Practice Profile
Alison has a broad-based practice which covers all areas of litigation concerning children ? domestic and international. She represents clients in the Court of Protection including young adults, adults, and more elderly family members. She has extensive experience in dealing with all types of abduction cases and these include disputes around contact and access; and here she is sensitive of the need to support children's relationships with both parents in those cases where a breakdown has occurred. Alison advises in summary proceedings on cross-jurisdictional disputes in all countries irrespective of whether they are governed by the Hague Convention. And she also has experience of dealing with an area that is increasing in importance ? that is situations involving new media and internet abuse.
She focuses always on providing her clients with solutions best suited to their situations, and in these takes a practical, down-to-earth approach. Clients have the security of knowing that her experience and judgement ensures she will act in their best interests. Despite being a most open and easily approachable person Alison will pursue a most vigorous contest if required, notwithstanding her awareness that in some cases an optimum solution might require concessions.
She is regularly instructed in complex care proceedings, both in public and private law cases. She is experienced in representing local authorities, children (by their Children's Guardian or separately in their own right), and parents ? more particularly those with challenging cognitive, psychological or psychiatric histories or difficulties. Additionally she is much practiced in cases requiring expert opinion from the medical profession and psychiatrists.
Alison has a strong interest in the relocation of children both within the UK and to other jurisdictions requiring international co-operation and investigation. She is well versed in advising in those situations where there are family members who are living abroad and, importantly, has a wealth of experience in advising on cases of abduction or where the relocation is planned. Her work includes a balance of care work and private instructions.
Her experience of practice in criminal law for a number of years means she has a solid grounding in the criminal aspects of family law, and hence well understands the ramifications of on-going police investigations, both in terms of the processes and the timescales involved. As a result she is able to deal with cases where there may be on-going criminal investigations by calling on her unique knowledge and experience of the criminal courts.
Reported Cases
A Local Authority v A Mother and Others [2009] EWCA 1574
Re C (A Child) [2009] EWCA Civ 72
Lambeth v S, C, V & J (by His Guardian), Legal Services Intervening [2005] 2 FLR 1171
Publications
Alison is a contributor to the 1 Garden Court newsletter and has contributed to the chambers' online publication 'Key Authorities in Family Law' edited by Julien Foster and Stephen Cobb QC.
Seminars and Lectures
Alison has lectured on press reporting in the Family Law Courts. She was invited to speak at the Kent Family Justice Conference in November 2009, and is a regular contributor to the St. Hilda's Law Network Annual Careers Clinic. She has been instrumental in developing the mentoring scheme in Middle Temple and is a member of the sponsorship scheme.
Alison enjoys cookery - both with and without her children. Her other interests lie in tending her garden and sailing.