Caroline Sharp

I focus on the law relating to children, which includes Residence and Contact issues, Special Guardianship, Adoption and Care Proceedings and I have extensive experience of the representation of parents, children, relatives and foster carers.

I have represented many parents in private law disputes over where their child should live, contact, change of name and specific issues such as relocation and religious upbringing.  She has also advised and represented foster carers in matters of Special Guardianship and Adoption.

She has specialist knowledge in the area of child protection where the Local Authority has involvement due to, for example, domestic abuse, alcohol misuse or mental illness within the family.

Caroline was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 1999 and is approved to hear private law Children Act cases.

Over the years Caroline has handled many complex cases in the High Court and County Court but her most satisfying work has been in achieving the best outcomes for children; whether that is enabling them to remain with their families, to settle with foster carers or to have the chance of a permanent alternative family.

Caroline’s hope is that whatever the proceedings and whichever party she represents, the children who are the subject of court proceedings will be given the chance to reach their full potential.

Her aim is to guide her clients calmly and reassuringly through the baffling elements of the court process and their available options and to be accessible to her clients’ questions and concerns.