East Midlands Courts implement new management system in children’s private law to ‘provide better outcomes’
It has been announced in the East Midlands Courts that a new case management system has been introduced regarding private children’s law proceedings. Earlier this year a conference was held regarding the release of this new system, which will focus on ‘child welfare’ as a priority. Justice of the High Court Mrs Justice Lieven has […]
‘Long way until family law catches up with reality’ on anniversary of no-fault divorce
A London law firm has commented on the modern relationship landscape, after two years since the introduction of no-fault divorces in the UK. The latest divorce figures have shown a decline in applications, despite an expected surge due to the mandatory 20-week waiting period. Between October and December 2023 there were 23,517 divorce applications under […]
Surge in ‘honour-based’ abuse cases
Recent figures suggest a stark rise of over 60% in “honour-based” abuse offences recorded by English police forces over the past two years, as reported by The Guardian. This trend, encompassing forced marriage, rape, death threats, and assault, reflects 2,594 cases reported in 2022 compared to 1,599 in 2020. While increased victim reporting and better […]
Ministry of justice U-Turns on 10% hike on divorce court fees after concerns for women raised
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced a number of changes to court and tribunal fees, however, divorce fees will remain at the same rate of £593, after a proposed 10% increase. The U-turn comes after being told higher fees ‘could force couples to remain in unhappy or abusive relationships’ by consultation respondents. There was […]
Widow’s £50,000 loss in romance scam highlights rising trend
A widow, Lyn, devastated by a £50,000 online romance scam, expressed her profound loss of trust following the deceitful manipulation by a fraudster she met on a social media platform for widows and widowers in May 2021. Initially charmed by ‘Derek,’ who purported to be a Manchester-based businessman, Lyn gradually succumbed to his elaborate ploys, […]
Clare’s Law described as ‘really useful’ tool
The BBC interviewed a woman, identified as Danielle for safety reasons, who utilised Clare’s Law after experiencing abuse from her partner. Danielle met her ex-partner in 2022 through work. Despite initially attempting to overlook his alcohol problem, she eventually faced severe abuse, including being assaulted in her own home. Upon learning about Clare’s Law through […]
Celebrating 10 years of same-sex marriage
Ten years ago, on 29 March 2014, Peter McGraith and David Cabreza became the first same-sex couple to get married in England & Wales. This was following the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, which put marriage equality for the LGBTQ+ community on our statute books for the first time. The movement […]
Empowering neurodivergent individuals in the family law system
Family law proceedings can be daunting for anyone, but for neurodivergent individuals, the legal landscape can seem particularly challenging. This blog will explore the practical ways neurodivergent individuals can be supported in family proceedings to enable them to engage effectively and give their best evidence. From early identification of neurodiversity, third-party support, and court instructions […]
What clients want…
This latest podcast from Today’s Family Lawyer explores the perennial question on the minds and lips of most businesses… what do clients really want? A report from Law Firm Marketing Club does just that. Now in it’s 4th year, “What Clients Want” is an extensive piece of research which asks consumers of legal services what […]
