Maria Olivia Dennis

I am a Solicitor in the Child Care team at Duncan Lewis.

I have a experience in a wide range of Childcare matters, including;

• Divorce and Civil Partnership
  
• Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Representing spouses and cohabitation couples following the end of a marriage or relationship

The majority of my care proceedings involve representing parents, family members and children. In both my care and financial work I undertake the advocacy in the majority of my cases allowing continuity of representation for my clients.

I am a member of the Law Society's Children Panel which means I have demonstrated the required level of competence and specialist knowledge, as defined by the Law Society in all areas of children law and the representation of children. I am also an Advanced Member of the Family Law Panel.

• Legal Practice Course (LPC) - Lancaster Gate College of Law
• LLB Hons - Anglia Ruskin University

• Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2013-present
• Partner at Wiseman Lee LLP 2000-2010
• Previous member of management committees for adults with mental health and learning difficulties.

Court of Appeal

• A-S (Children) [2015] EWCA Civ 748 - Appeal by mother against a finding that she deliberately drowned her 7 month child. Appeal dismissed.

High Court

• Re AD & AM (Finding of Fact: Non Accidental Injury) 2013 EWHC (Fam)


• Re AD & AM (Finding of Fact: Non Accidental Injury) : Welfare 2014 EWHC 4899(Fam)


• Re AD & AM (Finding of Fact: Application for re- hearing) : Welfare 2016 EWHC 326(Fam)


• Re AD & AM (Finding of Fact: Application for re- hearing) : Welfare 2016 EWHC 2916Fam) - Instructed by the guardian on behalf if the children. The mother was a health professional and findings were made that she caused life threatening injuries to her 4 month old son. Mother applied for a re-hearing as a result of expert views expressed by medical experts some of whom where based internationally and in this country. Findings upheld and guidance given about the instruction of experts.

• Advanced Member of the Law Society Family Law Panel
• Law Society Children's Panel Member
• Liberty