Matthew Fiddy

Matthew accepts instructions in public law proceedings to act on behalf of local authorities, parents, children, and intervenors. Matthew regularly appears in care cases before every level of judge and frequently appears in lengthy final and fact-finding hearings.

Matthew specialises in cases involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse, and cases involving allegations of fabricated and induced illness. Matthew is frequently led by Kings Counsel as well as appearing as sole counsel in complex cases. In 2024, Matthew appeared as junior counsel on behalf of the appellant mother in the Court of Appeal case of Re W, successfully challenging findings of non-accidental injury. The appeal was allowed, the application for a care order dismissed, and the child returned to the parents.

Reported Cases

Re W (A Child) (Inflicted Injury) (Delay) [2024] EWCA Civ 418.

To view the Bailii report please click here.

To view coverage in Local Government Lawyer, please click here.

Matthew Fiddy explains the principles involved in the case in an article.

Re PQR (Children) [2017] EWFC B86.

C (Children) [2016] EWFC 6

Matthew’s practice covers the full range of hearings in private law children’s cases, from the FHDRA and interim contested hearings, to fact-finding hearings and contested final hearings. Matthew has experience of appearing before every level of judge in private law matters. Matthew has particular expertise in dealing with high conflict cases where guardians are appointed to represent children under rule 16.4 FPR. Matthew also represents clients in cases involving international elements and allegations of serious abuse.

Matthew is a Bar Pro Bono Unit Panel Member and accepts instructions to represent vulnerable clients on a pro bono basis.

Reported cases:

Y v S [2017] EWHC 1020 (Fam)