Elizabeth Willsteed

(Call 2004 Inner Temple)

Education:

• Devonport High School for Girls; 
• University of the West of England – LLB (hons),  Law with European Languages (incorporating 12 month stage in French law firm specialising in family and civil law);
• Bristol Institute of Legal Practice

Expertise:

Care

Ancillary Relief

Removal from Jurisdiction applications

Judicial Review

Qualifications:

LLB (hons), Law with European Languages.

Practice Profile:

Elizabeth joined Southernhay Chambers in 2008 where she was able to build a successful family practice in addition to her civil practice. She enjoys representing both parents and Local Authorities, and has gained a strong reputation in this field for her skilled advocacy and sound legal knowledge.

Care:

Elizabeth acts in all areas of Public Children Law, and has appeared as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal in a case considering the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and psychiatric evidence. She is regularly instructed in cases for individuals with particular vulnerabilities, including learning disabilities, mental health and language &/or cultural differences. Elizabeth has a particular interest in the Human Rights aspects of cases, and the obligations of Local Authorities (including judicial reviews arising from this area). Elizabeth has advised Local Authorities on cases involving immigration issues, including jurisdiction, effect on immigration status and duty to provide.

Ancillary Relief:

Elizabeth acts in all value ancillary relief matters, from those including business assets valued at over £1 million, to cases where the most pressing matter for the parties is to ensure the division of mutual debts is dealt with satisfactorily. Elizabeth has experience in the full range of AR issues including interim applications for disclosure, applications for maintenance pending suit and enforcement applications.

Private Children Law:

Elizabeth is experienced in representing clients in removal from jurisdiction applications. She is also regularly instructed in finding of fact hearings which involve sensitive issues such as domestic violence and abuse.

Reported Cases:

Re C (children) (psychiatric evidence) - [2007] All ER (D) 176 (Jun)

Elizabeth is a qualified mediator.