Lucy was instructed by Caroline Murgatroyd from Hudgell Solicitors to represent the family at a 3 day inquest into the death of Christopher Karieren this month. Christopher attended two hospitals seeking help for suicidal thoughts and despite 1-1 observations being ordered to protect his safety, this was not implemented and he left hospital unnoticed and shortly afterwards took his own life. Following submissions on behalf of the family and considering the evidence, the Coroner determined that Article 2 ECHR was engaged. The Coroner concluded that a failure to provide a mental health bed and a failure to provide 1-1 observations made a contribution to his death.
Much of children law involves the exploration of the facts relating to the child’s care and welfare, often coloured by the complex relationship dynamics between the adult protagonists. Occasionally, however, the facts which need to be established can be more fundamental. In John v Jane…
By Laura Hibberd Re E (A Child) (Special Guardianship Order: Public Law Proceedings) [2026] EWCA Civ 1167 Special guardianship orders are often thought of as the “middle ground” of permanence: more secure than a care order, less final than adoption, and with the child’s legal…
By Tim Parker KC The President of the Family Division handed down judgment on 29th September 2026 the decision in the first appeal following the introduction of Child-Focused Courts pilot. In Re C (Child Arrangements Orders; Domestic Abuse; Child Focused Court) [2026] EWCA Civ 1216…
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