Family
Our family team is passionate about protecting the rights, the integrity and the safety of the family without losing sight of the welfare of the children who are the subject of the proceedings.
We believe that assured advice and advocacy are key elements in a successful working partnership between solicitor, client and counsel, particularly in the field of family law where tensions and anxiety levels are high and issues within a case may develop with speed. In conjunction with a skilled clerks room the team is committed to delivering client care of the highest standards.
Our Family Team offers sympathetic and accessible legal representation combined with high standards of research, preparation and representation.
Our family team is known, above all, for our professionalism, judgment and tenacity, tempered with an awareness of when and how to give realistic advice. We will pursue every possible avenue - in particular, judicial review - to ensure that the Court considers every available option where the justice of the case warrants it.
Some of our specialisms
- care proceedings
- family cases where the child who is the subject of the application seeks to participate directly in the court proceedings
- family cases involving mental health issues
- family cases where one or both partners are gay
- cases where parents have learning disabilities
- children's cases with an international or immigration aspect
- divorce and nullity
- all section 8 applications including residence and contact
- domestic violence, harassment and committals adoption
- child abduction ancillary relief
The team has members at all levels of seniority , including silks, recorders and District Judges as well as committed and able junior practitioners who manage to combine a busy practice with pro bono and voluntary work . Between us we undertake a broad range of work with individual specialisation in key areas.
Legal 500, 2008 edition - Leading Set (2)
Garden Court Chambers is a name synonymous with high-quality children law work. Ian Peddie QC is ' a man of great humanity', being ' exceedingly conscientious' and well regarded for work in difficult abuse cases, having been involved as counsel in matters involving witchcraft, paedophilia and incest. Jo Delahunty QC, who enters the table for the first time this year, is known for her child protection work. She was appeared in Haringey LBC v S, which concerned care arrangements for a child suspected to be under threat of assault, with allegations of wilful neglect in respect to ritual abuse.
Chambers and Partners UK Directory 2007 page 1436 which identifies 'Leader at the Bar' from recommendations within the legal profession reads:
'Jo Delahunty QC has particular expertise in care proceedings and child protection issues. Peers note that she is an 'exceptionally well-prepared lawyer who is ready on paper to destroy your case' in court she 'fights hard, yet always maintains her focus on the child'
In the 2008 Edition Jo Delahunty QC has been named as within the Top 15 London family Silks and Maggie Jones has been identified as a leading junior
We have counsel of first choice for NYAS (National Youth Advisory Service) and the Official Solicitor.
Public law
Our team is used to dealing with serious and complex cases.
These include Behre v London Borough of Hillingdon [2003] EWHC 2075 Admin; and Haringey London Borough Council (2) Hackney London Borough Council V Mrs S & 7 Ors (2006) [2006] EWHC 2001 (Fam) Fam Div (Ryder J) 25/7/2006 Care Proceedings - Child Protection - Children - Non Accidental Injury - Care arrangements for child subjected to assault and willful neglect - Witchcraft - Ndoki - Kindoki where the court set out care arrangements made for children who had had a parent convicted of assault and willful neglect in respect of ritual harm associated with witchcraft to one of the children.
We've represented all parties in public law proceedings under the Children Act and Adoption Act - children, parents, extended family and local authorities. We can also advise on the effects of these Acts.
Our chambers experience in crime and immigration is often invaluable to these cases. We regularly represent unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, advising them, as well as their local authority.
Private law
Where children are involved, we work hard to ensure that negotiations are sensitive and productive. Legal proceedings can be traumatic for everyone involved. But we won't shy away from recommending the most appropriate course of action, however difficult it may be.
Domestic violence
It is not unusual for a client to have already suffered years of emotional or physical abuse before protective proceedings are commenced. Our team understand the importance of being sensitive and sympathetic at all times.
Child abduction
Losing a child is one of the most harrowing experiences anyone can face. We're experienced at handling the legal and emotional complexities of child abductions.
Ancillary relief
Ancillary relief proceedings often involve substantial assets, worth a great deal. But for those with very few assets, suffering losses can be even more devastating.
We'll do whatever we can to lessen financial hardship. Our experience in housing and property law often proves to be particularly valuable. We regularly handle property disputes between co-owners, cohabitants and family members - including Trusts of Land Act applications, occupation orders, transfers of tenancy and mortgage cases involving allegations of undue influence.
Our Members
Practitioners within the team have written, broadcast and lectured extensively on matters relating to family rights and child care issues. Seminars have also been provided to Local Authority Legal Departments and family solicitors. Several members are regular contributors to legal journals or are the authors of textbooks on family law and related subjects. This supplements the ongoing voluntary work of members with charities, support and pressure groups.
Specialist clerks
Our family team is supported by its own dedicated team of clerks. Specializing in family law, they're known for their efficiency and commitment.
Family Clerks
If you would like more information about our family team email the clerks familyclerks@gclaw.co.uk
or call us on 020 7993 7600 or use our direct fax number 020 7269 5646
The team
Members of the Family team are listed below - click on their names to go to their profiles.
