The complex intersections in immigration and family law

On 11 March 2026 immigration and family law practitioners gathered for the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) second conference examining the increasingly complex relationship between immigration and family law. The majority of ILPA members are barristers, solicitors and advocates practising in all aspects of immigration, asylum and nationality law. Academics, non-governmental organisations, and individuals with a substantial interest in the law are also members.

Held this year as a hybrid event, the all-day conference brought together legal professionals, academics and advocates from across both sectors, providing an opportunity to explore some of the challenging legal issues facing practitioners working with families whose lives cross international borders.

Opening keynote

The conference opened with a keynote address by independent researcher, campaigner and commentator on UK immigration and asylum policy, Zoe Gardner. Drawing on her extensive experience of policy and advocacy, she explored the current state of the UK’s immigration and asylum system, the human impact of legislative and policy developments, and the importance of ensuring that legal practice remains grounded in fairness, dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

Child abduction and asylum: Navigating overlapping legal frameworks

I had the privilege of hosting the opening panel, exploring the intersection between international child abduction and asylum law. The panel featured child abduction specialist family solicitors Helen Blackburn of The International Family Law Group and Forum Shah of Dawson Cornwell, along with immigration specialist Chris McKendry of Wilsons. The panel examined the tensions that can arise where a parent fleeing persecution or abuse seeks asylum in England & Wales with a child, while simultaneously facing proceedings under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and wardship.

The speakers explored practical challenges surrounding disclosure of evidence and safeguarding, as well as good practice, emphasising the need for careful co-ordination between legal teams operating in parallel proceedings.

Cross-disciplinary bitesize training

Next, delegates took part in a series of bitesize training sessions designed specifically for lawyers working outside of their primary area of expertise.

Immigration specialists guided family practitioners on the key aspects of bringing parties into the UK for assessments and family court proceedings (Emma Cohen from OTB Legal) and the immigration implications of relationship breakdown (Nath Gbikpi of Leigh Day).

Family law specialists provided immigration lawyers with information on divorce (Sarah Edwards and Sophia Poliviou-Singh of Wilsons), adoption (barrister Kathryn Cronin, Garden Court Chambers), and care proceedings and special guardianship orders where there are international issues (by me). A session from children law solicitor advocate Maud Davis also explored local authority duties to children in care and care leavers as related to immigration.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ clients across family and immigration law

In the second panel of the day, hosted by Tim Barnden of Bates Wells, speakers Natalie Gamble of NGA Law, Scott Halliday of Sintons, Claudia Neale of Garden Court Chambers, Andrew Powell (now KC) and Barry O’Leary of Wesley Gryk Solicitors considered the particular challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ clients navigating immigration systems alongside family proceedings, including issues relating to family recognition, domestic abuse and transgender rights.

Interactive advocacy workshops

A series of interactive advocacy workshops took place across the afternoon:

• Earned settlement and the future of indefinite leave to remain, run by Isaac Abraham of Islington Law Centre
• When immigration and family law collide: what problems arise and how can we solve them?, by family and immigration law barrister Rachel Francis of One Pump Court
• Advocating children’s human rights within and outside the court room, by family and public law barrister Carolyne Willow of The Barrister Group

Closing reflections

Mr Justice Williams gave a closing address. His acknowledgment of the complexities and pressures faced by practitioners in both fields was warmly received.

A shared commitment to collaborative practice

Across every session, the themes of collaborative practice and cross-disciplinary understanding emerged. Immigration status, family relationships, safeguarding concerns and international obligations frequently overlap, requiring practitioners to adopt a holistic approach to advice and representation.

The conference highlighted the value of bringing together specialists from different areas of practice to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and develop practical strategies for addressing increasingly dynamic and complex cases.

As immigration and family law continue to evolve in response to global conflict, displacement and changing family structures, the conversations at this year’s conference are likely to remain central to family and immigration law practice.

We are already looking to hold a further conference next year.

Alison Leivesley, accredited children law solicitor, and co-convenor of ILPA’s Immigration and Family Law conference

For more about ILPA, see ilpa.org.uk