Richard O'Sullivan BA (York)

Richard was recommended in the 2011 edition of Legal 500 for his ability to cover the “whole spectrum of family work”, the 2012 edition emphasising his ability to deal with “high value, complex family matters”.

He is a member of our family team and has specialised in family law for over ten years.  He covers all aspects of family work including private and public law proceedings, as well as applications for financial provision arising from marriage, civil partnerships and cohabitation.   Richard has gained a reputation as being an effective communicator, particularly when acting for vulnerable clients, and can be relied upon to provide firm and fair advice.

Richard is on the Bar Council Public Access Register and is therefore accredited to provide advice direct to individuals under the Public Access Rules.  For information please visit his website at www.thefamilybarrister.co.uk, where you can also find Richard's latest blog which provides some useful guidance for litigants in person involved in residence and contact disputes.  You can also follow Richard on twitter by clicking on the twitter link on his website.

Further details of work undertaken

Financial Provision
Richard has established a significant ancillary relief practice and can provide advice on potential TLATA applications and represent parents in proceedings under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989.

Public Law
Richard regularly appears on behalf of parents, local authorities, children and other family members in care proceedings at all levels.  He has acted in large and complicated cases  and has considerable experience of dealing with cases of suspected osteogenesis imperfecta (‘brittle bone disease’), sexual abuse, shaken baby syndrome, fabricated illness, parental addiction, personality disorders, neglect and multiple NAI.

Private Law
Richard is regularly instructed in contact and residence disputes between parents, as well as applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction and arising out of child abduction.  In addition, he has extensive experience of dealing with proceedings for Non-molestation Orders, Occupation orders and Special Guardianship Orders.