Allison Munroe KC is a seasoned family law barrister with a strong focus on civil liberties and vulnerable clients, including bereaved families from the Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry. In this seminar, she uses a hypothetical domestic violence case to examine the role of fact-finding hearings in evaluating risk, welfare, and child arrangements. She explains the types of medical evidence available, when expert reports are appropriate, and how to effectively challenge such evidence. Throughout, Allison integrates leading case law to support her analysis and practice tips.

Key words/topics

Expert evidence

Fact-finding hearings

Part 25 applications

Re NL (A Child) (Appeal: Interim Care Order: Facts and Reasons) [2014] EWHC 270 (Fam) §40 Pauffley J

Re S (A Child) [2014] EWCC B44, Sir James Munby P

H-W (Care Proceedings: Further Fact-Finding Hearing) [2023] EWCA Civ 149

Treating professionals

Independent medical experts

Children Act 1989

Family Procedure Rules 2010

West Northamptonshire Council v The Mother v Y [2024] EWHC 395.

Devon County Council v EB & Ors ( Minor ) [2013] EWHC 968 (Fam) per Baker J