Gemma Kelsey

I am a Partner within the Family Department and undertake all aspects of Family Law with a particular specialism in International Children Law.

I regularly represent parents and children within International Child Abduction proceedings (Hague Convention), Wardship proceedings and International Relocation cases.

Brethertons LLP is one of the few firms in the UK listed on the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit’s (ICACU) specialist panel accredited to deal with child abduction cases. I am named on this panel as a specialist Solicitor at Brethertons LLP, able to carry out this type of work and I regularly receive instructions via ICACU. I am also regularly instructed by parents directly, often from other jurisdictions. I have a wealth of experience representing both parents and children within these types of cases. I am a Resolution Accredited specialist in Child Abduction Law and Children Law, I am also named on Reunites International Lawyer Listings and am a member of the Child Abduction Lawyers Association.

I am also regularly instructed to act for parents in respect of European access cases and cases requiring enforcement of European Family Court Orders under the Brussels II Revised legislation.

I have a particular specialism in ‘Leave to Remove’ (also known as relocation cases) and have represented a number of parents in these often complex and protracted proceedings, up to Court of Appeal level.

In addition to International Family Law, I regularly advise and represent parents in respect of private law issues (Child Arrangement Orders, Specific Issues Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and applications for Parental Responsibility). I also advise and represent parents in care proceedings.

I am also regularly instructed in cases involving domestic violence and appreciate the need to deal with such cases sensitively and often extremely urgently. I have over the years built links and contacts with supportive organisations who can often also assist clients and provide support.

I enjoy practising within the very varied field of family law and strive to help clients resolve their legal difficulties surrounding family breakdown/conflict as quickly a possible with minimal stress. I am a member of Resolution and adopt their code of practice.

I studied law at the University of Leicester, graduating in 2004 and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law Birmingham in 2005. I commenced a training contract with Brethertons LLP in 2006, qualifying with the firm in September 2008. I became a Senior Associate in 2017.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising and spending time with my family.

Experience and Accreditations

Notable cases I have been involved in:

1. Letts v Letts [2018] EWHC 1639 (Fam) (21 June 2018)
2. Juszkiewicz v Juszkiewicz [2018] EWHC 997 (Fam) (20 April 2018)
3. GM v KZ (No 2) [2018] EWFC 6 (30 January 2018)
4. S (Abduction: Hague Convention Or BIIa) [2018] EWCA Civ 1226 (25 May 2018)
5. CS & Anor v PD [2017] EWHC 1514 (Fam) (07 April 2017)
6. ROL v HML (Child abduction and immigration problems) [2017] EWHC 3654 (Fam) (13 December 2017)
7. A (A Child : permission to permanently relocate) [2016] EWHC 2691
8. LM v DR (Return to Non-Convention Country) [2016] EWHC 1943 (Fam)
9. C v V [2016] EWHC 559 (Fam) (15 March 2016)

• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2008
• LLB Law from University of Leicester, graduating in 2004
• Completed the Legal Practice Course LPC at the College of Law Birmingham in 2005
• Resolution Specialist Accreditation’s in Child Abduction since 2015, Private Children Law since 2015 and Domestic Abuse since 2018
• A founding member of the Child Abduction Lawyers Association (CALA), founded in 2014
• A member of Resolution
• Listed in Reunite International Lawyers listing since 2008
• A trained and certified Domestic Abuse Champion with Reducing the Risk
• Shortlisted for Family Law Associate of the Year Award 2017
• Recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer in Legal 500 and an Associate to Watch in Chambers & Partners