Helen is Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors and acts as head of the child care team. She is also co-chair of the Northamptonshire Family Justice Board. She has practiced solely as a child care solicitor since 2014 after recognising her passion for this area of law and is a specialist in public law cases, meaning she represents her client/s when the state (the local authority) believe that a child is at risk of significant harm and therefore become involved in the day to day life of a family.
Helen represents clients in private law children disputes and is happy to discuss your specific needs.
When it comes to adoption cases, whether that be to make an application to adopt or oppose an application that has been made, she is able to help. If you require advice on special guardianship then Helen and her team are happy to offer advice and assistance or make the application should that be required.
She (Helen) is also a member of the Law Society’s Children Accreditation Scheme which is a specialist panel of solicitors who have been assessed by the Law Society as having a high skill level to be able to represent all parties, including children via their Court appointed children’s guardian within court proceedings. This accreditation means that she is able to accept instructions directly from a child in care proceedings, whose wishes diverge from those of their guardian, and who is deemed competent to instruct independently.
She is regularly instructed in cases where issues such as mental health difficulties, substance misuse, neglect and domestic violence feature. She also represents clients in complex cases involving:
- non-accidental injuries,
- sexual abuse,
- child death,
- inherent jurisdiction matters,
- parental alienation,
- international matters,
- and deprivation of liberty.
She offers bespoke, sensible and pragmatic advice in a straightforward manner and works with clients to achieve the best outcome in each individual matter and prides herself on her attention to detail and thoroughness. As a mother she understands that raising children can be tough and so always seeks to offer empathy and a non-judgemental approach to her clients.
Outside of work, Helen volunteers for Age UK. She is a dog lover and in her spare time is often in the countryside walking.
Expert in:
- Overview of Childcare & Social Services Legal Help
- Child Residence (“Custody”) and Children Law Solicitors In Leicester
- Help For Grandparents If Social Services Are Removing Grandchildren
- Childcare & Social Services Solicitors
- Childcare – Social Services Solicitors
- Childcare & Social Services – Your questions answered
- Childcare & Social Services Solicitors Corby
- Childcare Solicitors/Lawyers In Northampton.
- Childcare Solicitors/Lawyers In Leicester.
- Childcare & Social Services Solicitors – Adoption
- Domestic Violence Injunctions
- Arrangements for Children – Child Custody Solicitors
Contact Helen
Awards and Accreditations
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“Helen you are a superstar!!!! No undue distress for our son, well done to you and your team!”
Anon
*****
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Earlier this year my world was turned upside down when I was faced with allegations of causing non accidental injuries to my baby. Helen and Lauren worked tirelessly on my case throughout the proceedings. The case was medically complex and there were many twists and turns during the seven months that it took to receive a final judgement. Helen ensured that I had the perfect team to represent me at all times. Absolutely everything was clearly explained to me and both Helen and Lauren were prompt in providing me with essential updates. Their communication struck the perfect balance between professional and friendly. Timescales became incredibly tight on a number of occasions but the team always managed to pull through so as not to cause any delays which would have further impacted my family life. I can’t thank Helen and Lauren enough for their kindness and support in getting my baby home in time for her first birthday.
Mrs C.
*****
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I have had legal representation from Wilson Browne for 5 years in regard to my children's family court matters. 18 months ago my case was transferred to the care team and my case was led by Helen Russell and Shauna Harris. Last week my matters concluded with a very positive result for myself and my children. This situation has been complex, and unique and has caused myself and my children a lot of trauma and pain but the guidance, care, and support from Helen and Shauna made the process so much easier to work through. Their dedication to delivering the right results for their clients is second to none and the knowledge they use leaves no stone unturned. The honesty, professionalism, and commitment towards myself as a client made me feel incredibly valued. At times we all feel like giving up but knowing the support of my legal team was there, fighting for myself and my children, contributed towards that not being an option. Myself and my children will be forever grateful to Helen and Shauna, thank you.
Mr W.
*****
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“Just want to say I’m truly grateful and thankful for everything over the past year. Thanks for everything"
Anon
*****