International Children Law Update (online)

Kate Burnell practises solely within Family Law and has specialised in children cases for over 15 years.  She has a particular interest in cases involving complex issues of high conflict and hostility.  Kate regularly acts in cases where there are allegations of abusive conduct and substance misuse.  She has extensive experience across the full range of private law cases including child arrangements orders (contact/residence), specific issue and prohibited steps applications and relocation both internally and externally. Given her dual qualification Kate has advised on enforcement issues involving America.

Christopher Hames KC has practiced in family law in 4pb for over 35 years and has been a member of 4pb since 2000. His practice mainly involves resolving difficult international issues concerning jurisdiction, children and substantial financial resources. He is a member of the FLBA International Committee and is a past chair of CALA until February 2021. He remains a trustee of CFAB. He is the author of chapters in “Rayden” on International Child Abduction and Committal. He sits as a Recorder, a deputy High Court Judge and is allocated to hear financial appeals from district judges.  He is a qualified IFLA arbitrator in both children and finance. He was short-listed for ‘Silk of the Year’ in 2022. He became a door tenant of Unit Chambers in early 2023.

Dr Emma Palmer is a Partner and Head of Family at MSB Solicitors. Specialising in international children work and jurisdictional matters, Emma’s cases are usually in the High Court. Emma is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a Resolution accredited specialist in child abduction as well as forced marriage & honour based abuse.

Margaret Parr specialises in family law and has appeared in the Court of Appeal and High Court. She represents parents, children and Local Authorities in care and adoption proceedings. Margaret has experience of complex cases involving sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, substance misuse, mental health issues and neglect. She has experience in deprivation of liberty applications under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction. In private law proceedings, Margaret represents parents and children and is experienced in dealing with intractable contact disputes, implacable hostility and international relocation.