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Mark is a highly experienced advocate in the law concerning children. He deals with public and private law matters arising under the Children Act 1989 and the Adoption and Children Act 2002.
Mark’s work frequently involves allegations of violence, non-accidental injuries, emotional damage, sexual abuse, mental health issues, neglect and chronic substance misuse.
Mark has practiced family law since pupillage and been instructed on a number of more unusual cases concerning annulments, forced marriage, international aspects of divorce and child maintenance.
Mark has also provided advice overseas on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to service personnel and their dependents in relation to divorce, child arrangements and legal disputes arising from financial problems.
Key cases
Re J v H & Ors [2022] EWHC 862 (Fam) (07 April 2022)
Re A (Final Hearing: Threshold not met) [2018] EWFC 63
Re H (A Child: Breach of Convention Rights: Damages) [2014] EWFC 38
Re P (A Child: Assessment of Kinship Carers) [2014] EWFC B73
Re X (A Child) (Capacity to Consent to Termination) [2014] EWHC 1871 (Fam); (2014) 139 B.M.L.R. 143; [2014] Fam. Law 1227
Areas of expertise
Mark has significant experience of representing parents during the difficult times where there is disagreement as to where their children should live and how much time they should spend with each parent.
He takes a pragmatic approach to achieving an outcome which is favourable to the parent which he represents. He is always keen to ensure that the court’s decision is likely to lead to an enduring result.
Mark is a sensible negotiator but is always ready to strongly argue a point which remains in dispute before the court.
Public law decisions in respect of children have potentially life-changing consequences for the families involved.
Mark’s experience in representing local authorities, parents, other family members and children (both through their Guardian’s and independently) enables him to accurately assess the issues that the court is most likely to be concerned with when making decisions.
He has appeared in very sensitive cases addressing issues such as the inherent jurisdiction, wardship, secure accommodation orders, extremist views and female genital mutilation protection orders.
Mark is able to recognise the difficulties and dynamics with professionals that families sometimes encounter and is able to offer parents and relatives sympathetic yet realistic guidance in their cases.
Further information
Appointments & Memberships
Hardwicke Scholar of the
Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Family Law Bar Association
Recorder (Family Court)