An experienced barrister whose work involves assisting parents in exercising their right to have a meaningful relationship with their children. He is regularly instructed by mothers or fathers for court hearings involving child contact and this often includes:
- reintroduction
- obstruction to contact
- domestic abuse allegations
- parent alienation
- breaches/enforcement of previous orders
My approach
Court hearings are daunting and the outcome a life-changing event. You would not be in court unless the issue really meant something to you.
I am here to guide, assist and help you through it. I engage with everyone I represent in the same way, direct, upfront and honest. I am friendly and approachable, priding myself on my attention to detail and high client care. I listen to what you want and give considered advice that I ensure you understand.
I do not talk down to you and I do not talk over you, I am here for you and I am on your side.
My work
My work spans all areas of the Children Act, with particular emphasis on Child Arrangement Orders where I regularly attend court for mothers or fathers who are often looking to spend time with their child. This includes, but is not limited to, reintroductions, overnight contact, or just more time with their children. I have been instructed in cases involving parent alienation, enforcement of orders, lengthy absences and quite often there is an element of domestic abuse allegations.
In addition to court cases that are between parents (often referred to as Private Law proceedings), I am regularly instructed in cases involving the local authority in care proceedings (often referred to as Public Law proceedings).
Notable cases of mine have involved very serious allegations against the parties, challenging the accuracy of drug/alcohol testing, parent alienation and serious domestic violence.
About me
I have been fully qualified since 2010 where my career started in Criminal Law representing clients in the youth courts, magistrates courts and crown courts. It was here that I honed my witness handling and court advocacy experience. I now predominately represent parents in the family courts, both mothers and fathers, where I do my very best to be their voice and obtain the right outcome for my clients.
What my clients say
MH – professional client
Steven was instructed on a high value PI case involving historic rape, he successfully appealed against a Master’s decision not to set aside the Claimant’s default judgment and went on to achieve a fantastic result for the Client. His attention to detail was meticulous and we have instructed him on multiple cases since
GDC – professional client
Steven’s attention to detail and ability to grasp the complex issues in a case makes him our primary choice when it comes to instructing Counsel. He is approachable, personable and dependable and we have confidently recommended him to other firms
LE – professional client
We had never instructed a barrister directly but found Steven very approachable and easy to communicate with. His service was fantastic and we have continued to use him and recommend him to others
KH – lay client (direct access)
We instructed Steven when a family member was accused of a criminal offence they did not commit. Steven’s attention to detail was second to none and his presence in court was powerful and compelling. We appreciated how he was always willing to give his time and how clearly he explained things to us; she was acquitted
MH – lay client (direct access)
Steven provided a level of support that went beyond my expectations. He believed in me when no one else did and he helped me through the complicated and difficult legal process
TA – lay client (direct access)