I am passionate about representing those involved in Public Law matters (also known as Care Proceedings) as well as private law children matters where parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children pre or post-separation. I have in-depth knowledge and experience in children matters and I am professional and passionate about getting the best possible outcome for your matter. Where possible, I undertake my own advocacy representing you at court.
Throughout my career I have been involved in some very complex Care Proceedings cases including a matter where I was appointed 2nd Advocate to support Counsel due to the complexity of that matter.
I also represent parents at Public Law Outline meetings (also known as Meeting before Action or Pre-Proceedings meetings) with Children’s Services. Being represented at these meetings allow you to understand why you are being asked to engage in the process and having the benefit of legal advice. I can help you to work with the Social Work team and professionals to get the best possible outcome for you and your family to avoid court proceedings where possible and to keep your child(ren) within the family.
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2003, I became an Accredited Member of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel in 2021. I continue to up-hold Resolution’s code of conduct in my work. Since 2021 I accept instructions and represent children directly or through their Children’s Guardian’s within Care Proceedings or private law matters where the child(ren) has been formally made a party to the case.
I can provide friends and family members of children who are the subject of Care Proceedings with advice about being the child’s Special Guardian to help them to ensure that the children can stay within the family.
Reported cases:
Representing a father where multiple fractures/injuries were found as non-accidental but the children were returned to the parents’ care as the High Court found no malicious intent:
West Sussex County Council v MM & Ors [2023] EWFC 38 (23 March 2023) https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2023/38.html and
West Sussex County Council v MM & Ors [2023] EWFC 88 (13 June 2023) https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2023/88.html
Representing the children, through their Children’s Guardian, within care proceedings, where a serious injury was sustained. The Judge did not find it to be non-accidental and the case was closed:
Surrey County Council v LV & Ors [2023] EWFC 186 (14 September 2023) https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2023/186.html
Representing a mother where drug testing came back positive for cocaine and her baby was unfortunately placed into foster care. Sadly, due to continued testing that showed repeated cocaine use and a lack of transparency, a Care and Placement order was made:
