Mercy is a specialist family law barrister with expertise in all aspects of family work with extensive experience across the spectrum of public and private law proceedings. She represents local authorities, parents, children, and other family members at all levels of court.

She has extensive experience in family finance cases and applications under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989.

Key cases

Re H (Shared Residence: Parental Responsibility) [1995] 2FL

Court upheld decision to make a Shared Residence Order where the primary purpose was to confer parental responsibility on a step-father.

Re K (Application to Remove from Jurisdiction) [1998] 2 FLR 1006, Charles

Relocation and permanent removal of children out of the jurisdiction: whether factors including the political, economic and general living conditions of the country of destination are relevant to the issue of the welfare of the child.

O and Another v Orkney Island Council [2010] 1 FLR 1449 FD, Hedley J

Court considered whether a Scottish local authority could be compelled to undertake or fund a Special Guardianship Assessment in respect of a child placed by the Scottish local authority with kinship carers in England.

Re M (A Child) [2011] EWCA Civ 1161, McFarlane and Hughes LJJ

Court of Appeal found that there had been no procedural irregularity or unfairness where a judge had indicated after the first day of a hearing that he was minded to grant an extension of a residential assessment under s.38 (6) of the Children Act 1989 but came to a contrary decision after hearing evidence at the resumed hearing.

Areas of expertise

Mercy has extensive experience in family finance cases and applications under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989.

Mercy has worked extensively in private law children cases.

A mediator for over 17 years in civil proceedings including TOLATA and Inheritance Act claims.

Further information

Education University of Sheffield (LLB, 1979)

Inns of Court School of Law (1980) (Advocacy Prize)

Back to Members