Carol Hancock
Carol is a consultant family solicitor, specialising in private children law and domestic abuse. She made a career change into law, following her own experience, going on to become a recognised expert in her field.
Carol has a particular strength and sensitivity in dealing with clients who have experienced domestic abuse, which is reinforced by her continuing work in the domestic abuse sector. She is a facilitator of the VOICE (Victims of Intimate Coercive Experience) programme and is frequently asked to speak on these issues.
Carol consulted as a survivor during MOJ consultations for the Domestic Abuse Bill and was invited to share her story for the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, as part of the #Break the Bias campaign for international Women’s Day 2022.
Carol presents a series of videos to assist people experiencing domestic abuse continuing through the child arrangements on her YouTube channel, The Survivor Diaries. She is available for fixed fee consultation and legal work as well as for full representation.
Specialist Sectors
- Family Law.
Specialist Services
- Child arrangements orders.
- Enforcement.
- Specific issue orders.
- Prohibited steps orders.
- Non-molestation and occupation orders.
Representative Cases
Private client, child arrangements: Representation of mother following domestic abuse. Father had completed domestic abuse perpetrator programme and remained abusive. Order for indirect contact only until successful completion of a further perpetrator programme by abuser.
Private client, child arrangements: Representation of mother experiencing ongoing domestic abuse through the arrangements for the children and in receipt of allegations of parental alienation. Findings made to confirm the abuse and protective orders made.
Private client, child arrangements: Representation of father, recipient of allegations of abuse which were unfounded. “Lives with” order made with both parents, securing ongoing relationship with both.
Private client, non molestation order: findings of significant coercive and controlling behaviour by husband against wife, resulting in protective non molestation and occupation orders.
Private client, non molestation order: findings of ongoing psychological harm caused by an abusive parent’s inability to accept their own behaviours and their ongoing denial of abuse which had been previously found.
Private client, child arrangements: acting for the aunt of a young child following the death of the aunt’s sister and the father’s refusal to support the child’s relationship with her remaining aunt. Child arrangements order made in favour of aunt.
Professional Qualifications + Education
Carol qualified and practised as a teacher of secondary science, before returning to study LLB Law at the University of Hull in 2008. She was awarded a place on the Law Society Bursary and Diversity Access Scheme in 2011, funding her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, York. She graduated from there with a commendation in 2012.
Following her legal education, Carol joined McCormicks solicitors in Harrogate, working initially in the family and criminal departments. She was able to secure a training contract and qualified as a solicitor in 2016. She remained with McCormicks for a further four years and became a Consultant Solicitor in 2020, following lockdown and the increase of her national practice and reputation.
Languages
- English.
Quotes
“An expert in children and domestic abuse cases” Legal 500 (2020)
“Carol’s experience of and ability in understanding all aspects of domestic abuse and family and child proceedings from a legal and personal perspective are second to none and have enabled me to navigate through a torrid time with success. She is well respected in her field, and I have experienced first-hand why” – family client (February 2022)
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to Carol Hancock. She went above and beyond to support me through very difficult child proceedings and was a complete rock for me. She gave expert advice at all times and continued to support me after proceedings” – family client (May 2022 )