Negotiating a settlement and avoiding final hearing costs

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 there had been years of family proceedings, a Guardian had just been appointed and an s.37 report had been completed by the Local Authority.

It was agreed that the autistic child would live with the Mother and the sibling with the Father, with regular contact between the parent and non- resident child and between the siblings. A psychological assessment of the family has been agreed and the Local Authority has no further involvement other than to provide resources and support.