Bethany acts on behalf of all parties in private children disputes.

She is experienced in all types of applications under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

Bethany strives to help her client’s find creative solutions to their dispute, helping them to move forward in a manner that serves the best interests of their children and their family arrangements as a whole.

Bethany has experience in cases involving allegations of parental alienation, including applications for transfer of residence.

She is experienced in handling hostile cases where contact has broken down, as well as cases with serious and extensive allegations of domestic abuse and those which require fact-finding hearings. This includes allegations of abuse against both adults and children. She is sensitive to the needs of vulnerable parties and strives to take a trauma-informed approach with clients where appropriate.

Bethany acts in complex relocation disputes, both nationally and outside the jurisdiction. Bethany can assist from the early stages of preparing an application to relocate through to any contested final hearings on the issue of relocation.

Bethany also has a particular interest in cases where children law and medical law overlap. This may be a contact or residence dispute in relation to a child with physical or mental health difficulties, or alternatively in specific issue applications concerning a child’s future medical treatment. This area combines Bethany’s practical experience with her academic specialism of children’s rights in the medical sphere.

She has completed the FLBA vulnerable witness training.

Cases include:

  • Contested transfer of residence applications in the context of alleged parental alienation, with evidence from a child psychologist and input from therapeutic work.
  • Fact finding hearings which have included: allegations of serious sexual assault; counter-allegations of sexual abuse of children; similar fact evidence; alleged victims with additional vulnerabilities and/or disability; coercive and controlling behaviour.
  • Contested application to relocate children to Spain.
  • Contested application to relocate within the jurisdiction where the child has previously been spending equal time with both parents.

Client Quotes

I was personally very impressed with the manner in which Bethany dealt with the case going the extra mile to assist us and the client. Most importantly my client was extremely delighted with Bethany. Bethany is approachable and puts clients at ease. As a firm we would have no hesitation in instructing Bethany again and can highly recommend her.”

Gemma Sampson, Solicitor & Director, Sampson Solicitors

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BCL, Oxford University, (Distinction),
    • BA in Jurisprudence, Oxford University, (First Class) (top of the year in family law and administrative law)
    • BPTC
    • BPP Law School, (Very Competent)
    • Manches Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • The Martin Wronker Prize (University of Oxford 2013)
    • Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2013)
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award (Lincoln’s Inn 2012)
    • 4 New Square Scholarship (University of Oxford 2014)
    • Sunley Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn 2015)
    • Ruth Deech Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)
    • Ely Carter Prize (St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford 2016)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Bar Pro Bono Unit
    • Lord Denning Society
    • Lincoln’s Inn

  • Additional information:

    In addition to practice, Bethany has also taught final year undergraduates in the subjects of child arrangement orders and children’s rights.

  • Bethany Scarsbrook is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.