Ravi Sethi

I have represented both Applicants and Respondents in all types of hearings in the Family Courts. Examples include Section 8 Children Act 1989 Prohibited Steps Orders, Child Arrangement Orders, Special Guardian Hearings, Adoption, Care Cases, Residence and Specific Issue Orders. I have conducted advocacy at all stages, ex parte, Interim, First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment and Final Hearings.

On many occasions, there has been a link to Domestic Violence, as mentioned above. A client may have required a non-molestation order and a prohibited steps order to keep a child safe from an abusive partner. Conversely, I have often acted for a Respondent who may allege that allegations of violence are exaggerated or fabricated to give the Applicant parent an advantage in child contact arrangements or finances when the relationship breaks down.

Other types of hearings include Declaration of Parentage (DNA Testing) and Applications for permission to change a child's name, or relocate either internationally or to a different part of the UK.

My approach

I have many years of representing clients. I will listen to you and present your case to the best of his abilities. I will also negotiate with other parties where appropriate to try and get you the best possible outcome. Once I am instructed, I will try to read the case papers first and then arrange a conference where possible to discuss and plan case strategy.

About me

Called to the Bar in 2020 after a successful career as a Solicitor, Advocate, working in law since 2004, I have dealt with every aspect of a case from initial instruction through to final hearing as well as appeals in the Court of Appeal. He has a thriving practice which is split between public law (care proceedings), family law (children) and domestic violence (non-molestation and occupation order cases).

Prior to joining the bar, I was one of the few solicitors to have obtained both the prestigious Resolution Specialist Accreditation scheme in Family Law, a mark of quality as well as obtaining similar credentials in Crime, the Criminal Law Accreditation Scheme enabling me to practice as a duty solicitor and police station representative. I have experience in several areas of law but now specialises in Family Law only.

I have an empathetic manner and can provide realistic advice to clients in a straightforward, easy to understand manner with a passion for learning and a commitment to keeping up with the ever-changing developments in his legal areas of practice.

I accept instructions to advise and represent clients from initial hearings through to contested final hearings and trials. Based in Manchester, he is able to cover all courts all over England and regularly appears in Preston, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and London as well as Wales and other cities with appropriate notice.

Awards and Recognition

My work has been highlighted and commended within the legal field by legal peers and judges; most recently:

2024Resolution Manchester Barrister of the Year Finalist

2025Manchester Legal Awards, Barrister of the Year Finalist

2025Resolution National Barrister of the Year Finalist

Notable cases

Clients in child arrangement disputes experience me as calm, steady and deeply empathetic, particularly when emotions are running high. I understand that for the parent instructing me, this is not just litigation, it is about their child, their role as a parent, and their future relationship with their child/ children. As a parent myself, and with many years of professional experience across family litigation, I recognise the emotional weight these cases carry and the importance of feeling properly heard and supported. My background as both a solicitor and a barrister means I understand the process from beginning to end, not just what happens in court. I combine detailed preparation and strategic advocacy with genuine understanding of the personal strain these disputes bring. Clients often say they feel listened to, clearly advised and confidently represented, knowing that I will present their case firmly but constructively, always keeping their child's welfare at the centre of the strategy. My experience in criminal law and in care proceedings has brought me into contact with a wide range of individuals, including those who have made serious mistakes and those who have struggled with substance misuse e.g. alcohol/ drugs or violence, including domestic abuse. I understand the need to protect children and the other parent where there are genuine safeguarding concerns. There are cases where a parent is clearly not safe to be around a child, and many situations where the other parent, often the mother, requires firm protection through the court's powers. The safety and welfare of the child must always come first. At the same time, I recognise that people can and do make meaningful changes in their lives. Where there is evidence of insight, rehabilitation and sustained improvement, it is important that this is properly presented to the court. The welfare of the child remains paramount, but fairness requires that parents who have genuinely changed are given the opportunity to rebuild and maintain a safe and positive relationship with their child. I have also acted in cases where allegations have been exaggerated or, on occasion, advanced in a way that does not accurately reflect the reality of the family dynamics, sometimes arising from the breakdown of a relationship or the introduction of a new partner. In such circumstances, it is essential that the court is able to see the full picture. That means carefully analysing the evidence, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring that allegations are properly scrutinised. Where claims are malicious or grossly exaggerated, it is important that this is exposed through fair and structured advocacy.

Professional & academic

Education:

• MA Childcare Law & Practice, Keele University (awarded prize for top dissertation student)
• BA (Hons) History, School of Oriental and African Studies; University of London
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE), Manchester Metropolitan University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC), Manchester Metropolitan University

Professional Qualifications:

• 2024 Expert Witness Advocacy Training Course
• 2022 Advocacy & Vulnerable People Training (Qualified Legal Representative)
• 2021 Direct Access Qualified
• 2020 Admitted to Lincolns Inn and the Bar
• 2020 Resolution Family Law Specialist Accreditation
• 2015 Legal Aid Supervisors Course
• 2014 Higher Courts (Criminal Advocacy) Qualification
• 2012 Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (Duty Solicitor)
• 2010 Police Station Accredited Representative

Professional Memberships:

• Resolution (accredited specialist)
• Child Concern
• Family Law Bar Association
• Criminal Bar Association
• Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates
• CPS Level 2 Advocacy Panel
• Manchester & Trafford Law Societies