Family Children

We undertake a wide variety of work in the Family Court, Family Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Our Family Law team is extensive, friendly and experienced. We are on hand to help you deal with any family law issue whether that be public law (care proceedings or adoption), or private law (Child Arrangements Orders about where a child lives, or what contact they have). Whatever the issue, we can take the stress away and advise you.

Private law children

Private law is the area of law concerning private family arrangements e.g. Child Arrangements Orders concerning who a child lives with (live with orders) or contact (spend time with orders). This differs from Public law (below) which concerns issues of care and adoption.

We have experts who can help you if there is an international / jurisdiction element to your case, including abduction. College Chambers has a strong team specialising in international cases concerning children. Our expertise includes international child abduction (both under the Hague Convention and Brussels II Revised); matters concerning the planned international movement of children; and international adoption. Members are happy to offer advice at an early stage in an effort to resolve matters without the need for court proceedings. If your matter is in the court system already, members are available to advise, assist, and represent you at all levels.

Public Law Children

We regularly represent parents, children, relatives, local authorities, foster-parents, prospective adopters, Special Guardians, Childrens Guardians, CAFCASS and the Official Solicitor. We work within the legal aid graduated fee scheme at all levels of seniority. Our adoption experience includes cases with an international element.

We really care about our cases and know that public law family proceedings are stressful and emotional so will do our utmost to provide continuity of Counsel, and we will of course work closely with solicitors and lay clients to ensure the best possible outcome.

Legal Expertise You Can Trust

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Thank you Kingsleigh for undertaking the research so promptly and thoroughly. I am grateful.

Solicitor

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Prompt and reliable reporting who goes above and beyond in her duty to her client, thank you [Marianna].

Karen Harvey, Director, KJ Smith Solicitors

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The excellence and compassion of Molly Mifsud who represented me with articulate advocacy with genuine compassion whilst understanding the complexities of my divorce background and facts. My family and I could not have asked for, or expected such an excellent counsel, she is truly remarkable. For anyone who is experiencing the complexities and sheer pressure of a divorce hearing, I could not recommend any stronger advice other than to secure the services of Molly, as I am utterly confident that one can be sure, that their case will be in the best of hands and a favourable result will be secured.

A Happy Client

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Gemma is always meticulously prepared and pays close attention to detail. She has an excellent 'bedside manner' with clients which puts them at ease, whilst providing robust and pragmatic advice with a view to securing the best possible outcome, thus providing clients with confidence in her representation. Gemma always follows up with comprehensive notes by way of feedback and I would have no hesitation in recommending her.

Dawn Gore

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Neil Maton is a formidable and reliable family law barrister. His preparation is thorough and meticulous and he is passionate about getting the best results for his clients.

Head of Family

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I wanted to write to you and thank you for suggesting Daniel Piddington in respect of my recent personal injury trial. Daniel came in to the case shortly prior to trial. I was very impressed with the speed and thoroughness in respect of the initial review of the paperwork and his conference with client was excellent. He dealt with a number of difficult issues with the client but his thorough grasp of the situation gave the client even greater confident in Mr Piddingtons ability to represent him at trial. Client felt extremely well represented by Daniel during the course of the trial and was, of course, very pleased with the successful outcome. I would confirm that I will have no hesitation in using Mr Piddington in the future and have referred his CV to my two litigation colleagues in the firm highly recommending him.

Chris Prew, Roach Pittis Solicitors

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Neil is a pragmatic lawyer, who is always well-prepared. He adopts a hands-on approach and is easy to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my clients.

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My client was very pleased with the outcome of the hearing. Thank you for your kind assistance in this matter.

Associate Legal Executive

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I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your support and amazing work throughout the case; you definitely give me hope that the system isn’t fully broken with people like you helping to do the right thing.

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Great job! Again thank you ever so much for your help.

How we can help

Private law children, we can help you with:

Children Act 1989 applications including Child Arrangement Orders
Enforcement, committals and appeals
Representation of interveners and extended family members
Representation of Rule 16.4 Guardians
Representation of clients involving the Official Solicitor

Public law children, we can help you with:

Care Orders (Interim and Final)
Supervision Orders (Interim and Final)
Contact applications involving children in care
Emergency applications and injunctions
Judicial Review
Public Interest Immunity and disclosure
Secure accommodation
Wardship
Complex medical issues (fact findings hearings)
Cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury or chronic abuse, or that a baby has been shaken (fact finding cases)
Vulnerable adults
Claims for the wrongful removal of a child by local authorities under section 20 of the Children Act 1989.

Your case may be suitable for direct access find out more here.

Anthony Hand

Barrister

(1989)
Head of Family Children

College Chambers