Rachel Carter

I am a Partner and Head of the Family Department. I specialise in representing parents and carers accused of non-accidental injury and within other complex care proceedings.

Non-accidental injury is a term used to describe allegations of physical abuse in infants and children such as head injuries (intracranial bleeding or shaken baby syndrome) fractures and bruises. I also assist parents accused of poisoning or FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness, previously known as Munchausen’s by proxy). I work with clients all over the country (from Cornwall to Newcastle) and represent people in all courts including the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. I hold the Law Society’s specialist Children Panel accreditation.

Most of my work is legally aided as parents within care proceedings are automatically entitled to full legal aid. I deal with a lot of cases where a parent transfers their legal aid part way through a case. I have considerable experience in this area, having worked almost exclusively in this specialist field for 18 years, and have formed excellent working relationships both with specialist barristers and with medical experts who undertake reports for such cases. This knowledge and these relationships all assist in securing a positive outcomes for my clients.

I run a website containing more information about the work I do (non-accidental injury and the law) where you can find more information: www.parentsaccused.co.uk

My reported cases include:

A Local Authority v M & Ors [2024] EWFC 238 (B)

Re G (Non-Accidental Head Injuries) [2024] EWFC 172

D AND A (Fact Finding: Research Literature) [2024] EWCA Civ 663

A Local Authority vs Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 172

Re G (Finding of Fact Hearing: Resuscitative Shake) [2022] EWFC B6

A Child (Special Guardianship Order) [2021] EWFC B41

B (Children), Re [2021] EWCA Civ 1221

Thurrock Council v M & Ors (Withdrawal of Care Proceedings) [2021] EWFC 22

A County Council v L & Ors [2021] EWHC 48 (Fam)

Re S (Fact-Finding) [2020] EWFC 71

Lancashire County Council v M & Ors (COVID-19 Adjournment Application) (Rev 1) [2020] EWFC 43

A Local Authority v M & Ors (Fact Finding) [2019] EWFC 33

Re B (Application for leave to withdraw care proceedings) [2019] EWFC B25

Cumbria County Council v R [2019] EWHC 2782 (Fam)

Re H (Children) [2018] EWFC 61

Re Y (Fact Finding), Re [2018] EWFC B20

Buckinghamshire County Council v Andrew & Ors [2017] EWFC B19 (26 April 2017)

Re D [2017] EWCA Civ 196

Re AB (fact finding) [2016] EWFC B57 (8 July 2016)

R (fact finding re-opened) [2016] EWFC B14 (18 March 2016)

Re L, K & J [2016] EWFC 12

LB Hounslow v M and F [2015] EWFC B214 (17 December 2015)

R (Fact Finding), Re [2015] EWFC B95 (15 July 2015)

Lancashire County Council v P (Injured Child) [2015] EWFC B37

Re F & J [2015] EWFC B231

Lancashire v P [2015] EWFC B37

Re S [2014] EWCA Civ 1447

Re B (A Child) [2014] EWHC B1 (Fam)

Re JG [2014] EWHC 479 (Fam)

Re X & Y (Children disclosure of judgment to police) [2014] EWHC 278 (Fam)

Re A (A Child) [2013] EWHC 3502 (Fam)

Lancashire County Council v R [2013] EWHC 3064 (Fam)

Re L and M (Children) [2013] EWHC 1569 (Fam)

Re J (children) (care proceedings: past ‘possible perpetrators’ in new family unit) [2013] All ER (D) 232 (Feb) / [2013] UKSC 9

Re M [2012] EWCA Civ 1710

Re M (a child) (oral evidence: vulnerable witness) [2012] All ER (D) 272 (Nov)

Re J (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 3

Testimonials

Rachel Carter is a true specialist in her field. She deals with the most serious and difficult cases around. She has amazing knowledge of this field of law and is tenacious in her pursuit of justice. The quality of her instructions, her communication skills, and her rapport with clients is second to none.

Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are leaders in their field, providing a no-nonsense, understandable, straightforward way of providing support and ensuring that their clients understand the process throughout.

Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are excellent. They know how this works. They are efficient, professional, understanding and absolutely committed to achieving justice.

Rachel Carter has a national reputation for representing parents who have been accused of causing injury to their children. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with incredibly expertise in this field. She works closely with other members of her team to ensure her clients are always afforded with the very best representation available.

Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are the stand out Solicitors at this firm. They have unlimited knowledge of this area of law and are efficient, thorough and talented.