Roma Whelan is a highly experienced family law barrister who accepts instructions across the full spectrum of public and private children law. She represents local authorities, parents, grandparents and children through their Guardians in proceedings at all levels, with a practice centred on the High Court and County Court, and experience in cases before the Court of Appeal. Roma is recognised for her compassionate yet robust approach to complex and sensitive cases involving vulnerable children and families.
Family Law
Roma specialises in complex children cases involving serious allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, including psychological harm, ritual abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM). She is regularly instructed in cases involving extensive expert evidence, working with consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, paediatric radiologists, neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists in matters concerning non-accidental injuries, cognitive impairment and other serious medical issues.
Her practice also encompasses cases involving parents affected by substance misuse, domestic abuse, learning difficulties and mental health challenges.
Acting for parents, local authorities and children through their Guardians, Roma is experienced in navigating highly sensitive proceedings where vulnerable individuals require clear, compassionate and effective representation. She also represents older children accused of physical or sexual abuse within care proceedings, ensuring their particular vulnerabilities are fully recognised and advocated for.
In addition, Roma has extensive experience in adoption proceedings, acting for both prospective adopters and parents seeking to oppose adoption orders following a significant change in circumstances after placement orders have been made.
