Donna Tilbrook
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Donna Tilbrook is the Chief Executive Officer at Best Solicitors and one of the original founding partners of the company.
In the two decades since Best’s formation in 2001, it has gone from strength to strength – now boasting more than 30 legal experts offering accessible and compassionate expert legal support to the people of South Yorkshire and beyond.
Specialising in Child Care Law, Donna is an Exeter University graduate, with a post-graduate degreee from the University of Sheffield.
Away from work, Donna is a member of the Sheffield Triathlon club and also recently trained as a yoga teacher.
Relevant experiences and positions
Donna Tilbrook is a specialist in Child Care Law and is a member of the International Child Abduction Panel – meaning she is appointed through the Central Authority to represent left behind parents in child abduction cases.
She also takes instructions from the respondents to proceedings, and has acted for guardians in children and international child abduction cases. Donna has been involved in a number of reported cases – all of which demand deep legal expertise and precision.
Donna is also a member of the Children’s Panel – members of which make decisions on how to help vulnerable children and young people. Often, these children face being removed from their parents’ care, so of course, sensitivity, empathy and diligence are among Donna’s required skills.
As a mother of three herself, Donna combines her legal knowledge and expertise with the sensitivity, empathy and diligence required to handle such cases.
Some personal questions
What is your opinion on the law / case law on child relocation in your country?
This area of law has developed over the years both in relation to relocation within country and internationally. The administration of the law has acknowledged the changing lifestyles of families and that families often need to relocate due to many reason but the welfare of the child is still paramount in making court decisions.
This is a complex area of law base on welfare interest of children and each case must be taken on its own facts. That is way it is so important to access specialist legal advice
What should parents know before starting a court procedure about child relocation?
Communication is Key; sharing as much information on why the move is necessary. Show a map of where you wish to move too. Show information of the nursery and or school. Maybe map out a travel plan and any costs. Explain the accessibility of social media platforms, like teams, which allows to see and speak with children who are relocating.
What is your (practical) advice to parents, to make relocation easier for a child?
It is important to plan any discussion with children carefully which is age appropriate. The use of pictures of where you are relocating could be a good idea. A family tree visual as to who will be able to come and visit including timings. This should include friends. This may include when the child(ren) would be returning to visit family and friends. Remember to listen and to try to adjust the plans around the child(ren) needs and expectations. The priority will be to make the relocation a success so listening, modifying a plan and communicating worries should be essential.
Why is it interesting for you as a lawyer to work on these cases?
These cases are often very complexed legally, ethically, and frequently with cultural challenges that need to be addressed carefully and sensitivity. The Law can sometimes feel like a “blunt instrument” when address such sensitive issues.
What do you think is important to do or not do as an attorney in child abduction cases?
I have been appointed to represent child(ren)and have given evidence in court. I think it is important that we comminate the court process, age appropriate, maybe including pictures, to the child(ren) and to keep them abreast of the case development. It is important that the child(ren) know it is the judge and or the adults that make decision but that their age-appropriate wishes and feelings will be shared.
How do you ensure good cooperation with the parent in a child abduction case?
Explaining the process and why the process is there. Prioritise focusing on the welfare of the child(ren). Speak about the value of mediation. Speak about any risks or concerns and how they can be managed.