Louisa Adamson

I am a specialist child law barrister and have practised exclusively in family law for nearly 20 years, representing parents, spouses, grandparents, children and local authorities. I am experienced at acting in cases where children are considered to be at risk or where there has been domestic violence within a relationship.

My reputation is for working with my clients in a holistic and non-judgmental way, and I will consider with you not only the legal issues of the case but also the emotional and practical issues you are facing. This helps me to understand all the things that will shape your decisions.

I am known for giving clear, objective advice that allows you to make decisions in full knowledge and understanding of the proceedings and helps you understand the implications of your choices. At Court I ensure that your position is put appropriately and persuasively before the Judge.

I am a trained family mediator and am able to undertake Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) appointments, completing the form required to make an application to Court where appropriate. Since the Coronavirus pandemic began, I have introduced online mediation sessions using Zoom, so you can begin or continue mediation from the comfort of your own home. Many of my clients have told me they prefer the online approach as it means they don’t have to be in the same room as the other party at all, making it much easier for them to focus on and resolve the issues at hand.

Louisa is recommended in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500:

A highly experienced family lawyer and mediator who is particularly esteemed for her work in public law children cases, including care and adoption proceedings, and matters involving domestic and sexual abuse. She acts for a variety of clients, including local authorities, children, parents and grandparents.

Strengths: “She is a caring advocate who manages clients well.” “She deals with acrimonious children cases with a sensible, practical, no-nonsense style.” Chambers and Partners 2021

Strengths: “She is brilliant. She is calm, helpful and very experienced; great with vulnerable clients.” “She is able to develop a rapport with the client; a great advocate.” Chambers and Partners 2016

Expertise: “She has a very gentle nature but fights a case really well. She takes cases very seriously and is able to explain things clearly to clients.” “Louisa is very experienced and comes across well with clients. She’s fantastic, especially with public law and ancillary relief matters” Chambers and Partners 2015

“She is sharp and on the ball and, in a difficult situation and with challenging cases, adopts just the right tone to get the job done.” Legal 500 2021

Very good with vulnerable clients, and learning-disabled clients in particular. Legal 500 2015

Private Law (Child Arrangements Programme)

Within private law proceedings I often represent parents who have separated and can’t agree who their children should live with, and/or how to manage children seeing both parents. My experience includes acting where one parent has made allegations against the other of domestic violence or physical, emotional or sexual abuse of a child.

I also advise and represent parents hoping to move abroad with their children, to change their child’s school or surname or in cases involving other aspects of parental responsibility.

I understand that any cases involving children are likely to be emotional and stressful, and my clients tell me that my calm, objective approach helps them discuss all their concerns with me fully.

Louisa Adamson's Testimonials for Private Law (Child Arrangements Programme)

From zero experience with proceedings of any kind, I’ve gone to actually gaining custody of my son!

I really appreciate that result which I didn’t even think was possible. You kept me grounded about the low likelihood of that success but also really focussed my mind about what I wanted out of the Court process.

I just wanted to say thanks again. You represented me impeccably.

Mr M Instructing Louisa Adamson through the Direct Access Scheme – September 2021

Private Law (Child Arrangements Programme)

Louisa Adamson

“Thank you so much for your help in getting this all agreed today.

I appreciated your views, advice and suggestions-they helped to take the stress out of this as it is emotional.”

Ms R Instructing Louisa Adamson through DPA scheme – March 18

Private Law (Child Arrangements Programme)

Louisa Adamson

“Following an acrimonious separation, I sought the representation of Louisa for my FDHRA and Second Child Arrangements hearing via the Direct Access Scheme. The court process is very stressful and the system can be quite complex. However, I found Louisa’s support to be invaluable, helping me to make sense of the process and find a way forward to protect the interests of my daughter, pending a final outcome. Throughout the process, Louisa offered me clarity and understanding. As a true professional, she listened to my concerns and worked hard to take the heat out of matters, whilst putting the interests of the child foremost at all times. Overall, I felt she went above and beyond what I expected in providing support and direction to me and would recommend her services to any parent experiencing the court system.”

Mr H Instructing Louisa Adamson – April 17

Private Law (Child Arrangements Programme)

Louisa Adamson

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Public Law Children

I’m regularly instructed to represent parents in Care and Adoption proceedings, including cases involving neglect or emotional harm of children, or allegations of serious non-accidental injury or sexual abuse.

I take a non-judgmental and objective approach and frequently work with parents who are also facing criminal proceedings as a result of such allegations, as well as for parents who may have substance abuse difficulties or who suffer from mental health or learning difficulties. I have experience of acting for clients with learning difficulties – making sure that fair assessments are undertaken, and helping them engage effectively in Court hearings.