrate the Mother’s controlling nature, … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother of two young children who went to a refuge to escape domestic abuse towards her and the children. Marie’s sensitive and tactful approach enabled her to support her client when the Father made an application to see the children. The Court ordered that there would be no contact until after a … Continue reading →

Marie represented the Father of two children who had been removed from the Mother and placed with their Aunt as a result of the Mother’s drug use and neglect. The Father lived in a neighbouring county and had recently re-established contact with the children as a result of the proceedings. He had himself had a … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother who had escaped to a refuge with her young child because of controlling and coercive behaviour and verbal and emotional abuse. The child returned to the Father on a temporary basis until the Mother was re-housed, however, contact soon broke down it appeared that it was a case of parental alienation. … Continue reading →

Through their Guardian, Marie represented the children in a long-term dispute about where they should live. The Guardian had been appointed as a result of the degree of conflict between the parents, which professionals considered was causing the children emotional harm. Working with Marie’s guidance, the Guardian recommended a shared care order, so that no … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a father who had made an application to have a child in his care, with limited contact with the mother. The mother had retained care of the child after some worrying concerns around the father’s behaviours in relation to an older half sibling to the child of the application. This older child had … Continue reading →

Marie represented a father in an implacable hostility case where the mother was completely opposed to any form of contact, had remarried and wanted to erase him from her life. The protracted proceedings had been going on for three years, with the father acting in person. Marie represented him for a further two years and … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a mother in a successful application to remove her children permanently from the jurisdiction to live in Australia. Leave to remove was granted.

Marie represented a mother of two young children, who had separated from the father as a result of his domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse. The mother had not stopped the children’s contact with their father after the separation, and was facilitating contact for the short periods of time deemed safe. Marie advised her … Continue reading →

Marie represented a young mother who had ended her relationship with the father of the child after domestic violence and drug abuse. The father was convicted in the criminal court of domestic violence and ordered to complete the Building Better Relationships 6-month domestic violence programme. Marie helped her client to ensure that the father’s contact … Continue reading →

Christopher represented a Mother opposing application by the Father for contact with the parties’ two children. This was a case with a history of very severe domestic violence including allegations of rape and repeated brutal assaults on the Mother resulting in injuries which included burns. The Father had also broken into her home, and subjected … Continue reading →

Holly represented a Father who sought an order securing his child in his care. The young child had previously lived with the Mother, but ongoing concerns about the violent relationships that she was in meant that the Father took over the child’s care. The Mother now sought the return of the child to her care. … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for the Mother where the Father was seeking to re-establish contact with his child and have a non-molestation order discharged. The Father had refused to communicate or engage with the Court, or to comply with court orders, and continued to send abusive messages to the Court, the Judge and a number of family … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for a Mother in a case where the child had requested that contact with the Father should cease. In response, the Father had issued an enforcement application and accused Sandria’s client of harassment. Throughout this case, between hearings, Sandria’s client was subject to constant harassment by the Father, both at home and in … Continue reading →

Sophie represented a Mother involved in private child proceedings. The applicant Father sought a child arrangements order that the child live with him, and had raised a number of concerns against the Mother including emotional neglect and implacable hostility. He also raised a physical risk posed by the Mother’s ex-partner due to previous domestic violence … Continue reading →

Marie represented a father who had separated from the child’s mother over 1 year earlier, and was still being limited to 2 hours contact per week. Over that year he had undertaken mediation and instructed Solicitors to correspond with the mother, yet there were still major difficulties in him seeing his child. There were no … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a young mother where there were numerous safeguarding concerns regarding the father of the child. These related to his wider family, and included Children’s Services involvement. The court did not allow him unsupervised contact with Marie’s client’s child. The father refused to co-operate with the CAFCASS safeguarding checks or engage in the … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Mother in contact proceedings. Marie’s client alleged serious domestic violence against her former partner, and there had also been criminal proceedings for serious offences, which had unfortunately not resulted in a conviction. Despite the lack of a criminal conviction, following Marie’s representing during a fact finding hearing in the family court, findings … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who had been having very regular, good contact with his child until his former partner started a new relationship. Once this happened, the Mother began to refuse contact, until it was reduced to 2 hours per week, supervised by her. Negotiations through Solicitors did not resolve the situation, so the Father … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father in an appeal where allegations had been made against him by the Mother, but he in turn alleged that these were fabricated. Marie was able to support her client through the process of appeal, and successfully appealed findings of fact and a non-molestation injunction made by the Tier 1 Family Court. … Continue reading →

