Following Seddons’ merger with GSC Solicitors, Seddons GSC LLP‘s children practice, led by Neil Russell, handles complex children matters arising from relationship breakdowns, with particular emphasis on internal and international relocation, Schedule 1 cases, and applications involving parental responsibility and prohibited steps. The team also advises on issues such as medical treatment, religion, and education, often within highly sensitive contexts including allegations of abuse, substance misuse, and mental health difficulties. Catherine Hancock, a hybrid and child-inclusive mediator, is noted for her work on Schedule 1 cases and neurodiverse family dynamics. Fellow mediator Kate Ryan handles cases involving fact-finding hearings and leave to remove applications. Victoria Spencer frequently represents clients in matters involving serious mental health concerns and alcohol dependency.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has provided a top-quality service from the get-go. I was given advice by my best friend to get in touch with Seddons and I am so glad he did.'
- ‘Kate Ryan brings her wisdom and experience to bear on emotive cases, helping to maintain calm and minimise litigation. Cara Ramprakash works well with Kate and together they offer a solution-based team for family disputes.’
- ‘A very good family law team providing an extremely competent service in the field of children's law.'
- ‘Neil Russell is vastly experienced. Neil is an extremely clever, very tactically shrewd children's lawyer who achieves excellent results for his clients.'
- ‘Catherine Hancock is a breath of fresh air. She balances empathy for clients dealing with incredibly difficult periods in their lives with a focus on practical and realistic solutions. She is very relatable and she gains the trust and confidence of those she represents, which is a tremendous attribute. Catherine is willing to go the extra mile in terms of case preparation to ensure that all relevant information is brought to counsel's attention.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Neil Russell
Other key lawyers
Catherine Hancock; Kate Ryan; Victoria Spencer; Cara Ramprakash