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

Programme

1. Fact Finding

   What evidence counts and will sway the court over the necessity for a fact-finding hearing, and how do you handle post fact finding allegations?

   Answered by Cleo Perry KC, 4PB

   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.”

2. Alienation

   How do you handle allegations of ‘alienating behaviour’ as opposed to Parental Alienation, and when should you run an argument in court?

   Answered by Edward Lamb KC, Deka Chambers

   Edward “has both gravitas and the ability to see a case clearly." “Clients adore him and he has the complete respect of the court and his opponents.” “He has a stellar practice.”

3. Shared lives

   How has AZ v BX [EWHC 2024] changed existing thinking on 'shared lives' compared to 'live with' and 'spend time with' orders, and how should you argue for 'spend time with' orders?

   Answered by Will Tyler KC, 36 Family

   Will is “an phenomenal children's silk - absolutely charming, highly effective, devastating in court." He acted in the AZ v BX litigation and sits as a Deputy High Court Judge.

4. Prohibited Steps

   How do you control and overcome the difficulties of (1) facilitating or (2) preventing contact with non-biological parents, e.g. in applications for Prohibited Steps Orders?

   Answered by Richard Hadley KC, No5 Chambers

   Richard is known for handling the most complicated and difficult cases. “He is a master tactician and legal mind, always thinking two or three moves ahead of his opponents.”

5. 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 a relocation is envisioned?

   Answered by Christopher Miller, Fourteen

   Christopher is "a superb advocate: relentless, persuasive, incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous in his preparation and attention to detail.” “He is a specialist in relocation cases.”

6. Interim contact

   How do you control and overcome the difficulties of interim contact, particularly where allegations have been raised, and Cafcass (as it often does) recommends no contact?

   Answered by Gemma Lindfield, 5 St Andrew’s Hill

   Gemma is “one of the best barristers out there for taking on children law cases.” “She is never phased by often difficult judges and will steadfastly argue on behalf of her clients.”

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 Piers Pressdee KC, 4PB

   Piers is co-author of the Dictionary of Private Children Law, shortlisted as “Family KC of the Year” and formerly co-chair of the Association of Lawyers for Children. “He is a Rolls-Royce silk for children’s work.”