Cost of living crisis ‘impacting divorce decision making’
A new survey of 2,000 adults has uncovered the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on divorce and separation in England and Wales. The survey, which was commissioned by the law firm, Birketts, found that 60% of adults in England and Wales would think about divorce differently now compared to a year […]
Court reduces mandatory divorce waiting period for client with ‘life-limiting health conditions’
National firm Michelmores announced that it had “successfully applied to the court to shorten the 20-week window for its client, who has life-limiting health conditions”, as reported in the Law Society Gazette. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act came into force in April last year and allows couples to divorce without assigning blame for the […]
Legal language service providers – a guide for family lawyers
Family lawyers increasingly work with clients with family ties and legal documents from all over the world. Supporting clients at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, having access to the right legal language service provider is essential to ensure no interests and assets are misrepresented, and decisions are made on accurate interpretations […]
Over 90% of teachers say that safeguarding referrals have risen
A recent survey from the NSPCC of more than 8,000 UK teachers shows the essential role that schools play in keeping children safe. The survey highlights the worrying scale of abuse and neglect faced by children, and the vital role teachers and schools play in helping to keep them safe. The NSPCC worked jointly with […]
HMCTS announces improved support for children going to court as witnesses
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has announced new support for the hundreds of children who visit the courts as witnesses each year. HMCTS says it recognises that courts can be an uncomfortable environment for children and giving evidence in a courtroom can cause nervousness and stress. This, they say, is one of the reasons […]
Charity highlights 50% rise in support for solicitors last year
The Solicitors’ Charity has released its annual Big Report which highlights a significant increase in the number of solicitors who have been newly supported over the past year. The report also shows a rise in clients with multiple health conditions and mental health issues. According to the report, almost £1 million was spent on supporting […]
Prime Minister urged to strengthen Online Safety Bill to tackle VAWG
A group of survivors of child sexual abuse, gendered violence, and online misogyny have urged the Prime Minister to strengthen the Online Safety Bill to protect women and girls as the legislation is debated in the House of Lords. What the letter is calling for The group are asking the Prime Minister to back an […]
Court of Appeal provides guidance on mobile phone extraction in family proceedings
Court of Appeal provides guidance on relevant principles and approach to directions for mobile phone extraction in family proceedings All things being as they should be, mobile phone evidence will find its way into proceedings in the family court via the police, who will have seized and extracted mobile phone data as part of their […]
The Ombudsman’s Corner: May 2022
When we recently updated our Scheme Rules, we made an amendment to Section 2 – “Who can complain about what”, to include a new section which clarifies that a complaint can be brought to us where the service has been provided to an estate of a person who is deceased where the complainant is a […]