Anna represents parents and children, both via a Guardian and those who have separated from their Guardian.
Public Law: Children
Overview
Anna is often instructed on behalf of the Official Solicitor and also by National Youth Advocacy Service. Anna has a particular interest in and experience of representing parents and children who are particularly vulnerable, including parents who are very young, and parents and children with additional needs, such as learning difficulties and mental health difficulties. She has a particular skillset in representing those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anna also has considerable experience of being involved in cases where witness intermediaries are assisting.
Notable Cases
Re TV, JV and EV [2014] EWHC B18 (Fam)
A case in which the local authority sought care and placement orders and matters concluded with a family placement, the parties having managed to negotiate very difficult and delicate family dynamics.
Re B, O and E (Fact Finding, Care Proceedings) [2014]
A lengthy fact-finding hearing involving serious allegations of sexual abuse by a mother and stepfather on one of their three children. The case also centred around the parents’ over-chastisement of all three children and their own relationship, which was characterized by domestic violence the children had witnessed on several occasions. It was significant in this case that the mother of the children had suffered a childhood characterised by extreme trauma, and the Judge found that this trauma had led to extreme difficulties in her own parenting. Also significant was that the eldest child had been found to suffer with reactive Attachment Disorder, which is a relatively rare diagnosis.
