About Melissa
Melissa is a truly passionate and skilled Children Law Specialist with over 15 years’ experience in the field.
At the heart of family law is “family” and Melissa understands that instructing a solicitor in this area is not an easy task. It will likely be one of the most difficult things you are ever faced with. Resolving issues is ‘key’ in family law.
Attention to detail is Melissa’s forte alongside her calm and approachable manner. Melissa will help you achieve your objectives with care and precision but with clear goals in getting you there.
Many of Melissa’ cases are complex involving such matters as allegations of domestic abuse, allegations of harm and parental alienation.
Melissa regularly undertakes her own advocacy and in one of her earliest cases as a qualified solicitor, Melissa secured findings of fact in a heavily contested Children Act Matter in the Family Court, for a parent who was found to be the victim of domestic abuse.
Melissa has expertise in all aspects of family law but specialises in Children Law matters particularly disputes concerning arrangements for children and where they shall live and who they should spend with. Although the phrase “child custody” has now been replaced by Child Arrangements Order (where a child shall live) this is still an active area of law that Melissa regularly advises on.
Melissa also has experience in dealing with Grandparent’s rights and has secured both Child Arrangements Orders (including overnight contact) and Special Guardianship Orders on a number of cases.
Melissa deals with both national and international family law disputes including Non Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, disputes as to where a child will go to nursery/school and temporary/permanent removal of a child from the jurisdiction (England and Wales).
She is committed to resolving family law issues in a constructive and positive manner.
For cases involving children matters, Melissa encourages a child-focused approach, putting the needs of the children first.
Published cases
Melissa represented a father in the case of K v R & Ors [2024] EWFC 459 (B) in which a joint lives with order was made in respect of both the mother and the father and a Child Arrangements Order made in favour of the Paternal Grandparents.
Melissa represented a mother in the case of ED v MG [2025] EWHC 1876 (Fam) in which a Declaration of Non-Parentage Order was made following the result of a person being named on the birth certificate who was not the father of the child.
