Catherine Gee

Catherine specialises in children private law proceedings, representing applicants, respondents, and children via their guardian ad litem. She also undertakes Family Law Act work on non-molestation and occupation orders for both applicants and respondents. She has extensive experience of intractable disputes, and cases involving “parental alienation” issues.

Catherine accepts instructions for Court of Protection work on welfare matters on a range of issues including medical treatment and social care.

Catherine is particularly skilled in assisting vulnerable clients, whether their vulnerability is due to a health issue, disability or circumstances. Catherine has a particular interest in neurodiversity and has extensive experience in both supporting clients and working opposite people with ADHD and ASD. She is praised for being supportive, fearless, and fighting for her clients.

FLBA Advocacy and the Vulnerable training completed.

Notable cases:

• A v B representing a mother in a case where the child had rejected its father and the child’s guardian was of the view that this was on account of mother’s behaviour. A transfer of residence was a potential outcome of the case. The child remained in her mother’s care with a “spends time with father” order.
• Re Child A and Child B, representing both children in a case where the mother was disruptive of the children’s relationship with their father to the extent that this was viewed as harming the children. The children were transferred to live with their father, initially with a “spends time with mother” order. Throughout prolonged litigation and a worsening of mother’s behaviour, this led to a “no contact” with mother order.
• X v Y, representing father in a fact-finding where significant physical and sexual domestic abuse was alleged by the mother. The father had no contact with the children in excess of one year and had suicidal ideation. Exploration of the issues led to counter allegations being made. At a fact-finding hearing, one minor finding was made against the father (shouting), whereas all of his allegations (biting, scalding, stabbing with a sharp implement) were found against the mother.
• A v B, representing the wife in an occupation order matter where findings were made against the husband, including holding the wife against a wall by her neck. Whether documents relied upon by the wife were illegally obtained and, if so whether they were admissible. Documents deemed not to be illegally obtained. Subsequent Children Act proceedings showed a deterioration in the mental health of the husband leading to a “no contact” order as there was found to be harm to the children.
• Re: AB, representing an autistic child in a case where adult step-sister accused father of historic sexual abuse. Father had not seen his child in over three years. Testing of the allegations at a fact-finding hearing led to no findings of sexual abuse. The relationship with the child was reinstated and the parents, despite bitter court proceedings, were able to talk face to face and to co-parent.

Client feedback

“Mr Hankinson and Mrs Gee without exaggeration were incredible. I will never forget their contribution to my case as they made me realise I have one! They helped turn my life around and I will be forever grateful for that. Wonderful people.” (Lay client)

“Can I personally thank you for all the work you have done for this case and for the boys and me. Amazing result and thank you thank you thank you! I’ve recommended you to (solicitor) as you rocked the court room, boom! Thank you again.”  (Father commenting on children’s guardian representation)

“Just read your position statement for the client. That is a work of Art! Excellent work, thank you.” (Instructing agent, licensed access)

“I understand the nature of this case was not easy for anyone and I don’t know how I coped, but you gave me a platform of hope from the very beginning and although I was suffering terribly you fought my corner so well. You’re a credit to your profession and I wish you all the very best in the future Catherine.” (Lay client)

“I have instructed Catherine on a number of difficult family matters. Catherine dealt with each of these cases with care and compassion for the client. She went over and above to meet her instruction and ensure a good result for her client. I have instructed Catherine on short notice, but she continues to rise to the challenge and prepare an outstanding and successful case for her client. I would highly recommend instructing Catherine and no doubt I will be instructing her in the future.” (Instructing solicitor)

“Thanks Catherine. You’ve played a blinder helping me with this so thank you. You’ve always been responsive and supportive. Couldn’t have asked for more.” (Instructing solicitor)

“Thank you so much for all you have done. I am still somewhat in shock. But you have been so kind to us and done a fantastic job. And this amazing result is down to you. You stepped in right at the very last minute and then handled the hearing so well. Then I don’t know what magic you weaved with the other barrister but it obviously worked. And then to be so patient in all the back and forwards on the draft order – definitely beyond the call of duty.” (Lay client via licensed access)

“A big thank you for sorting out the co-parenting details and, consequently, stopping any further hearings and associated costs. We were most impressed with the way you succeeded in keeping the other party on the back foot all the time.” (Client)

“Thank you for the attendance note. I’m not sure it’s sunk in even now! The team are really pleased for (the client) and for you. You worked incredibly hard and was an honour to be with you. Thank you.” (Instructing solicitor)

“Thank you for your hard work for Stephanie last week, she was so pleased with the outcome and the way in which you represented her. She felt you understood the issues in the case and she really felt heard. She was so reassured by your handling of the case, thank you very much from her and from me. It is an excellent outcome.” (Instructing solicitor)