CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE®

We are direct access barristers, specialising in family law. We offer a range of services to parents who cannot agree on the arrangements for the care of their children.

Parents can instruct us directly, without the need for a solicitor.

We are specialists in this field, providing approachable, honest, and child-focused legal advice and guidance.

Sarah Evans and Elizabeth McCallum, Family Law Direct Access Barristers
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COMMON ISSUES

Father playing and laughing with his young child in a park – Family Law support for contact with children.
Contact with my child

You may be in a situation where you’re not seeing your child, or you might be having difficulties in making arrangements.

Sad child sitting between separated parents – Family Law advice and court proceedings.
Court proceedings

Court proceedings about a child are usually brought by one parent, against the other, after a divorce or separation.

Two young children looking out at planes in an airport – Family Law advice on moving abroad with children.
Moving abroad with my child

You may be in a situation where, following a divorce or separation, you wish to move abroad or emigrate with your children.

Parent and child holding hands and walking outdoors – Family Law appointments and support.
Appointments
Sad child sitting between separated parents – Family Law advice and court proceedings.
Court representation
Mother and child clapping hands and smiling – Family Law guidance and support for co-parenting.
Drafting court documents
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

I really would have been lost without your help as I have a very limited understanding of the family court, and your assistance on the 19th was absolutely invaluable. We never would have come to the agreements between us both, and I am grateful that you were able to point out the things that dad sought that were unreasonable, as I am often clouded by my emotions when it comes to our daughter.

It is the best service I ever encountered and I continue to recommend this unique service to others. Children in the middle are the only service that I came across that really do care and I found that the legal expertise and the humanity was second to none. Simply the best.

Elizabeth was amazing! When she got involved there had been massive delays and I hadn’t seen my son for 18mths. My son now lives with me 50/50, which I doubt I would have achieved without all her help. Elizabeth was brilliant in court, she came across confident, knowledgeable but also human and someone who actually cared. She was approachable, easy to talk to and a nice person. She never made empty promises and was realistic with what I could expect, she managed my expectations well.

I feel quite emotional because I can’t describe the impact you have had on our family. You stuck by me, believed me and utmost represented me in the best possible way. You today have me feel like I’ve won in terms of the allegations and I am emotionally trying to digest that. You are in my eyes a superstar and I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you for today. I believe and feel like I was more than a client. I feel like you wanted the best for me as a parent not a client and what was best for our child.

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the support you’ve given to me. Speaking with you had a significant positive impact on my morale, your empathy, understanding, and in-depth knowledge of my situation are really appreciated. Your clear and practical advice helped restore my confidence, and I’m very grateful for the guidance you offered. Although it’s unfortunate that we met under such difficult circumstances, I’m thankful for the professionalism and kindness you’ve shown throughout.

From our first meeting onwards, you have been brilliant. At a time when communication with “the other side” wasn’t possible, you were able to unravel a tangled mess of issues, helping me to focus on what mattered. You’ve kept me calm when I was panicking. You’ve been incredibly patient with me and very generous with your time.

The professional, kind, caring and extremely well qualified barristers at CITM Chambers are second to none. A client can rest in the knowledge that they will receive professional, expert, and honest legal opinion and advice from all of the excellent barristers at CITM and that they will be charged reasonable and competitive fees.

LATEST BLOG

What Happens at a Final Hearing About the Care of Your Child?
As a parent, attending a final hearing in the family court can be a stressful and emotional experience. …

FAQS

What's the difference between barristers and solicitors?

Traditionally barristers have represented clients in court and solicitors performed the preparatory work. In recent years the rules have changed and barristers can now do much more of the preparatory work, and advise individuals without the involvement of a solicitor.

Can I employ a barrister without a solicitor?

Yes, members of the public can now instruct a barrister directly without a solicitor.

How we differ from the usual solicitor-barrister relationship?

You are going direct to expert barristers rather than through a general family law solicitor. You will ask us to do a piece of work for you and we will agree a fixed fee. We will only charge you that.

Does a barrister only conduct court hearings?

No, given rule changes in recent years, barristers can now advise people and prepare documents for them – for example, witness statements and application forms and help them write letters, as well as representing them in court hearings.

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