Margaret Francis Sweeting

Family Children(Public and Private Law) Domestic violence/forced marriage cases Vulnerable adults

Margaret’s thriving family law practice is a reflection of her commitment to her clients.

Margaret has significant expertise in public law work and private law disputes; particularly those with a medical dimension including ‘shaking’ injuries; sexual abuse; surrogacy, circumcision and factitious illness.  She has extensive experience and expertise in representing vulnerable adults.

Mental Health & Vulnerable Adults

Margaret practises in all aspects of mental health law and has particular expertise in Section 29 Mental Health Act 1983 applications. She has acted on behalf of local authorities; applicants and respondents.

Court of protection

Margaret has a particular interest in litigation under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 including Section 16 deputyship and complex Welfare issues.  Recent cases have included preliminary declarations as to litigation capacity; welfare declarations as to residence; contact and care packages; Declarations as to medical treatment (including contraceptive treatment) and capacity to consent for sexual relations (including ‘fluctuating capacity’).

Margaret acts for a wide range of litigants in this sphere including local authorities; health authorities; litigation friends (including IMCA’s) and family members.

EDUCATION  Newcastle upon Tyne School of Nursing (R.G.N Certificate) Nottingham Trent University LLB 2:1 Kings College University London MA Medical Law and Ethics Inns of Court Bar Vocational course. CAREER PROFILE  1997 - Present practising Barrister 1994 - NHS Customer Relations Manager 1993 - Action against Medical Accidents Caseworker  1989 - Registered General Nurse

English Martyrs School, Hartlepool; Newcastle upon Tyne School of Nursing; Nottingham Trent University (1993 LLB Hons 2 (1)); Kings College London (1995 MA Medical Law and Ethics); Inns of Court School of Law (BVC).