Marie represented a Father who, although already having a good amount of contact with his child, wanted to increase contact and achieve more of a shared care arrangement. Holidays, in particular, had proved very difficult to agree with the Mother. The matter was opposed throughout, and mediation through the course of proceedings failed. Nevertheless, helped … Continue reading →

Melanie acted for the Applicant in a case involving four applications. Her client sought a Child Arrangements Order with neither direct nor indirect contact with the Respondent, to change the child’s name and surname, to remove the Respondent’s parental responsibility, and a Prohibited Steps Order. Following Melanie’s representation, the Court awarded all the applications, determining … Continue reading →

Philip represented a Father in a 4-day contested hearing, during which he succeeded in obtaining an order that the child should live with the father for half of the time. It was also decided that the child should attend the school nearest to, and preferred by, Philip’s client, even though both the mother and the … Continue reading →

Philip successfully acted for a Mother to obtain an order protecting her daughter under the Female Genital Mutilation Act. It was also necessary to obtain a further order preventing the Father from applying for a passport for the child so that she could not be removed from the country.

Marie represented a Father of an autistic child who was having difficulties agreeing contact with the Mother. Her client had previously represented himself throughout the proceedings and was struggling to achieve the contact he wanted. He then instructed a Solicitor and Marie for the final hearing. Marie’s representation and advice on this sensitive case enabled … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a father who had separated from the mother of his child in acrimonious circumstances. The mother had made allegations of violence towards Marie’s client, and as a result he had no contact with his child for a number of months until the court dealt with those allegations. With Marie’s expert representation, when … Continue reading →

Marie successfully acted for a Mother to appeal a final order of a District Judge. In addition to retaining the couple’s children after holiday contact, the Father had made very serious false allegations against the Mother, none of which were considered proved by the Court (nor had the authorities considered them to be of any … Continue reading →

Acting for a mother who alleged that her former husband had been abusive towards her and the children.  She supported the father having contact with the children but sought for it to be supervised until such time as he had demonstrated that he had taken steps to alter his behaviour.   The father denied all allegations … Continue reading →

John acted for a Respondent mother where the father had made an application for the child to live with him. His client needed particular support as she was young and vulnerable, having previously suffered domestic abuse by the father. John negotiated that the child will live with the mother, and arranged an incremental increase in … Continue reading →

Marie acted for a mother in an application for a Child Arrangements Order by the father for contact with the child. A non-molestation injunction had been granted in separate proceedings, due to allegations of the father’s violence. The father had subsequently breached the order on numerous occasions, which had been dealt with in the criminal … Continue reading →

Marie represented grandparents in a case where they had a Residence Order and the child had lived with them for a number of years. An SGO was granted despite opposition from one of the parents.

Marie is representing a father, who is a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, after the mother removed the children to an EU country without his knowledge or permission and is refusing to bring them back. The case is proceeding in the High Court. As he does not have parental responsibility, … Continue reading →

Marie represented a mother in an application to prohibit any contact between her ex-husband and their children after he committed serious violent and sexual assaults against her and was imprisoned after a lengthy trial. This emotive and sensitive case also included the very unusual application to remove the father’s Parental Responsibility and change the children’s … Continue reading →

Marie represented paternal grandparents who have a residence order in respect of their grandchild. A contact application had been made by the maternal grandmother for unsupervised contact to include holidays abroad. Marie’s clients had very serious concerns about the maternal grandmother’s care of the child, which arose from previous agreed contact. There were also concerns … Continue reading →

Marie represented a mother in an application to prevent her former partner from removing their child to South America, which was where the father had grown up and still had family ties. A prohibited steps order was made. This was particularly important, as it is a non-Hague Convention country.

