Acting for a vulnerable Respondent mother

Rachel acted for a vulnerable Respondent mother who had suffered domestic abuse by the father and had moved with their child to another area of the country. The father had applied for residence and for a Prohibited Steps Order.

In previous hearings, the Judge had refused to transfer the case to the area where the mother was now living, with the result that she was unable to attend court. Rachel therefore ensured that she spoke with her client over the telephone prior to the hearing in order to confirm her instructions and to reassure her about what was happening.

The matter could not be finalised because of the requirement for a report, but in the interim Rachel was able to obtain the transfer of the case to her client’s local area, and a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent the father from taking the child from the mother. The mother was hugely reassured by the outcome and felt far more confident in the court process afterwards.