EWJ Dec 2023 - Journal - Page 44
Family Procedure Rules 15.4 state:(3) … a person may act as a litigation friend if that
person –
(a) can fairly and competently conduct proceedings
on behalf of the protected party;
Dr Sarah Har tley
(b) has no interest adverse to that of the protected
party; and
(c) … undertakes to pay any costs which the protected
party may be ordered to pay in relation to the proceedings, subject to any right that person may have to
be repaid from the assets of the protected party.
Clinical Psychologist
PsychD in Clinical Psychology, BA (Hons), MSc
Dr Sarah Har tley, formerly Dr Sarah Birch, is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of
Psychologie Ltd, which was set up to provide good-quality and timely assessments
and treatment of adults. Dr Har tley is currently a Consultant Clinical Psychologist for
South London & Maudsley NHS FoundationTrust and she also works as a private
therapist and yoga teacher.
Her area of special interest in psychological treatment is trauma and complex
An individual who wishes to be appointed as a
litigation friend (if they are not a deputy who is already
acting) must file a certificate of suitability to act in a
standard court format confirming that they satisfy the
conditions referred to above.
trauma/personality disorder ; she is trained in Mentalisation-Based Therapy and in
EMDR. She is also trained to assess Autistic Spectrum Condition using both the
ADOS and the ADI-R.
Dr Har tley provides assessments for the Cour ts, and has extensive exper t witness
experience having been working as an Exper t Witness since 2007. With regard to
child protection, her par ticular areas of speciality are personality disorder and
The role of a litigation friend is of paramount importance as above all else their duty is to make decisions
in the best interests of the protected party.
parenting, non-accidental injury, failure to thrive and domestic violence. She has also
carried out assessments in private family law cases and has done numerous global
family assessments.
She has conducted numerous repor ts in personal injury cases, medical negligence,
accident compensation claims, and other cases where an assessment of post
Divorce proceedings are understandably difficult for
all parties involved although the complexities and concerns that exist when one of the parties lacks capacity
and is deemed to be a protected party are exacerbated. In view of this, it is important for both parties
involved to be aware of these initial considerations and
take the appropriate steps to enable them to work towards achieving the optimum outcome for them both.
traumatic stress disorder symptoms is required. She has acted as exper t in many
criminal cases concerning fitness to plead/stand trial and cases where trauma s
ymptoms and Autistic Spectrum Disorder are per tinent.
She has experience of giving evidence in Cour t, including at the High Cour t.
Dr Har tley has under taken exper t witness training in the Bond Solon Course:
“Giving evidence for Exper t Witnesses.”
Contact Details
Tel: 07747 778 486
Email: drsarahhar tley@icloud.com Website: www.drsarahhar tley.co.uk
Address: Psychologie (Uk) Ltd - C/O Friend-James Ltd,
At Boyes Turner we have experience in all types of
proceedings in the Court of Protection. For further
information, please contact the Court of Protection
team
on
0800
124
4845
or
email
claimsadvice@boyesturner.com.
Park Gate 161-163 Preston Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6AF
Dr Ian Starke
Consultant Physician in Stroke Medicine and Geriatric Medicine
MSc, MD, FRCP, AFFLM.
Dr Starke practiced as a Consultant Physician in Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine
and General Medicine at University Hospital Lewisham and Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’
School of Medicine from 1988
He provides expert reports for clinical negligence and medical injury cases in stroke medicine
and geriatric medicine and on fitness to practice.
He provides expert clinical assessments as required both within and outside London,
including virtual assessments where appropriate.
Contact:
11 Queen's Court, 25-27 Earl's Court Square, London SW5 9DA
Telephone 07967 032 541 - Email: ianstarke@nhs.net
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
42
DECEMBER 2023