Marie represented a mother resisting an application for a Specific Issue Order for the father to take very young children on holidays abroad. After a two-day hearing the application was refused and the father was told to re-apply after a minimum of three years.

Marie represented a father in resisting an application to remove a child from the Jurisdiction to Spain. A prohibited steps order was made preventing removal.

Marie acted for a mother in an application to remove a child from the jurisdiction to Portugal. The proceedings were going well. However, the plans were put on hold by agreement before the final hearing after the mother decided to wait and firm up practical arrangements and re-issue an application at a later date.

Marie acted for a father in a case of implacable hostility, where repeated unfounded allegations were made. The father was having contact with his child, but the mother was seeking to bring it to an end – alleging harm to the child. A Guardian was appointed for the child and contact eventually progressed by agreement.

Marie acted for a mother in an application for a child arrangements order that the child live with her. The father made numerous allegations about the mother’s care of the child, but, following a two-day hearing, she was successful and an order was made that the child lives with her.

Marie represented a mother in a contact application made by father where there had been very serious domestic violence, which was found proved at a fact-finding hearing. The father had had no significant contact with the children as the couple had separated when the eldest child was a very young baby and before the youngest … Continue reading →

Marie initially represented a father for a contact application, but after raising a number of concerns about the mother’s care of the child and them being investigated by Children’s Services, an application to transfer residence at a contested interim hearing was successful.

Holly represented a mother who was seeking the reinstatement of a shared care arrangement for the parties’ child. The arrangement had ceased due to the mother experiencing a breakdown in her mental health and the child had therefore spent some months in the sole care of the father. The father now sought that the child … Continue reading →

Holly represented a mother in the father’s application for contact with the parties’ two children. The father had not seen the eldest child for some years and had never met the youngest.  The mother objected to contact on the basis that the father had subjected her to severe domestic violence during the relationship. The matter … Continue reading →

Holly acted for the father in a dispute over the residence of the parties’ child. She was instructed through the Direct Access scheme. The case involved an emergency application being made for the child to live with the father due to concerns over the mother’s excessive use of alcohol and, once granted, the matter proceeded … Continue reading →

Dean acted for father applying for contact with his children. The children’s mother alleged that the father had subjected her to multiple rapes, and had sexually abused the children. A fact finding hearing, involving Dean’s expert cross-examination, concluded that the allegations were unfounded. Contact was allowed between Dean’s client and the children.

Dean acted for the mother in an application by the father for contact with the parties’ children. The mother objected to contact taking place on the grounds that she alleged that the father had sexually abused the children. Dean’s client was intimidated by the domineering father and required reassurance and support. A series of adjournments … Continue reading →

Dean acted for the mother in an application by the father for contact with the parties’ child. The proceedings were complicated by an allegation made by the father that Dean’s client had sedated the father and subjected him to serious sexual abuse whilst he was incapacitated. Dean helped his client successfully refute these allegations, the … Continue reading →

Dean acted for the father in a contact dispute in which the mother was denying the father contact with the child as a result of a number of allegations of domestic abuse. The father asserted that the mother’s allegations were fabricated. Following Dean’s representation at the fact-finding hearing the court accepted the father’s account and … Continue reading →

Dean acted for the father in a contact dispute where the child’s mother was seeking unsupervised contact. The child lived with Dean’s client, who wished to deny unsupervised contact owing to the mother’s boyfriend being a convicted child sex offender. Dean’s client was successful – the mother’s application for unsupervised contact was refused and she … Continue reading →

Dean acted for a mother throughout proceedings in a residence dispute where the father alleged that she was neglectful and did not care for the child appropriately. Dean’s client’s counter-allegations were that the father sought to alienate the child against her, causing the child to prefer to live with the father and his male partner. … Continue reading →

Dean acted for a young mother within proceedings relating to her children as well as in an application for an occupation order of her council property. His client had been subjected to domestic violence, and the successful outcome enabled her to remain in the property with her young child whilst her partner was forced to … Continue reading →

Edward acted for a mother whose eldest child was resident with the father .The mother had not  seen the child for two years following the parental separation. After a two-day hearing the court ordered shared care arrangements.

