Harriet Donovan

Harriet advises on complex Children Act applications, including international cases, relocation, special guardianship, and Schedule 1 applications.

• Successfully represented an applicant father in complex Children Act proceedings involving serious allegations of sexual abuse. After a five-day fact-finding hearing, the court determined that the father had been falsely accused by the mother and maternal grandmother. Due to the severity of the allegations and failures of the local authority, the judgment is in the process of being published.
• Representing a mother in Children Act proceedings involving domestic abuse, child abuse, and substance misuse. The court awarded the mother full care of the children, with the father’s contact limited to indirect communications.
• Secured the removal of parental responsibility from a father where there was strong evidence of domestic abuse towards the mother and child.
• Successfully represented a father denied contact following separation. The mother made allegations that were not substantiated, resulting in the father being awarded shared care of the children.
• Represented a public figure in protracted Children Act proceedings, where the mother, a member of the travelling community, absconded with the children. After initially having no contact, the father ultimately secured full-time care, with no direct contact granted to the mother.
• Represented an applicant mother in prolonged Children Act proceedings involving a child of aged 9 where the father had severe mental health issues. During the course of the proceedings, it was revealed that the father had prior convictions for stalking, kidnapping, strangulation, and attempted murder of a former partner. He was awarded no contact.
• Advised and represented the father in a complex family law matter concerning child arrangements and welfare (OJ [2024] EWFC 446 (B)).

Harriet supports clients in divorce and financial settlements, private FDRs, property disputes, cohabitation and separation agreements, as well as pre-/post-nuptial and civil partnership matters.

• Represented a wife in a high-net-worth divorce and finance matter where there were 14 properties and a portfolio of assets and significant income disparity. The case required addressing the husband’s failure to fully disclose his assets, as well as complex issues of intermingling funds with companies and third parties.
• Represented an applicant wife in divorce and financial proceedings with an international element, involving assets in both the UK and the US.
• Acted for an applicant husband in divorce and financial proceedings, managing a portfolio of properties across multiple jurisdictions in England and Europe.
• Represented the applicant husband in financial proceedings where there were significant assets along with a large income disparity. The wife spent to excess and therefore sought maintenance c£12,000 pcm. The intention was to ensure the parties focussed on their needs post-divorce.

Harriet advises on domestic abuse cases, including applications for occupation and protective orders, guiding clients with compassion and determination to ensure safety, security, and fair resolutions in challenging circumstances.

• Represented a client and successfully obtained a lifelong non-molestation order against her ex-partner who was being released from prison.
• Represented a client, who had power of attorney over his father. The father had been in a long-term relationship and his ex-partner refused to leave his family home that he shared with his late wife. Obtained a non-molestation and occupation order to remove her from the property, which was then to be sold, and the equity used for care home fees.
• Represented an applicant wife in successfully obtaining a non-molestation and occupation order from her husband, who was residing in the family home. The wife had been subjected to serious domestic abuse worsened by the global pandemic and lockdown.
• Successfully represented a respondent husband in defending the wife’s application for a non-molestation and occupation order.
• Acted for an elderly couple in a complex multi-jurisdictional application for a without-notice non-molestation order against their adult daughter. The case involved historic family conflict, escalating harassment, and cross-border service issues, with parallel criminal allegations and media threats. Urgent protection was granted for the couple and 9 individuals from their wider family.

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Family Law 2025

Member of Resolution Family Law