Kerri O’Neill

Kerri specialises in matrimonial finance matters and has conducted FDAs, FDRs and contested final hearings. Kerri has undertaken cases with:

Cases:

• X v X (2026): Kerri received judgment in an enforcement application representing the Wife.  Wife’s application was to enforce lump sum order plus interest, reinstate spousal maintenance order + arrears of spousal maintenance.  Wife resisted Husband’s cross application to downward vary spousal maintenance and remit 3 years of arrears. Following cross examination and submissions, Kerri achieved a full house outcome for the client of lump sum order + interest, spousal maintenance reinstated at full amount, arrears in full plus interest to run if unpaid.  Wife was awarded her full costs.

“Kerri stepped in at the eleventh hour on this long-running and complex case. With no prior involvement in the matter and a final hearing looming, both we and the client were understandably concerned about instructing a new barrister so late in the day. We need not have worried. Despite the complexity of the matter, Kerri quickly identified the key issues and provided clear, coherent advice, which immediately put both us and the client at ease. She was not only extremely well prepared, but also approachable and accessible throughout. On top of her all-round excellence, Kerri secured an outstanding outcome for the client”

– Harrogate Family Law

Kerri undertakes work with:

• Parental alienation
• Parent/child psychological assessments
• Interim/international relocation
• Difficult or complex dynamics
• S.8 orders
• Finding of fact hearings
• Contested final hearings
• Litigants in person
• Drafting schedules of allegations
• Enforcement
• Committal

Kerri undertakes complex children matters. She is confident in her management of running a case start to finish. In evidence she is focused, effective and agile. Kerri’s application of the law is precise and on point. Clients feel reassured and in good hands when represented by Kerri.

Kerri has a strong reputation in the Merseyside area for her complex children work. She is known for her dedication to clients, focus on detail and pursuit of the best outcome.

Cases

• The Local Authority v F & Anor [2023] EWFC 142 (02 June 2023). Read the judgment here (death of an infant sibling).
• Lancashire County Council v M & Ors [2022] EWHC 2900 (Fam) (27 October 2022). Read the full judgment here (part 2: outcome in a case concerning a child with lifelong complex disability and medical needs resolved by way of a package of care at home and child cared for by parents).
• W (A Child). Re [2021] EWHC 2844 (Fam) (25 October 2021) (part 1; comments on the assistance of experts in a case concerning a child with lifelong complex disability and medical needs.
• Re F and G [2021] EWCA Civ622 (The Court of Appeal confirmed that a special guardianship order can co-exist with a care order and remitted for re-hearing the question of whether or not the SGO in this case should be discharged).
• A Local Authority v M (2019); allegations against a mother of causing non accidental injuries caused to 7-week old baby. No findings made against the mother and child rehabilitated to mother’s care.
• A (a child: Article 8 rights of a father who murdered the mother) [2018] EWHC 3795 (Fam) (13 December 2018). Represented the local authority. Read the full judgment here.

Kerri qualified as a children specialist Arbitrator in 2024.

Kerri brings with her over 12 years of experience in complex children litigation. Kerri is a pragmatic and solutions-based lawyer who strives to achieve the best outcome for a family.

Kerri is available to be instructed to act as an arbitrator in private children matters. Kerri also represents parents participating in private children arbitration.

You can find Kerri’s profile on the IFLA website.