Edward acted for a father in a case where his client had not seen his child for a protracted period. The mother had made allegations of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse. The court ordered that the father should be able to spend time with his child immediately and without the need for supervision.

Edward acted for a mother during three-day private law final hearing. The local authority was recommending unsupervised arrangements for the father. The mother was opposed to unsupervised arrangements without the father undertaking an anger-management programme. In spite of the local authority recommendation, the court held that father had to undertake such a programme before arrangements … Continue reading →

Clive represented a parent with significant PTSD incurred while serving in the Armed Forces. His handling of the case involved an analysis of significant medical evidence.

Clive represented a father accused of rape and serious sexual assaults. All allegations made against his client were found to be not proven and contact was re-established with the children.  

Ronald represented a father who had become frustrated and at the point of giving up having a normal relationship with his child, because of the mother’s objections at every turn. This case involved a mother who was implacably hostile towards the child spending any time with the father. At every stage of what became protracted … Continue reading →

Ronald represented a father through Direct Public Access regarding a long-standing dispute over having overnight contact. His client wanted a shared care order made. In this instance, Ronald had to advise him that based on the facts of the situation, that that type of order was unlikely. Furthermore, his considered advice to his client was … Continue reading →

Ronald represented a father in private law proceedings where the father was accused of physical and sexual abuse. The court clearly had to deal with the serious allegations first and a fact-finding hearing was conducted. The allegations were made by the young child, and were not confirmed when the child was interviewed by the police … Continue reading →

Successfully proving multiple allegations of child sexual abuse against the father and preventing future contact.

Philip succeeded in settling by agreement a dispute between two parents of very different religious beliefs about the present and future upbringing of their child.

In circumstances where the children spent more time with the mother, and the mother’s case was that the father should only have a contact order, Philip was successful in obtaining an order that the children ‘live with’ both the father and the mother, ie the equivalent of the old shared residence order.

Philip acted for a child’s aunt in fully contested residence proceedings. Although the courts almost always prefer the children to live with their parent, in this case he successfully obtained an order that the child live with the aunt. Even more unusually, the court was also persuaded that the mother should be subject to an … Continue reading →

Philip represented the mother and succeeding in opposing permanent removal, despite: the children living with the father quite serious findings against the mother the Cafcass Officer recommending that the father be given permission. After a long and complicated hearing requiring detailed knowledge of the immigration law of the receiving country as well as meticulous cross-examination … Continue reading →

Philip represented a very vulnerable mother and succeeding in restricting the father’s contact to letters only because of the mother’s vulnerability and the father’s history.

Philip acted for a father in an extremely acrimonious case where the mother wanted him to have no contact at all. He succeeded in obtaining extensive contact that then led to the child moving to live with the father.

Christopher acted for a mother who sought to take her children on holiday abroad, where the Father objected due to his concerns about the mother’s new partner. Christopher successfully persuaded the court that his client and children should be able to holiday with his her boyfriend.

Christopher acted for a mother who sought to move to the USA with her son to start a new life with her boyfriend. The Father, who shared care, resisted, but the mother’s application was allowed.

Corey acted for the mother on an application by the father for a child arrangements order for contact. The parties had separated in acrimonious circumstances, in which the father had allegedly assaulted both Corey’s client and her older child by a previous relationship. No criminal proceedings were brought against the father by police due to … Continue reading →

Corey acted for the children in a case in which a private law Guardian had been appointed to represent the children’s best interests. Their father had applied for contact, which the mother opposed on the basis of his inappropriate behaviour. Under Corey’s expert cross-examination the father admitted inappropriate behaviour (particularly possessing child pornography, which had … Continue reading →

Corey acted for the mother of a very young child of dual nationality born in the UK to remove the child from the jurisdiction of the UK permanently. The mother was Chinese, the father Italian. The mother wanted to return to China permanently, but the father opposed her emigration with the child. The case required … Continue reading →

