Carol Hancock


Partner



Family


E: carol.hancock@kingsley-wood.com


 


Carol is a consultant family solicitor specialising in private children law and domestic abuse, with a strong background in supporting domestic abuse survivors. She is a recognised expert in her field, frequently speaking on these issues and providing resources through her YouTube channel, The Survivor Diaries. Carol offers fixed-fee consultations, full representation, and has extensive experience in child arrangements and protective orders.

about

Carol specialises in private children law and domestic abuse. She made a career change into law following her own experience, going on to become a recognised expert in her field. Carol has a particular strength and sensitivity in dealing with clients who have experienced domestic abuse, which is reinforced by her continuing work in the domestic abuse sector. Carol is a facilitator of the VOICE (Victims of Intimate Coercive Experience) programme and is frequently asked to speak on these issues. Carol is available for fixed-fee consultation and legal work as well as for full representation.


Recent Matters

my work

Carol specialises in family law, with particular expertise in child arrangement orders, enforcement applications, specific issue and prohibited steps orders, as well as non-molestation and occupation orders. She is known for her sensitive yet robust approach, particularly in matters involving domestic abuse and child welfare, ensuring that her clients and their families are protected through fair and effective legal outcomes.


Her recent work includes representing a mother who experienced domestic abuse, where the court granted an order for indirect contact only until the father successfully completed a further perpetrator programme. In another case, Carol represented a mother facing ongoing abuse and allegations of parental alienation, where findings confirmed the abuse, resulting in protective orders being made.

She has also acted for a father wrongly accused of abuse, successfully obtaining a “lives with” order that secured equal parental involvement. In cases involving non-molestation and occupation orders, Carol has achieved findings of significant coercive and controlling behaviour, ensuring her clients received the necessary protection from further harm.



In one particularly sensitive matter, Carol represented an aunt seeking child arrangements following the death of her sister. Despite opposition from the child’s father, Carol secured an order in favour of the aunt, preserving the child’s vital family connection.

Interest

about me

Carol consulted as a survivor during MOJ consultations for the Domestic Abuse Bill and was invited to share her story for the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, as part of the #Break the Bias campaign for international Women’s Day 2022.


Carol presents a series of videos to assist people experiencing domestic abuse continuing through the child arrangements on her YouTube channel, The Survivor Diaries.


Carol's social media handles:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCiwjV_CMf6ZKlY00s6ukxsQ

https://twitter.com/carol_hancock1?lang=en-GB

Awards & Experience

my expertise

LLB (Law) – University of Hull


Carol qualified and practised as a teacher of secondary science, before returning to study LLB Law at the University of Hull in 2008.


She was awarded a place on the Law Society Bursary and Diversity Access Scheme in 2011, funding her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, York. She graduated from there with a commendation in 2012.


Following her legal education, Carol joined McCormicks solicitors in Harrogate, working initially in the family and criminal departments. She was able to secure a training contract and qualified as a solicitor in 2016.


She remained with McCormicks for a further four years and became a Consultant Solicitor in 2020, following lockdown and the increase of her national practice and reputation.


Quotes from leading sources:

“An expert in children and domestic abuse cases” - ‘Legal 500’ (2020)

kind words from our clients