Family - Children

Frances Heaton KC is Joint Head of Chambers at St John's Buildings.

Frances practises in all aspects of family law concerning children,  and sits as a Recorder (Family and Crime). She has a Section 9 ticket, so is permitted to hear certain High Court cases.

Frances is in demand in very complex public law children proceedings in which the central issues include exceptionally serious injuries, non-accidental death / murder (child or parent), serious sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, very serious neglect, torture, learning and mental health difficulties, fabricated or induced illness, reporting restriction orders and the curtailment of parental responsibility.

In these she is instructed by local authorities, parents, children, grandparents and interveners. Her skill and expertise is sought after and she is regularly instructed in high profile cases.

Frances undertakes judicial review, which most recently has included special guardianship allowances.She regularly appears in the Court of Appeal where the issues have included the revocation of placement orders and appeals against findings of fact.

In addition Frances continues to accept instructions in complex private law children cases and she has a particular interest in issues of habitual residence, the international movement of children, relocation and child abduction.

Frances also undertakes surrogacy cases and particularly those that have a foreign element.

Colleagues and tribunals recognise Frances’ clear ability to assimilate and grasp the issues of the most complex cases. She is particularly noted for the sensitivity with which she handles these difficult cases and for her sensible, straight-forward advice and approach.

Frances regularly provides seminars and lectures to family solicitors, social workers and expert witnesses.

Frances read law at Sheffield University, and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1984. She took silk in 2012.