A large part of Martha’s practice involves cases with an international element. She is currently instructed in a high profile case concerning two missing children which has attracted national media attention. She is regularly instructed in international abduction, forced marriage and stranded spouse cases in the High Court. Martha also has experience of international public law cases involving such issues as radicalisation, sex trafficking, international adoption and the placement of children abroad.
Notable International Family Law cases
Prospective Adopters v A County Council [2021] EWHC 91 (Fam)A case concerning the extent of any legal obligation under the Vienna Convention to notify foreign consular authorities of an application for an adoption order in relinquished babies cases with a view to identifying the birth father and/or wider family.
Re J (Care Proceedings: Placement in Bangladesh) [2020] EWHC 490 (Fam)Complex international care proceedings concerning the appropriate legal framework for the placement of a child with family members in Bangladesh.
Re R 2020 EWHC 2586 (Fam)Public law proceedings in which the court was invited to make findings of international child trafficking.
Re R [2020] EWHC 73 (Fam)Highly unusual factfinding in a child abduction case involving children declared missing, which led to the making of summary return orders under the court’s inherent jurisdiction and publicity orders.