Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2021
Alison is children law and ADR specialist who has practised in family law for over twenty years.
She is known for her empathetic and pragmatic approach, focusing on the individual needs of her clients, including the practical and emotional issues that can shape her client’s decision-making as well as the legal aspects of a case. She is a skilled negotiator, dedicated to finding solutions, and demonstrates a firm but sensitive style of advocacy.
Her court practice involves extensive experience in representing parents, local authorities, intervenors, prospective adopters and children’s guardians in a variety of family proceedings across different levels of court. On many occasions she has acted for children directly where her approachable manner has led to repeat instructions.
Alison is a Resolution trained mediator and can mediate children and finance matters. Although her court practice now focuses on children, Alison has previously had over ten years’ experience working on financial provision cases, which stands her in good stead to mediate on all issues, together with her sensible and thoughtful approach to problem solving.
Alison is also a qualified arbitrator for children matters under the IFLA Children’s Scheme.
To instruct Sarah Hayward or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Sarah is frequently instructed in international children law cases before the Family Division of the High Court.
She has a strong interest in matters involving an international element, including international relocation, summary return applications under the 1980 Hague Convention, and the recognition and enforcement of international orders. With extensive experience in Hague Convention cases, Sarah is well-prepared to handle all stages of the process and has represented both Applicants and Respondents in such proceedings.
Case involving the recognition and enforcement of International orders under the 1996 Hague Convention.
Case involving the mother’s application for access to the child under Art. 21 of the 1980 Hague Convention.
Alison provides highly proficient representation in all applications pursuant to section 8 of the Children Act 1989, special guardianship cases, private adoptions, internal relocation, choice of school, medical treatment and cases requiring injunctions. She acts for all parties involved in such proceedings including children through their rule 16.4 guardians.
Her cases cover the spectrum of children issues that arise in relationship breakdowns. She has particular experience in cases where the dispute has become intractable and in cases where children’s services have become involved. Her practice also includes cases involving allegations of domestic violence, alienating behaviours and the issues arising from substance abuse and mental ill-health. She is always well-prepared and aims to deploy her skills to each client’s case in a bespoke way, whether the case requires forensic cross-examination of an expert witness or giving sensible advice.
Alison Williams, Fazeela Ishmael and Sarah Hayward had a great time at the University of Law yesterday evening, meeting lots of students and recent graduates at our Q&A event about…
We are delighted to announce that Thomas Braithwaite and Sarah Hayward have accepted invitations to join Chambers. Their tenancies will commence on 2nd October 2023 on the successful completion of…
Thomas joined Harcourt as a pupil in October 2022 and is developing a practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise. Thomas was under the supervision of Suzanne Syme and…