Law Commission launches review of Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
The Law Commission of England and Wales has officially launched its review of the laws which determine how finances are divided among couples after divorce. Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the new law reform project will consider the use of financial remedy orders, governed by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and mirrored in […]
Report highlights weak points in CPS’ handling of domestic abuse cases
His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has published a new report highlighting the flaws in the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) handling of domestic abuse cases. HMCPSI inspectors noted there were “areas for improvement” to ensure domestic abuse victims receive a better service from the CPS and stronger cases are getting to court. The report […]
Home Office announces plans for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse
The Home Office has announced plans to legally require those who work with children to report child sexual abuse. This comes after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) heard testimony from thousands of victims who were “let down by professionals turning a blind eye to their suffering”, said the Home Office. Mandatory reporting […]
Ofsted sets out registration process for supported accommodation providers
Ofsted has set out the process of registration for supported accommodation providers following the news that it will begin offering “essential oversight” of these services for children in care and care leavers aged 16 to 17. Until now, the provision of supported accommodation for looked after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 has […]
64% of lawyers believe access to justice has worsened over the last decade – report
A new survey of solicitors indicates that the profession views the reduction in legal aid availability as a major reason for the decline in access to justice, the Law Society of England and Wales revealed. 64% of surveyed lawyers said overall access to justice for civil and criminal matters has worsened over the past 10 […]
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in action
A recent family law case, DP v EP [2023] EWFC 6, has found that economic abuse can amount to “conduct” within the meaning of section 25(2)(g) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, a factor to be taken into account when the court is deciding upon a financial settlement. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (“DAA”) came into force […]
Surrogacy and the new reforms
Current Law & Issues The current law which governs surrogacy has been around for over 35 years, The Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 constitutes the majority of the legislation but since then the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act in 2008 was an addition to this legislation. There has since been scientific and medical advances and a […]
Practice Direction Update No 2 of 2023
PD Update No.2 of 2023 makes the following provisions: PD2C, which makes provision for functions of the family court which may be performed by a Justices’ Legal Adviser, is amended to correct a cross-reference to a specific paragraph in another PD. PD36P is amended to extend the end date of the pilot PD underpinning HMCTS’s […]
75% of law firms reported year-on-year growth in fee income in 2022
“Resilient law firms” reported a strong performance in fee-income during the financial year 2021-2022, according to the Law Society of England and Wales Leadership and Management Section Financial Benchmarking Survey. In its 22nd year, the survey for 2023 collected financial data from 155 principally small and medium sized solicitor firms, with a combined income of […]
