Mark O'Callaghan BA (Oxon), LLM. General Information Called to the Bar in 2001, Mark is a highly experienced Family and Civil Law Barrister. He travels throughout England and Wales to represent clients in the Family Courts and County Courts. With a practical, proactive and personal approach, Mark regularly appears in financial remedies proceedings involving property, TOLATA/cohabitation claims, prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, periodical payments and pensions including ring-fencing issues. Mark helps members of the public facing difficult disputes over child arrangements, contact, specific issues and prohibited steps, and parental responsibility. Mark is experienced in cases between parents with local authority involvement, as well as allegations of domestic abuse and cases with a foreign element. As a Barrister of almost 20 years’ experience, Mark is also regularly instructed in Personal Injury cases including Road Traffic Accidents, Employers’ Liability, Occupiers’ Liability and accidents abroad. Praised for quick turnaround of papers, Mark works closely with solicitors on cases from low-value claims through to high value, multi track work and court representation, including allegations of fraud. Mark has a Masters degree in Medical and Healthcare Law and has attended a short course on Coronial Law & Inquests at Sheffield University. Legal expertise: FAMILY LAW: MATRIMONIAL FINANCE & COHABITATION CLAIMS - Property claims, property sale and division of equity - TOLATA claims for unmarried couples - Maintenance including applications to vary or enforce - Pensions including ring-fencing issues - Representation at First Appointments, FDR (Finance Dispute Resolution) and Final Hearings - Applications to vary or enforce Court orders FAMILY LAW: CHILD ARRANGEMENTS - Live With orders - Contact issues - Parental responsibility - Allegations of domestic abuse - Specific issue and prohibited steps including abduction - Drafting statements and applications - Dealing with welfare reports, medical reports, Social Services, CAFCASS, Local Authorities etc - Representation in the Family Court and Family Proceedings Court, including fact-finding hearings CIVIL LAW: PERSONAL INJURY - Road Traffic Accidents - Public Liability - Employers’ Liability - Holiday claims including accidents abroad - Low-value whiplash claims through to multi-track matters - Fatal accidents and inquests Direct access and solicitor instructed Qualified under the Direct Access scheme, Mark accepts direct instructions from members of the public, particularly in Family Law matters. Talking in plain English, Mark helps individuals who are dealing with financial separations and child arrangements to understand the court process, providing support during a stressful time. In Personal Injury cases, solicitors that Mark has worked with for many years value his swift communication, regular case updates and partnership approach to getting the best outcome for every client. Professional qualifications & associations - Master of Laws (LLM, Distinction) – University of Liverpool - Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) – Oriel College, Oxford - Family Law Bar Association - Personal Injuries Bar Association Wider interests Outside court, Mark enjoys open water swimming and running. He has completed several marathons, including the London Marathon in under three hours. As a classical music fan Mark regularly attend concerts at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.