Paws for thought and include claws: why pet-nups should be considered
With 62% of the UK population reportedly owning a pet, it is no wonder more and more couples are being advised to take out “pet-nup” agreements to prevent custody battles over their beloved dogs and cats if they split up. With around 30,000 divorce cases involving animals each year, according to a report from Direct […]
New protections for rape victims available at more Crown Courts
More victims of rape and sexual offences will be spared the stress of being cross-examined in court under a measure rolled out to a further 14 locations. The scheme, which has already been successful in 12 Crown Courts, allows victims and witnesses of crimes such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination video-recorded […]
Revised sentencing guidelines for child sexual offences published
Revised sentencing guidelines that clarify how courts in England and Wales should sentence offenders convicted of arranging or facilitating sexual offences against a child were published this week by the Sentencing Council following consultation. Under the revised guidelines, which will come into effect on 31st May 2022, judges and magistrates will consider the intended sexual harm […]
Law Society: kinship carers must be able to get free legal advice
Kinship carers must be given access to non-means tested free legal advice to ensure they know their rights and can secure a child’s future, avoiding the need for them to be taken into the care system, the Law Society of England and Wales said today in response to a parliamentary report. The All-Party Parliamentary Group […]
LexisNexis Bellwether Report: legal tech is dividing firms
Many small law firms are thinking big when it comes to the tech they need to see them through another period of profound change. But the latest research from LexisNexis’ Bellwether report shows that 47% say they have no plans to invest in any technology at all. Today, LexisNexis Legal & Professional released the 10th […]
Children abusing other children up by nearly a third
The number of reports of harmful sexual behaviour by one child to another has increased by 29% over the last year, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has said. The NSPCC have received 2,363 calls reporting such incidents, and staff made nearly 600 referrals to external agencies including social services […]
MyHMCTS: responding to a family public law order application
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published a guide for respondent legal representatives using family public law services with MyHMCTS. Use the MyHMCTS service to respond to a family public law application for: care orders and interim care orders supervision orders and interim supervision orders emergency protection orders other orders under Part 4 of […]
