Michael Batt

Mike has extensive experience in both private law and public law cases but his practice now concentrates elusively on all aspects of public law care cases and adoption involving children, acting for parents, extended family members and the children instructed by their Children’s Guardians. He was a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel from 1995 until called to the Bar in 2012.

Mike’s previous experience as a solicitor makes him highly aware of the needs of his clients and their solicitors, having first-hand experience of the amount of preparation involved in bringing a case and the challenges of sometimes having to give clients advice they don’t want to hear. He understands the importance of prompt reports and detailed attendance records as well as the need to balance personal involvement and objectivity.

As a solicitor, Mike initially specialised in Crime, acting as a Prosecutor for the Police (pre CPS) and then as a Defence solicitor, whilst at the same time acting for parents and extended family members on all aspects of family work relating to children. After the introduction of the Children Act Mike became more involved acting for parents in care proceedings, developed a reputation for conducting most of his own advocacy and conducted lengthy contested final hearings in the County Court usually against Counsel – some of whom are now colleagues in Chambers.

As a Barrister, he regularly represents parents, children and extended family members in care proceedings in the local Magistrates, County and High Courts.
Mike has extensive experience in care proceedings involving alcohol and drug misuse, chronic neglect, non-accidental injuries, complex medical issues and allegations of sexual abuse. He has a particular interest in representing young and vulnerable parties and those with problems relating to alcohol/substance misuse or with learning difficulties/mental health and also grandparents and other extended family members who are anxious to either be able to see or look after their grandchildren or other relatives.

Mike has two adult sons and six grandchildren. His interests include music, reading, martial arts and learning Spanish.

 

Public Law Children

Mike regularly represents parents, children and extended family members (particularly grandparents) in children-related family matters in the local Magistrates, County and High Courts. With his combined experience as a solicitor and barrister he has particular understanding of the issues and conflicts that can arise in families when extended family members who wish to be able to see or look after their relatives are involved. Mike’s unusual combination of experience of criminal work (juvenile-related) as a solicitor, and an earlier stint as Probation Officer also helps him to have an understanding of the impact that legal action can have on families and young people.

Mike has extensive experience in care proceedings involving alcohol and drug misuse, chronic neglect, non-accidental injuries, complex medical issues and allegations of sexual abuse.

He has a particular interest in representing young and vulnerable parties and those with problems relating to alcohol/substance misuse or with learning difficulties/mental health.

He has a particular interest in representing grandparents and other extended family members who are anxious to either be able to see or look after their grandchildren or other relatives.

Michael Batt's Public Law Children Cases

Representing Father in Care Proceedings

Children known to LA throughout their lives as a result of concerns relating to neglect, domestic abuse, alcohol and drug use. Mother in care when younger, history of PTSD and sexualised behaviour from very young age. Assessed to have very low IQ with significant history of mental health issues and in need of an intermediary. Continue reading

Acting for Father in Public Law Proceedings

Disclosures by A that her older brother, B, had been having sex with her for 5 years. B admits but says sex consensual. A says B threatened her with a knife. B removed from family home and placed with a relative but then returned home temporarily before moving to another family placement. This placement also Continue reading

Acting for Mother in Respect of New Born Baby

Care proceedings in respect of new born baby. Concerns included M’s mental health, threats of harm to herself and unborn child whilst pregnant, history of abusing drugs and alcohol and parents’ abusive relationship. Child exposed to alcohol in utero and made subject to Child Protection Plan. M discharged herself from hospital when pregnant against advice Continue reading

Articles by Michael Batt

Case Law Update

Re S (Children: Party Status) [2022] EWCA Civ 1717 (per Peter Jackson, LJ) This appeal concerned whether the refusal of an application by the Appellant to become a party to care proceedings was wrong. The appeal was allowed. Relevant law on joining a party to care proceedings as set out by Jackson LJ: Family Proceedings Continue reading

PLACEMENT ORDER APPLICATION “GOOD PRACTICE” REMINDER FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY TO FILE THE PERMANENCE REPORT AND AGENCY DECISION MAKERS RECORD OF DECISION

S-F (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 964 (Leading judgment given by Sir Ernest Ryder, Senior President) I was recently very helpfully reminded of this 2017 case which is perhaps not too well-known as it raises no new issues of law or principal and the issue on appeal was described as ‘clear and simple’— was the Continue reading

Michael Batt's Testimonials for Public Law Children

Mike is excellent, as always.

Very prompt at dealing with everything and I appreciate that he stepped in late at night at very short notice due the court changing the date of the hearing.

 

Solicitors instructing Mike Batt in Care Proceedings – November 2021

“Both yourself and counsel have been very helpful. The service received has been very efficient”

Mrs W from solicitors instructing Michael Batt – May 19

“Mr Batt was as ever helpful and efficient. It is very helpful to receive prompt feedback from counsel after a hearing which I can always rely on Mr. Batt to provide.”

Miss W from Solicitors instructing Mike Batt – March 19