Private Children Law: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Advice for Your Clients

Programme

1. Children in litigation

   How has Re C (2023) EWCA changed existing thinking on placing children at the heart of litigation in their own capacity, i.e. giving evidence, meeting Judges and instructing their own solicitors?

   Answered by Tim Parker KC

   Tim is "technically brilliant with fine attention to detail." "He gets superb results for his clients and is a first-class silk for heavy-weight cases." He is a Family Law Arbitrator.

2. Coercive control

   How do you handle coercive controlling behaviour of both the children and the other parent, and what will the court do if it is found, supported by case law and practical examples?

   Answered by Hannah Markham KC

   Hannah is "like an encyclopaedia for children work" - "truly exceptional" - "at the very top of her game" - "unrivalled in her strategic thinking." She is Vice-Chair of the FLBA.

3. Fact-finding

   What evidence counts and will sway the court over the necessity for a fact-finding hearing given the ambiguities of K v K (2022) and Practice Direction 12J?

   Answered by Jason Green of Harcourt Chambers

   Jason is "a class act whose advocacy is pitched perfectly." "He is utterly charming with clients who love him and impressive in the way he handles difficult opponents."

4. Very young children

   How far can you push the court over contact and staying arrangements for very young children, what will that contact look like and what will happen if an internal relocation is envisioned?

   Answered by Cleo Perry KC

   Cleo is "an absolutely spectacular KC." "Her advice is clear and practical and she achieves results that are going to be workable and meaningful.” “Judges listen to her every word.”

5. Unfavourable s.7 reports

   How do you challenge an unfavourable s.7 report and persuade the court not to follow its recommendations, backed up by real-life examples from practice?

   Answered by Piers Pressdee KC

   Piers "is one of the very best silks for Children Act cases: he knows the law inside out." He is co-author of 'Contact: The New Deal' and revised the Children Volumes of Halsbury's Laws.

6. Complex medical conditions

   How do you navigate legal and practical challenges when capable parents disagree on the severity and treatment of complex medical conditions like autism, ADHD, or food allergies?

   Answered by Natalia Levine of St John's Buildings

   Natalia is "an exceptionally talented barrister and a go-to for Children Act work." "She always comes up with innovative and practical suggestions to move the case forward.” "Her people skills are second to none."

7. Serial non-compliance

   How and where do you draw the line on implacably hostile carers and serial non-compliance and so secure a fair outcome for your client?

   Answered by Christopher Miller of Fourteen

   Christopher is a specialist in cases involving intractable hostility and allegations of parental abuse. He is "a superb advocate: relentless, persuasive and incredibly knowledgeable"