Jason Hughes LLB, MSc General Information Jason has specialised in family law since being called to the bar in 2009. He is able to advise on all aspects that often relate to the breakup of a family and the consequential impact this has on arrangements for children and/or matrimonial finances or where protective injunctions may be required. With significant experience in public law care proceedings, Jason is regularly instructed by local authorities, parents and children’s guardians and has experience of a wide range of hearings relating to care proceedings, placement and adoption. Jason also accepts instructions on a range of civil law matters such as personal injury, road traffic accidents and preparing infant approval settlements. He acts for both claimants and defendants and will draft particulars of claim, defences and counterclaims and will readily advise on quantum and liability. Whilst Jason is a robust advocate, he is also very able at placing his clients at ease and sensibly guiding them through the legal process. He is accredited to accept instructions directly from the public. Areas of law Family Law Child Arrangements Matrimonial Finance Divorce Adoption Abduction Child Protection Care Proceedings Personal Injury Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) Highways Act Claims Holiday Claims Infant Approval Settlements Motor Insurance Bureau Claims Private & Public Law Jason regularly receives instructions from local authorities, parents, grandparents and guardians in cases relating to: Adoption Care proceedings Secure accommodation Child abduction Child arrangements orders Emergency protection of children Domestic violence He accepts instructions in both private and public family law and has experience of a wide range of hearings relating to care proceedings, placement and adoption proceedings, as well as child arrangement proceedings. He also has experience of Brussels II applications, finding of fact and non-accidental injury hearings. Mental Capacity & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Deprivation of liberty safeguards (DOLS) Mental capacity Family Court Court of Protection Jason is regularly instructed in public law cases, including applications for secure accommodation orders and issues pertaining to deprivation of liberty safeguards (DOLS). He has experience of cases involving residential homes together with restrictions of liberty. Jason is able to advise clients in cases under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and provide representation within the Family Court and Court of Protection as required. Of particular interest are matters pertaining to vulnerable children and young adults and considering how family arrangements can support orders made by the court. Matrimonial Finance Jason frequently takes instructions in all areas of matrimonial finance and is able to advise from the first appointment through to the final hearing or alternatively support clients utilising alternative dispute resolutions such as arbitration. He is happy to advise on the financial remedies available following divorce and is able to effectively negotiate as required. Injunctions Jason accepts instructions in proceedings concerning emergency Family Law Act injunctions. This includes: Non-molestation orders Protection from Harassment Act applications All forms of domestic abuse, including physical, verbal and sexual Cases involving controlling and coercive behaviour Occupation Orders Transfer of tenancy applications Committal proceedings He can also help represent parties at ex-parte and urgent applications and cases involving medical evidence, medical experts and police disclosure. Civil Law Jason accepts instructions in relation to: Personal injury Road traffic accidents (RTA) Highways Act claims Holiday claims Infant approval settlements Motor Insurance Bureau claims He acts for both claimants and defendants and will draft particulars of claim, defences and counterclaims and will readily advise on quantum and liability. Education Law Jason accepts instructions from parents, pupils, schools, NGOs, including charities and local authorities in: Appeals Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Disability discrimination claims arising in an educational setting Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) Personal Interests Outside of court, Jason enjoys playing chess and spending time with his family. An FA Level 1 qualified football coach, he is actively involved with a local youth team.