Children

In the field of child protection, our Barristers are involved in the most serious child care cases involving the death of, or grave injury to, children.

Our team has particular expertise in cases involving the murder of one parent by the other.

We are well used to dealing with complex medical issues including cases of serious head injury caused to babies and fabricated or induced illnesses in children, and are experienced in cases of serious sexual abuse and extreme chronic neglect.

Our members regularly act on behalf of parents, local authorities and for children in care proceedings in the High Court and County Court.

Our junior members also undertake some work in the family proceedings court.

A number of Counsel within the family team at Deans Court have experience in judicial review and regulatory work within the area of looked-after children and care standards.

Deans Court Chambers family team also offers expertise in difficult private law proceedings involving disputes about residence and contact.

Our focus is on achieving the best outcome for the children concerned, securing their safety and wellbeing, whilst dealing sensitively with the difficult issues involved.

We regularly deal with cases involving parents who pose a risk of physical, sexual or emotional harm to their children where a finding of fact hearing may be necessary.

Our members are experienced in dealing with cases of implacable hostility to contact, in enforcement of contact orders and in change of residence.

We often appear in cases involving the international movement of children (application for removal from the jurisdiction; Hague Convention and child abduction cases).

Deans Court Chambers also provide advice and representation in surrogacy cases.