Public Law

Sarah is regularly instructed to represent the full spectrum of clients in public law matters and has been involved in matters of serious complexity including allegations of NAI, forcible ingestion of a caustic substance, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, coercive control, abduction, high-level mental health issues, neglect, FII, parental alienation, sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse and chronic neglect.

Sarah has worked closely with mental health professionals with her clients as well as intermediaries. 

Cases

Re S: Junior in highly complex 17 day fact find exercise including allegations of forcible ingestion of a caustic substance, coercive control, sexual abuse and extreme psychological abuse resulting in traits of PTSD for the involved children. 

Re M: (soon to be published) representing parents in a contested adoption of a 9 year old child with life limiting condition who had been in foster care since birth due to his health difficulties.  LA applying for placement order, successfully opposed.

Re: K: client facing serious allegations of failure to protect and knowledge of intra-familial sexual and physical abuse together with coaching of children to work against both police and social work professionals.

Re: H-C: Junior in recognition of international adoption with allegations of trafficking and high level physical abuse including sitting on child until they passed out and psychological abuse including techniques of extreme punishment.  Concurrent criminal proceedings.

Re: G: Junior in 12 day fact finding exercise involving international abduction allegations and high level vulnerabilities on the part of one parent with a raft of special measures and participation directions required. Successfully opposing LA plan of care and placement orders and securing placement with family members.

Private Family Law

H v H Private Law proceedings with internal relocation, abduction, enforcement of CAO, allegations of coercive control and three children with special educational needs.

SGO application for a couple to care for their nephew, both parents having significant vulnerabilities, having mental health considerations and being profoundly deaf.

Re K-  Private law children act proceedings arising from family law act proceedings concerning allegations of sexual abuse.