- All Barristers
- Heather Hobson
Heather specialises exclusively in family law. She is recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Band 1 family lawyer and as a specialist in public family law proceedings. Heather handles some of the most complex care proceedings involving child death, serious physical harm, sexual abuse (including intra-sibling abuse) as well as cases involving emotional and domestic abuse. Heather has been described as “a phenomenal advocate, commanding in court and in her written advocacy” and as “a class act”.
"She is extremely experienced and a great advocate."
Chambers and Partners 2025
Notable Cases
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Re: L (A CHILD)(Need for a fact finding hearing) [2016] EWFC 52
Family
A six-year-old girl was found with injuries consistent with non-accidental harm while in her father’s care. Concerns remained over the father's anger issues, past cannabis use, and inconsistent explanations. The mother, who now cared for another child, accepted she cannot meet the girl's complex needs. The judge ordered further assessments, including by a paediatrician and adult psychologist, before any decision on the child’s return to her father can could be made.
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R (A Child)(New born baby designation of local authority)[2016] EWFC 53
Family
Heather successfully resisted a transfer of designation following the move of the parents just 10 days prior to the birth of their child.
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Re A (A Minor)(Fact Finding) [2025] EWHC 1977 (Fam)
Family
Heather, led by Nick Goodwin KC, represented the child aged thirteen months. Proceedings commenced following a referral from hospital after concerns were raised that the child had been deliberately poisoned with salt and has also sustained a shaking injury.
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LCC v R
Family
Case involving allegations that the family were travelling to Syria and that the f’s extreme views placed the children at risk of significant harm. Led by Susan Grocott QC.
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Blackpool Borough Council v A (A Child) (Rev 1) [2015] EWFC 9
Family
Represented intervenor in proceedings relating to the death of a child
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A (Secure Accommodation) [2014] EWFC B90
Family
Represented LA in proceedings for secure accommodation order. Proceedings identified the paucity of secure welfare beds
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Halton BC v A & G [2014]
Family
Represented child in 14 day hearing in the High Court before HHJ O’Leary. Case involved a rehearing of a fact finding and welfare disposal involving two profoundly deaf parents
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Family
Represented husband in ancillary relief proceedings involving complex family settlements, taxation issues and matters of public policy
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Family
Represented husband in protracted and hostile ancillary relief proceedings involving employee benefit trusts, company valuations, disposal of assets and injunctions.
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Family
Represented children in proceedings involving the unlawful killing of the mother by the father.
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Family
Represented children in serious non accidental injury cases involving the death of another child
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Family
Represented Local Authority in serious and complex proceedings involving historic allegations of sexual abuse
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Re: K
Family
Mother’s anxiety - [1999] 2 FLR 703
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Re: O and J
Famliy
Paternity: blood test [2001] FLR 418
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Re: G
Family
Litigation in person [2003] 2 FLR 693
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Re: L (Family Proceedings Court appeal jurisdiction) [2005] 1 FLR 210
Family
Family Proceedings Court appeal jurisdiction [2005] 1 FLR 210
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Lancashire County Council v D and E
Family
[2010] 2 FLR 196
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Re A and B
Family
One parent killed by the other [2011] 1FLR 783
Professional Associations
- Northern Circuit
- Family Law Bar Association
- Child Concern
Education
- Withington Girls School. Manchester
- Kings College London
- Inns of Court School of Law
