Supreme Court rules child’s views can be taken into account in Hague defence
The Supreme Court has unanimously held that a child’s views can be taken into account when assessing whether the Article 13(b) defence under the Hague Convention is made out in international child abduction proceedings. In In the Petition of DM [2026] UKSC 32, the court found that Scotland’s Inner House had been wrong to exclude the […]
New study gives insight into public use of AI chatbots during legal disputes
A legal charity has said there is a “potential role” for AI tools in meeting the needs of the justice system, following a survey which found one in six participants facing a legal dispute used a generative AI chatbot. Research led by legal reform charity Justice examined how AI is affecting the current justice system […]
Court sets aside ‘deceitful’ husband’s attempt to avoid paying £150,000 child maintenance
A judge at Yeovil Financial Remedies Court (pictured) has described a man who transferred his remaining UK property into a trust for his sister in a bid to avoid paying overdue child maintenance for his three daughters as “dishonest and deceitful”. In a reserved judgment, deputy district judge David Hodson found for the ex-wife in […]
Scottish government considers including single women in NHS IVF eligibility overhaul
The Scottish government has launched a review of NHS access to IVF treatment to consider whether it should be extended to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships. As well as widening eligibility, the review will consider offering an additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy […]
Stalking charges reach ‘record high’ according to CPS figures
Prosecutors’ “hard work and determination” is reflected in new figures showing stalking charges have reached a record high, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. New data released by the CPS reveals there were 8,561 charges for stalking offences between April 2025 and March 2026, but the organisation says the rise is likely to reflect […]
Firm news: the latest family law appointments
Virtual law firm Jurit LLP has appointed Christian Abletshauser to lead its London-based family law practice. Abletshauser (pictured above) has more than 20 years of experience in the field, working on significant cases including Robertson v Robertson [2016] EWHC 613 (Fam) and Re T. He said of his new role: “Jurit’s collaborative culture, senior expertise […]
No access to legal provision? Just ask Jon
Frustrated with the lack of legal provision for a large percentage of the population, Dutton Gregory family law partner Jonathan Whettingsteel decided to take the law into his own hands. He spoke to Today’s Family Lawyer editor Juliet Shaw to explain why he’s sharing his advice for free in a new series of ‘agony uncle’ […]
The role of mediation in shaping the future of family law
Solicitor and mediator Helen Clyne, senior associate in the family team at Debenhams Ottaway, joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast to discuss how mediation training has shaped her approach to practice. With 15 years’ experience, Clyne recently established a mediation service alongside her legal practice which supports her own work helping clients understand family […]