Francesca Wiley QC, MCIArb

Francesca Wiley QC, MCIArb

Family Law Specialist

Francesca practices at the highest level in both Private and Public Law Children Act cases and inherent jurisdiction Wardship cases, particularly where there are profoundly serious allegations against the parties.

Prior to joining the Family Bar, she specialised in Criminal Law and as a result, much of her work covers the crossover between these two jurisdictions. This includes cases in which there is a need for fact-finding or consequential applications in criminal proceedings.

Francesca has an interest in matters involving underlying medical issues for children and adults, ranging from underlying genetic, bone and vascular disorders to cases where an opposing party may have profound and as yet undiagnosed personality and mental health difficulties. She is regularly instructed in cases of parental alienation and recruitment of children against a parent, particularly where an allegation is made by children against parents.

Therefore, Francesca is frequently instructed in the most sensitive contact disputes and in cases where parents have hitherto undiagnosed mental health and personality difficulties impacting upon the litigation and the approach taken to the children. Her clients often include very high-profile individuals and professionals including doctors, lawyers and those whose professional bodies require allegations made against them to be urgently resolved (often in order to continue to work).
Francesca specialises in cases both in Private and Public Law which have an international element. She regularly undertakes cases where one party seeks to relocate out of the jurisdiction and has been involved in cases involving Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle and Far East. She is currently instructed in an inquest in Kenya relating to the death of Alexander Monson.

In addition to the areas of expertise that we have mentioned, Francesca is also a qualified Arbitrator and brings her experience as an advocate and parent to the task of assisting parties to settle cases without resorting to court. She maintains a strong emphasis on avoiding ‘blood-letting’ and assisting parties to move forward in their co-parenting relationship, despite difficult separations.

Awards

Awarded the grade of MCIArb by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Francesca is authorised to conduct arbitrations in children cases.

Accreditations

BA/MA (Oxon), Trinity College Oxford, (1992)

CPE, Commendation, (1994)

Bar Qualification, (1996)

Francesca is part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Family Law Bar Association

Rankings