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Cohabitation Agreements
Unmarried couples who live together do not have the same legal protection as married couples and civil partners when they...
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“Simone McGrath has an incredible knowledge of international cases. She has been involved in many leading cases and is a go-to lawyer in the field.”
“Simone is a stand-out practitioner. The extent of her knowledge and practice is exceptional.”
Simone McGrath
Simone specialises in all aspects of private and public law children work. She has particular expertise in domestic and international Child Abduction and is a member of the panel of lawyers instructed in child abduction work by the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit at the Official Solicitor’s Department. Simone is on the Law Society’s Children Panel and represents both parents and children in Care proceedings. She is consistently recognised as a Leader in her field in both the leading independent legal directory Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
After qualifying in 1990, Simone started as a solicitor at Hodge Jones and Allen where she ran the Domestic Violence Unit for the first 3 years of her career. Upon being made a partner in 1993, she developed a practice in International Children work as well as Care proceedings and Private law Children cases. Her reputation in her chosen areas was further enhanced when she moved to Osbornes Law where she has had several reported cases in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
Simone is a member of the ICACU Child Abduction Panel, Resolution, Association of Lawyers for Children and a Law Society Children Panel accredited practitioner (Children and Child Abduction ). She is accredited by the Law Society Children Panel and regularly represents children through their Guardians as well as parents in complex Care proceedings, often with an international element.
Simone is the co – chair of Women in Family Law ( WiFL). She sits as a DDJ on the South Eastern Circuit.
In 2004 Simone was appointed as a Deputy District Judge, South Eastern Circuit.
In 2005 the Black Solicitors Network presented Simone with “Outstanding Lawyer of the Year” award.
Some of Simone’s Past Recorded Cases:
Child Abduction:
- A Mother, A Father , A Girl. A Boy [2023] EWHC 2728 (Fam)
- AO v LA [2023] EWHC 83 (Fam]
- Re R ( A Child) (Asylum and 1980 Hague Convention Application) [2022] EWCA Civ 188
- R v YD and another [2021] EWHC 2642 (Fam)
- D (A Child) ( International Recognition ) [2016] EWCA Civ 12
- In the matter of D ( A Child) [2016] UKSC 34
Jurisdiction – Hague Convention 1996:
- Re J & H (Jurisdiction: 1996 Hague Convention : residual domestic jurisdiction: parental responsibility jurisdiction)
Care and parents / children subject to Asylum applications:
- A & Others ( Care Proceedings: 1996 Hague Convention : Habitual Residence ) [2024] EWFC 110
- Re A and Others (Care Proceedings: Inherent Jurisdiction: Order for Return to Austria) [2024] EWFC 178 (fam)
Care and Private Law Children
- A Local Authority v M, F, A&B [2020] EWHC 1162 (Fam) – (Judgment on publicity)
- LBH v M, F , A & B [2020] EWFC 38 Care Proceedings
- AS v TH v BC v NC & SH [2016] EWHC 532 (Fam)
"Their family department is very strong, from adoption to child abduction and matrimonial finance, this is a very strong team."
"Simone McGrath has a fantastic children’s practice. She is one of the very best solicitors for dealing with international children cases. A first port of call in especially complex matters."
Simone McGrath in particular stands out for her no-nonsense approach, her sensible and realistic advice, and her tenacious attitude. She is a fearless advocate, but manages to strike up supportive relationships with her clients. They trust her, and so do I.
Simone McGrath – Exceptional knowledge of international children matters, particularly 1980 Hague Convention cases. Fights hard for her clients.
"Simone is absolutely on top of the game. She has great attention to detail, and has her clients' needs at heart."
Simone McGrath is a highly knowledgeable practitioner with a focus on international child abduction matters. She has a large expertise in public and private law.
Simone McGrath handles international child abduction cases and challenging care proceedings relating to non-accidental injuries.
Simone's legal directory testimonials
"Simone McGrath has a fantastic children’...
"Simone McGrath has a fantastic children’s practice. She is one of the very best solicitors for dealing with international children cases. A first port of call in especially complex matters."
Simone McGrath in particular stands out...
Simone McGrath in particular stands out for her no-nonsense approach, her sensible and realistic advice, and her tenacious attitude. She is a fearless advocate, but manages to strike up supportive relationships with her clients. They trust her, and so do I.
Simone McGrath – Exceptional knowledge of international...
Simone McGrath – Exceptional knowledge of international children matters, particularly 1980 Hague Convention cases. Fights hard for her clients.
“Simone McGrath handles both public and...
“Simone McGrath handles both public and private law children matters, and has particular expertise in child abduction issues. Sources describe her as “extremely organised and hard-working”, while also praising her “imaginative approach”.
"Simone is absolutely on top of...
"Simone is absolutely on top of the game. She has great attention to detail, and has her clients' needs at heart."
Simone McGrath is a highly knowledgeable...
Simone McGrath is a highly knowledgeable practitioner with a focus on international child abduction matters. She has a large expertise in public and private law.
Simone McGrath handles international child abduction...
Simone McGrath handles international child abduction cases and challenging care proceedings relating to non-accidental injuries.
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