Corey acted for a father on an application for his children to live with him (residence) on the basis of the mother’s attempts to alienate the children from him. The children had been living with the mother since the parties separated, and she had repeatedly breached orders for contact between children and father, but denied … Continue reading →

Corey acted for the mother of two children on an application by father for contact, where the father was awaiting trial in concurrent criminal proceedings for alleged serious assault against Corey’s client. With Corey’s assistance, his client opposed contact on the basis of the father’s violence. A fact-finding hearing was held to determine whether the … Continue reading →

Melanie acted for a mother, successfully achieving non-molestation and occupation orders as well as an order for no contact against the father. The father had addiction difficulties and there was a history of domestic violence. A fact-finding hearing established the existence of the domestic violence in the absence of any police records. All aspects in … Continue reading →

Melanie acted for grandparents seeking to look after their grandchildren when the parents attempted to leave the grandparents’ home. She successfully argued that the children should remain with the grandparents owing to the inappropriate lifestyles of the parents.

Melanie acted for a father who had been denied access to his child by the mother for over one year, successfully re-establishing contact, and went on to achieve a shared residence order.

Kevin represented the mother in proceedings where there was a dispute between the parents as to which school the children should attend. Kevin gave advice as to what evidence should be obtained to support the mother’s case. At court, the judge considered the evidence in the case and ruled in favour of the mother. This … Continue reading →

Kevin represented a father who wanted to see his child regularly. The mother had breached previous court orders and had stopped all visits. The mother was not legally represented and was verbally aggressive at court. At court, with Kevin’s assistance, the parents were able to agree a visiting regime which both parents were happy to … Continue reading →

Kevin represented a father who admitted to alcohol and substance misuse. There was a real risk that the court would rule that it would not be safe for the children to see their father. At court, the parents, through their legal representatives, we were able to agree a court order which enabled the child to … Continue reading →

Represented a parent in highly charged proceedings where the parents could not agree who the child should live with. The proceedings were highly charged, with allegations and cross-allegations. Both parents had several witnesses to support their allegations and to speak for their abilities as a parent. Following negotiations, the parents agreed a shared care arrangement. … Continue reading →

Mike acted for a mother and stepfather of three children in a complex case involving: applications for a Child Arrangement Order a Parental Responsibility Order to the step father discharge of Parental Responsibility for the natural father of one of the three children change of surname removal from the jurisdiction to relocate to Australia. The … Continue reading →

Mike acted for a Chinese father, initially in High Court, on an urgent application to prevent the mother from removing a young child from jurisdiction to go to China, with applications for Prohibited Steps and Specific Issue Orders, followed by more applications by the father for a Child Arrangement/Shared Care Order. Central to this case … Continue reading →

Mike successfully acted for a mother on an application to remove two teenage sons from the jurisdiction and relocate in Australia. The case involved close analysis of relevant case law and issues relating to jurisdiction.

Mike is currently acting for a father on application for a Child Arrangement Order in respect of his young son, who is currently living with the mother. The boy’s older, teenage sister has already chosen to live with the father. This case involved Mike in Issues of between two different sex siblings with a significant … Continue reading →

Mike acted for a father with a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder on an application for residence and contact. His client had been looking after the child, whose own mental health issues require 24/7 care, until the mother made an application for the child to be resident with her and the father to have contact … Continue reading →

Mike acted for a grandmother and step grandfather on an application for a Special Guardianship Order in respect of young baby. Local authority plan was for adoption.

