Financial provision claim upon divorce cannot proceed if a party dies, UKSC rules

The UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has ruled that financial provision claim proceedings under the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 cannot proceed once one of the parties to that claim dies. Unger and another (in substitution for Hasan) (Appellants) v Ul-Hasan (deceased) and another (Respondents) [2023] UKSC 22 saw the Court unanimously reject an appeal […]
Cafcass launches animated video for children and young people involved in family court proceedings

Cafcass has launched a new animated video called “Taking me seriously: letting you know how we help” at a dedicated “explainer” event hosted by the National Business Centre. The new video has been developed in collaboration with members of the Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB) – children and young people with direct experience of […]
Image-based abuse: Perpetrators could face 2-year jail term under new rules

Perpetrators of image-based abuse could face up to two years in prison under new amendments to the Online Safety Bill announced by the Ministry of Justice. While the current law requires the prosecution to prove that perpetrators shared sexual images or films to cause distress, the new rules mean those who share intimate images without […]
Domestic abuse services in the community ‘under pressure’ from lack of funding

New research conducted by Refuge, England’s largest specialist domestic abuse support service provider, shows that community-based domestic abuse services are under significant strain due to lack of funding. Four in five (85%) frontline workers surveyed for the charity’s ‘Local Lifelines’ report believe that their service is being impacted by insufficient funding. 95% of the women […]
Resolution announces Annual Awards finalists

Resolution has announced the finalists for its inaugural gala awards dinner set to be held later this year. The Awards are set to be held at Church House, London, on 13th September 2023. The winners of the 10 categories – five of which are new – will be presented by Joshua Rozenberg. In addition to […]
Law Society survey: HMCTS portal

The Law Society recognises the difficulties the profession face in dealing with increasing delays across the court system. It is seeking to work with the National Audit office to improve the working practices of the court system and ensure the court modernisation programme reflects the needs of solicitors and their clients. The Law Society is […]
Legal outcomes of cases at the national deprivation of liberty court

New analysis of deprivation of liberty orders confirms many children are facing long and severe restrictions in unregistered placements far from home. New analysis of the legal outcomes of deprivation of liberty applications in England and Wales has exposed that it is the norm for children involved in these cases to face severe restrictions, typically […]
Work life matters: Wellbeing

If your organisation is following the established patterns over the past couple of years, you’re probably drowning in wellbeing advice, support and guidance. And that’s a really good thing. Helping staff with their wellbeing – in all its guises – is the RIGHT thing to do. So instead of me re-hashing some of the information […]