I am a recognised expert in the field of international child abduction and all aspects of specialist Children law, with over 15 years of experience in Family Law. I have extensive experience across a wide range of family law cases, from high-net-worth matrimonial disputes to non-accidental injury (NAI) public law cases. I became accredited by the Law Society of England Wales in Child Abduction and Children law in 2013 and have practised exclusively in International Children law for the last 10 years, in the High Court. Having acted in numerous ground-breaking and law-shaping cases (see list of cases on my profile page https://www.rwkgoodman.com/our-people/kim-lehal/), I have established a reputation for delivering exceptional legal representation in high-stakes, complex matters.

With an in-depth understanding of international treaties such as the 1980 Hague Convention and 1996 Hague Convention, as well as domestic Children law, I am adept at navigating the complexities of multi-jurisdictional legal disputes.

I specialise and practice exclusively in:

International Child Abduction: 1980 Hague Convention and Non-Hague Convention abduction cases, including wardship proceedings under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court and international relocation matters.

Child Arrangements & Parental Responsibility: Advise in complex Child Arrangements proceedings, recognition and enforcement of judgments, and parental responsibility issues.

Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage: Legal representation for victims of domestic abuse, honour-based violence, forced marriage, FGM, and abandoned spouses in foreign jurisdictions.

Assisted Reproduction Law: I am a specialist in international surrogacy arrangements with a strong connection to India before then banned commercial surrogacy, parental orders, and complex cases involving domicile, consent, nationality, and immigration law.

International Family Law: Advise on cross-border legal issues impacting children and families, including adoption, Special Guardianship, Public law proceedings, jurisdictional disputes, parental rights, and recognition and enforcement of family law orders.
I have featured in The Times on the need for caution in child abduction cases, a piece that garnered widespread attention: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/family-courts-caution-child-abduction-cases-comment-0gsdlzlxs

I was the only English lawyer selected to represent the UK at the first ever HCCH Forum on Domestic Violence and the Operation of Article 13(b) of the 1980 Hague Convention, in South Africa in June 2024, underscoring my international standing and influence in the field. I have reported on the forum for the prestigious International Family Law Journal, December 2024 edition and featured in De Rebus, the South Africa Attorney’s Journal and the South Africa Law Society Gazette, 2024.
I was shortlisted as a finalist for International Family Lawyer of the Year at the esteemed 2024 Family Law Awards, a recognition that highlights my reputation and expertise in the field.
I have a strong social media presence and am frequently invited to share my expertise at various events and often host or sponsor events myself. Some examples include speaking on the Family Law Week – Social Media for Family Lawyers webinar, being featured on the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast to discuss the importance of finding your niche in Family law, and appearing on The Legal Eagle podcast to talk about my journey into law. I have also presented at Global Arrk on the 1980 Hague Convention defences and how to successfully defend a case.
I work in close partnership with foreign lawyers around the world, regularly seeking their expertise for general advice or signposting on matters related to international family law, including child abductions, cross-border contact cases, and the recognition and enforcement of judgments. Additionally, I collaborate with foreign lawyers on issues related to immigration and criminal law.