Mike acted for foster carers on an application for an adoption order in respect of a child with special needs. This case required Mike’s tenacity in order to obtain the best support package for his clients, with the case being adjourned several times because the local authority were not offering a sufficient financial support package. … Continue reading →

Sophie is regularly instructed by both mothers and fathers for a variety of applications. On this occasion, Sophie faced an unusual situation where the applicant father had given up work and become primary carer to his two young children. Following the breakdown of his relationship with the mother of the children, the father wanted to … Continue reading →

Sophie was recently instructed by a father at the first stage of his application for a child arrangements order. Her client had a number of criminal convictions in relation to the mother and on this basis the mother had withheld contact for approximately two years. The mother had concerns that the father had anger issues … Continue reading →

Sophie has acted for a mother in long-running proceedings, who wished to arrange contact between her child and the father.  The case turned on issues surrounding both the mother’s and father’s mental health and medical difficulties. Both parents had a history of depression and suicide attempts. Due to her experience in representing parties with mental … Continue reading →

Melanie acted for the Respondent in a two-day contested final Care Arrangement hearing which included mental health issues and an additional specific issue involving expert medical evidence. The case involved Melanie’s expertise in: condensing expert medical evidence and succinctly presenting it to the court dealing with vulnerable witnesses. The Court found in favour of Melanie’s … Continue reading →

Melanie acted for the Respondent in a three-day contested occupation hearing which also involved the issue of trust property and the evidence of several witnesses. This case required Melanie’s expertise in: knowledge of the law cross-examination skills. The Court found in favour of the Melanie’s client in respect of the occupation issue.

Melanie acted for the Respondent in a complex contested five-day final Care Arrangement hearing which included expert evidence and evidence from a considerable number of other witnesses. This case involved skills in: identifying and focusing on the relevant issues cross examination of the experts and other witnesses. The Court adopted the approach that Melanie put … Continue reading →

John represented a Father who was being denied any contact by his child’s mother, and successfully negotiated extensive and unsupervised contact on behalf of his client. This case involved John’s particular skills in: managing client expectations negotiating between warring parties.

On behalf of the respondent mother in a private law children case, John persuaded the court that there should be no direct contact between father and child, despite CAFCASS recommendations being in favour of such contact. This case required John to: cross examine expert witnesses at length apply existing case law to the case at … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a father who wished to extend the currently minimal contact allowed with his child. The mother had been extremely hostile, to the extent of attacking Sandria’s client and his new partner, as well as making (unfounded) accusations against him. Sandria’s approach to the case has been to encourage her client to see the … Continue reading →

Sandria represented a mother who has experienced mental health, drug and alcohol abuse issues. When unable to cope with looking after her child, Sandria’s client had voluntarily and temporarily placed the child with the father. Despite improvements, the father was now refusing to allow the child to return to the mother’s care. Sandria’s particular approach … Continue reading →

Sandria acted for a mother who was separated from the father of their young child. The father had been violent during their relationship, and Sandra’s client was nervous that he was now seeking contact with his child. Sandria supported her client through the fact-finding, and was able to help her put her case effectively, even … Continue reading →

The father had asked the Court to make an order preventing Louisa’s client from moving within the UK with the children. His case was that the mother’s motivation for making the move was to interfere with his contact with his children. As a result of Louisa’s representation the Judge agreed that the move could go … Continue reading →

Louisa acted for grandparents who wanted an order that their grandson live with them. The parents had historically been unable to care consistently for their son yet sought on a regular basis to remove him from the care of the grandparents. Evidence was heard from the parents, grandparents and a CAFCASS officer. The grandparents were … Continue reading →

Louisa acted for the father in a case where the mother was totally opposed to there being any contact between the father and his child on the grounds of his history of mental health difficulties. An expert was instructed to assess any risks posed by the father and then a gradual introduction and extension of … Continue reading →

Holly represented a Father in the High Court in contested proceedings under the Hague Convention, in which the Mother was seeking the return of her child to Eastern Europe from the UK. Experience in this type of case is relatively unusual to barristers based in Kent. Holly’s client sought to oppose the child’s return on … Continue reading →

Holly represented a mother who applied to remove her two children from England to live permanently in the USA. The father opposed the application and sought that the children reside with him in the UK. After a two-day trial Holly’s client was successful in her application and the mother was granted permission to remove the … Continue reading →

Holly acted for a mother in proceedings brought by her former partner, who was alleging that the mother was implacably hostile towards him, was refusing pre-agreed contact and was alienating the child. Holly’s particular role in this case involved supporting the solicitor in managing their client, who had initially agreed contact but subsequently refused to … Continue reading →