About Us
Helen Fitzsimons
I qualified as a Solicitor in 1996 having worked in legal practice since 1988. I have been involved in firms with national reputations for over 25 years and for many of those was Head of a very successful family department and Partner. I also have experience in working on criminal cases so am confident in cases where there is a cross-over with family and criminal law.
I work hard and efficiently to achieve the best results for my clients in the shortest possible time. I am delighted to have an excellent reputation in private and public children matters (including those with an international element) representing parents, grandparents, extended family members and children either directly or through their legal children’s guardian. Recommendations in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners are valued as are testimonials from Clients and colleagues.
Children cases are my area of expertize where there is social services and/or police involvement. I have a local and national reputation where there are false allegations including non-accidental injuries to children/alleged ‘baby-shaking/non-accidental head and brain injuries, fabricated/induced illness and I have an excellent success rate. I have particular interest in uncovering underlying medical explanations for alleged non-accidental injuries including bone and blood disorders. (Vitamin D, Rickets, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Von Willebrands, Haemorrhagic disease, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) amongst others).
I also regularly undertake cases where carers are accused of sexual abuse, substance misuse and personality difficulties and again I work hard to ensure a positive outcome for families.
It is always appreciated that in cases where social services are involved, particularly where children have been separated from their families and placed in foster care, you need urgent expert legal advice and representation to ensure a prompt return of your child to your care. I also care about my clients and the emotional stress caused by these proceedings and I work hard to support you through the process.
I recognize that where parents have separated or are in the process of separating arrangements concerning their children are a priority and where agreement cannot be reached any disputes need to be handled quickly, sensitively whilst ensuring the children’s interests are paramount. I have a reputation at resolving cases where there have been long-standing difficulties between parents and where other solicitors have been unable to resolve issues. In particular I deal with cases where there are concerns of parental alienation and false allegations from one parent against the other. I am a Resolution trained Collaborative Lawyer and Mediator having also trained to consult directly with children. Whilst I try and reach agreements outside of the court process I am robust and act quickly where decisions need to be made by the Court.
Where barristers and experts are required I will only work with the best. I instruct suitably experienced medical experts and barristers/Queen’s Counsel to ensure the best possible results.
In addition I am happy to represent clients requiring assistance with divorce and finance; and where there are issues of domestic violence.
I am a mediator qualified to consult directly with children and I value the opportunity to assist families in reaching agreements outside of the Court process.
More recently I qualified as an Arbitrator in children disputes. Arbitration allows parents to instruct an independent and neutral third party to make decisions in respect of child arrangements without having the delay, stress and uncertainty that come with court proceedings.
Recent Cases
Please take a moment to read some of the cases I have worked on recently.
Testimonials
Please read our clients’ comments along with professional recommendations from barristers, Queen’s Counsel and Legal 500/Chambers & Partners
Memberships
Member of the Sussex Family Justice Board
Committee member of the Chichester & District Law Society
Chichester and Southdown Collaborative Pod.
