Calls for cohabitation reform prompts legal sector to warn of ‘risks of living together’ for unwed couples
After calls for a cohabitation reform, recently rehashed by Labour MP Emily Thornberry, concerns have been raised in the legal sector about the ‘lack of formal agreement’ between unwed couples who choose to live together. Many couples choose to live together without getting married first, but legal experts have cautioned co-habiting couples about the ‘dangers […]
Unveiling gaps in domestic abuse data: Women’s Aid calls for comprehensive understanding
Women’s Aid recently posted a blog shedding light on the existing gaps in domestic abuse data and the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding of women’s experiences. The blog delves into the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) annual domestic abuse data bulletin for the year ending March 2023, revealing both the progress made and […]
Domestic Abuse Commissioner launches platform to raise voices of victims and survivors of domestic abuse
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs launches VOICES, a virtual platform for victims and survivors of domestic abuse to influence change to improve the lives of other victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Victims and survivors, as well as friends and family bereaved by domestic abuse, can sign up to receive the VOICES email newsletter, […]
Update to Legal Aid Scheme for family law cases: When does a case become ‘high cost?’
The Legal Aid Agency updated the Care Case Fee Scheme (CCFS) last week, with new guidelines for counsel with detailed case plans for when a legal-aid funded family becomes high cost. A case becomes high cost when the costs are likely to exceed £25,000. There are 2 teams managing high cost family cases: High Cost […]
New protocol designed to ‘ensure practice remains relevant’ focuses on child welfare and reducing unnecessary court time
An update in family law practice designed to ensure court proceedings are ‘relevant’ came into effect earlier this month. The aim of the protocol includes; reducing hearings, witness summonses and urgent applications unless strictly necessary. The new protocol will relate to all family law proceedings, both private and public and has been approved by the […]
Clare’s Law ‘not being used effectively’
The daughter of Clare Wood, who was tragically murdered by her ex-partner in 2009, expresses fear that lives are at risk due to the inefficient handling of Clare’s Law. The law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, allows individuals to inquire about their partner’s abusive history. However, a recent BBC investigation reveals prolonged […]
Law firm advocates for neurodivergent clients with specialist team
A UK law firm has launched specialist training for professionals representing those with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, Autism and the Dyslexic spectrum and child care law. Duncan Lewis Family Law aims to transform legal aid for those who suffer from neurological conditions that can affect behaviour and communication. The firm has constructed […]
Navigating pension sharing in divorce | Legal precedents, guidance and implications
Introduction to pension sharing Pension sharing is a common aspect of financial settlement on divorce. It is common for those who have not sought legal advice to misunderstand Financial Remedy guidance – and consider financial division as ‘capital’ only (such as a house sale, transfer of vehicles, or closure of joint bank accounts). However, the […]
Law firms and leadership – the skill of profitable delegation
The Today’s Family Lawyer podcast welcome Dan Warburton on to discuss the topic of leadership. Dan works with law firms leaders and partners to elevate their leadership skills to enable them empower staff to be more efficient and effective. Dan describes his work as “the skill of profitable delegation;” to create leaders who can deliver […]
