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Seven Bedford Row

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

Child & Family Law

The child and family law team at 7 Bedford Row has considerable expertise with members being recognised as leaders in the field. Conscious of the highly confidential issues that arise in this area of law, members of the team pride themselves on being friendly and approachable. They regularly undertake the most complex cases and appear in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Members lecture and provide training to solicitors and other members of the Bar.

Recent cases include:

  • Re P (A Child) sub nom SB v  X County Council [2008] EWCA Civ 535;  The Times, May 29, 2008
  • BBC v Cafcass Legal & Others [2007] 2 FLR 765
  • Norfolk County Council v Webster [2007] 1 FLR 1146
  • B & B v A County Council [2007] 1 FLR 1189
  • Re X (Emergency Protection Orders) [2006] 2 FLR 701
  • Re K (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2006] 2 FLR 868

Care and adoption

We have an excellent reputation within this area with many members of the team specialising almost exclusively in the field. Often instructed by local authorities, they are also sought-after for their committed representation of both parents and children. A number of members have acquired substantial experience in medico-legal work and are particularly adept at handling cases where difficult medical or psychiatric issues arise.

Members of Chambers have experience in related proceedings including compensation claims arising out of abuse, educational negligence claims and cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Care Standards Tribunal. Members have been involved in public inquiries where the welfare of children is in issue (including the North Wales Child Abuse (Waterhouse) Inquiry).

Child abduction

A number of members have experience in this area. The team is familiar with all relevant legislation and treaties, and deal with applications under The Hague Convention and cases involving Brussels II revised.

Private law child proceedings

The team has a proven track record in this area. Members regularly conduct the most complex private law child cases, including those involving allegations of abuse or the appointment of a rule 9.5 guardian.

Inherent jurisdiction

Members of the team advise in and undertake a variety of applications under the inherent jurisdiction relating to children and vulnerable adults, including care and medical treatment, permission to discontinue treatment for terminally ill children, non-resuscitation orders and specific issues: for example, genetic testing.

Media applications in respect of publicity

Several members have experience in dealing with applications by the press in respect of family proceedings. Members of the team appeared in the recent cases where the High Court, in a landmark ruling, allowed the press to report care proceedings (Norfolk County Council v Webster) and where it gave directions on the publication of video footage related to ongoing care proceedings (BBC v Cafcass Legal).

Ancillary relief

A small, specialised team is available to take instructions in this area. They can offer expertise in "big money" cases and where financial misconduct is alleged. The team is familiar with recent, post "Miller" case law and other changes in this rapidly developing field.