MoJ releases update on Pathfinder programme for private law reform
The Ministry of Justice has released an update on the implementation of the Government’s Pathfinder programme for private law reform, including stakeholder support, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on scaling successful initiatives. Recent figures revealed that the Pathfinder scheme is resolving cases faster, with family court backlogs reduced by half in pilot […]
Divorce applications drop 2% in late 2024, with sole applicants dominating
Between October to December 2024 there were 24,171 applications made (74% from sole applicants, 26% from joint applicants). This was a decrease of 2% from the same quarter in 2023, according to the Family Court Statistics. There were 23,413 final orders granted in October to December 2024 up 2% compared to the same quarter in […]
Progress on court reform programme but challenges remain
As the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Reform Programme, established to help modernise the courts and tribunal system, comes to an end, the Law Society of England and Wales has played an influential role to bring positive change. Over the nine-year span of the programme, 14 modern digital services were developed to enable access […]
Domestic homicide report exposes urgent need for stronger action on domestic abuse
The latest findings from the Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides 2020-2024 Year 4 Report reveal the devastating toll of domestic abuse, with experts warning that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life. The report highlights that at least one woman is killed every week by a male partner or ex-partner, with […]
Children deprived of their liberty require better access to legal aid – The Law Society
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the reduction in family court backlogs and delays, but further investment in civil legal aid is needed to support children at risk of being deprived of their liberty. Civil legal aid is an essential public service that protects and strengthens our community, reducing the strain on other […]
Major legal regulators fall short in latest performance assessment
The two largest legal regulators in England and Wales have fallen short of expected standards, according to the latest annual performance assessment published by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) together regulate more than 90% of legal professionals in England and Wales. Both failed to demonstrate […]
Helliwell v Entwistle Live
The Court of Appeal heard the case of Helliwell (respondent) v Entwistle (appellant) and many lawyers had the benefit of watching the livestream of the hearing via the Court of Appeal website. Mr Entwistle seeks to appeal a final order made by Mr Justice Francis on 15 March 2024 which required his ex-wife (Ms Helliwell) […]
Will Disputes Involving Autistic Individuals: Legal Considerations for Practitioners
More than one in 100 people in the United Kingdom are autistic, with an estimated population of over 700,000 autistic adults and children. Given this significant demographic, it is increasingly likely that legal professionals practising in the field of Wills, Trusts and Probate will encounter cases where autism is a material factor – either in […]
One Lawyer, One Solution: The Rise of Resolution Together
The concept of one lawyer representing two clients is not a new one but is currently in the spotlight thanks to Resolution. They have been campaigning for their model, Resolution Together, which is now widely recognised, for some years and is now part of our day-to-day practice. At first I will admit that I had […]
National Dispute Resolution Day
To mark Resolution’s National Dispute Resolution Day on 4th April 2025, Anna Cross, Legal Director in Ellisons’ family team explains a little bit more about what NCDR means in the area of family law, raising important awareness for separating families as to how they can resolve both children and financial issues arising out of their […]
