You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.
Call us on 020 7426 0400
Mary Richardson, Miles & Partners Solicitors, London

Mary Richardson

Associate Solicitor

Languages:

English

Expertise and experience

Mary is a highly regarded children law solicitor specialising in local authority care proceedings and other public law matters.

Mary advises and represents parents and family members at all levels of the family court, including the Court of Appeal and the High Court of the Family Division

The types of cases that Mary has been involved in include:

  • where there is contested evidence of a medical or scientific nature, including metabolic bone disease, fabricated or induced illness, disputed hair strand testing, bone fragility linked to rare chromosomal abnormalities and connective tissue disorders linked to unexplained bleeding and/or bruising;
  • challenging local authorities in cases of unexplained injury to a child, securing the early withdrawal of proceedings and ensuring the children remained in their parents care.
  • successfully challenging negative viability assessments carried out by local authorities on relatives of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. Mary assists family members obtain orders, such as special guardianship orders, that allow children to be raised within their families instead of being placed for adoption or in long term foster care.
  • representing parents of children with additional and/or complex needs, often including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and helping the parents secure a higher level of support from the local authority.
  • representing parents who are accused of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII). Mary has advised many parents, often mothers, accused of FII and has developed a specialism in this area.
  • securing the transfer of care proceedings under Article 15 (1) (b) Brussels II Revised from the jurisdiction of England & Wales to an EU member state despite initial opposition from the local authority.
  • representing parents in child abduction cases involving Hague and non-Hague countries and in applications under the inherent jurisdiction and wardship proceedings.
  • successfully persuading the court that the child of a mother who had been a victim of domestic abuse and domestic servitude should not live with the perpetrator father.

Mary Richardson is recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 as a ‘recommended lawyer’, with these particularly excellent testimonials:

‘I have worked with Amanda Dench, Mary Richardson. I have been impressed by their professionalism, ability to work under pressure, knowledge and understanding of the law and the issues. I think that Mary Richardson in particular is an outstanding lawyer. Her client care skills were impressive and her hard work made the case that I did with her move smoothly, with a great outcome for our client.’

 ‘Mary Richardson – a rising star in public law care proceedings. Exceptionally talented. Loves cases with complex medical/scientific issues. Explores every avenue on behalf of her clients. One KC said she had drafted the ‘best client statement he had ever read’.

2014
Joined Miles & Partners
2018
Qualified as a solicitor
2018
Nominated for 'Exceptional Newcomer' in Legal 500
2019
Winner of Association of Lawyers for Children’s ‘Outstanding Newcomer’ award
2023
Became an Associate Solicitor

What clients say

Accolades, accreditations and memberships