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Seven Bedford Row
T: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555   |   E: clerks@7br.co.uk

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

Several members have experience in obtaining ex parte and inter partes forced marriage protection orders, and also in responding to applications for such orders. Members  have dealt with cases where care proceedings follow on from such applications or the inherent jurisdiction continues to be invoked.  Members undertake cases at the Royal Courts of Justice and at County Courts designated to hear forced marriage cases. 7 Bedford Row has been instrumental in providing training to solicitors, the police, local authorities, social workers and children’s services in respect of this issue.  Members of the team have spoken regionally at Family Justice Council seminars. In conjunction with the Association of Asian Women Lawyers,  Chambers organised an  “awareness raising” training programme on forced marriage, involving Rachel Langdale QC, Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBE (Dawson Cornwall) and Jasvinder Sanghera (Karma Nirvana).  Individual members of the team have written articles for various publications  (including Family Law) dealing with the cultural context of forced marriage, dowry abuse and practical guidance on dealing with the forced marriage legislation.

 

Specific Areas of Expertise

Recent cases include:

G v N County Council (2009) 1FLR 774

  • The court granted a declaration that  the removal by a local authority of a child (subject to a care order) from its mother was unlawful, but refused an interim injunction requiring the child to be returned to the mother’s care  upon the basis that on balance the evidence supported removal.

    W (Children) 2009 EWCA Civ 59

    The Court of Appeal considered the status of adoption orders where miscarriage of justice is alleged. Adoption orders made in good faith on the evidence available at the time must stand.

    Re P (A Child) Sub-nom SB v E County Council [2008] EWCA Civ 535: The Times, May 29, 2008

    The Court of Appeal gave guidance in respect of the Adoption and Children Act 2002; the making of placement orders; post-adoption contact and the concept of “dual planning”.

    BBC and CAFCASS Legal & Others (2007) 2 FLR 765

    An application by BBC and Mother for disclosure of judgment in care proceedings into public domain, together with release of video diaries, for the purpose of broadcasting a documentary about the case.  Issues relating to safeguarding the anonymity of social workers, other professionals and experts.

    Norfolk County Council and Webster & Others (2007) 1 FLR 1146

    On an application by the BBC and Associated Newspapers Limited & Others, Mr Justice Munby permitted the media to attend and report upon care proceedings relating to Brandon Webster.  A reporting restriction order was made, to protect the identity of various witnesses/professionals. See also:

    Norfolk County Council v Webster (2007) 2 FLR 415

    B and B v A County Council (2007) 1 FLR 1189

    Re X (Emergency Protection Orders) (2006) 2 FLR 701

    Guidance given re. Emergency Protection Orders;  and the role of the applicant local authority in applying for the same.

    Re K Care: (Threshold Criteria) (2006) 2 FLR 868

    Life threatening injuries caused to a child will be likely to establish the threshold criteria in respect of that child’s sibling.

Forthcoming Events

Child and Family Law Seminar

28 September 2010, 6.00pm

A seminar for experienced family lawyers, to consider contemporary legal issues and to provide a forum for discussion.  To register please click here or contact Chaya Odze at codze@7br.co.uk.

For a copy of the flyer for the seminar please click here.

 

Recent Events 

Conference on International Child Abduction, Relocation, and Forced Marriage

30 June 2010 - 2 July 2010

7 Bedford Row was pleased to participate in, and be one of the sponsors of, the Centre of Family Law and Practice's conference: " International Child Abduction, Relocation and Forced Marriage", London Metropolitan University.
 

 

Forced Marriage - Seminar and Panel Discussion

19 April 2010, 6.00pm

By invitation of the Child and Family Law Team at 7 Bedford Row, The Centre for Family Law and Practice held a seminar on Forced Marriage.

Rachel Langdale QC and Anita Guha, barristers at 7 Bedford Row spoke alongside Olaf Henricson-Bell of the Forced Marriage Unit and Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBE, partner of Dawson Cornwell Solicitors.

See the official flyer here.

Photos from the event can be seen by clicking here. 

 

Contact us for professional advice:

Dean Farlam

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7400 7309
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: dfarlam@7br.co.uk

Paul Eeles

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7400 7305
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: peeles@7br.co.uk