Having previously worked as a wedding photographer for 14 years, a change in family circumstances gave me a taste for family law, particularly in divorce, child custody and especially parental alienation.

I am now doing an LLM in Legal Practise with the aim to work within the legal industry, specialising in family law.

Courts encouraged to cooperate with reporters

Family courts have been encouraged to cooperate with reporters in a bid to become more transparent. Sir Andrew McFarlane, head of the Family Division, has released his final guidance on how courts should deal with

Divorce adds to a woman's financial vulnerability

While women are increasingly better educated than men, they earn less, feel less financially secure, provide the bulk of unpaid care, have smaller pensions, face greater hardship in later life and struggle to pay for

An analysis of the number of newborns and infants in the family justice system in Wales has found that between 2015 and 2018, the number of newborn babies subject to care proceedings has more than

benefits of arbitration

Further to our coverage of the Birmingham Law Society’s Bi-annual Family Law Conference, we look at the talk by Nicholas Allen QC regarding the benefits of arbitration over litigation. There are many known benefits to

mediation increases but courts under strain

The latest figures from the MoJ has shown increases in the number of mediation assessments for the quarter April – September 2019. Figures released have shown a 14% increase from the last quarter in the

Easier access to Legal Aid for unaccompanied children

Today saw a new Government legislation amendment allowing vulnerable migrant children, separated from their parents, to get quicker and simpler access to Legal Aid. The Legal Aid for Separated Children Order 2019 has allowed non-asylum

extra funding for young care leavers

A new multi–million pound scheme looks to improve access to better housing, healthcare and employment opportunities for vulnerable young people leaving care. After his recent announcement regarding funding towards adoption support, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson

more support for domestic abuse victims

This week the Government confirmed that local authorities will have a duty to deliver life-saving support to survivors of domestic abuse, ending a postcode lottery for those ‘fleeing violent relationships’. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has

managing-serious-complex-sexual-abuse-allegations

Continuing our coverage of the speakers at the Bi-annual Family Law Conference by the Birmingham Law Society, today we look at the talk given by Richard Hadley a barrister at No5 Chambers. Mr Hadley, a

A Look Into The Public Law Working Group Recommendations In The Family Justice Systems

Continuing our coverage of the Bi-Annual Family Law Conference by the Birmingham Law Society, we look at the key issues raised by speaker Lord Justice (LJ) Mr Keehan. Mr Keehan LJ led an interdisciplinary Working

Bi-Annual Birmingham Law Society Family Law Conference

Friday 18th October saw 3PB Barristers hosting the Bi-Annual Family Law Conference from Birmingham Law Society, with talks from the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, Sir Michael Keehan and other experts in

October 10th saw World Mental Health Day and LawCare launching their ‘LawCare Champions’ scheme which aims to appoint legal professionals in the UK to act as mental health and well-being advocates within the legal community.

Extra Funding To Help Adoption

Ahead of National Adoption Week, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced extra funding to support adopted children and their families. The funding is aimed at helping adopted children overcome past trauma. Building on an investment

british-flag-rubber-duck-in-the-sea

Currently England and Wales looks to the Brussels IIa for the rules as to which EU member state can determine divorce and matrimonial matters, as well as other family matters such as resident and parental

Unhappy couple arguing

Monday 14th October marked the opening of Parliament and the first Queen’s speech of Boris Johnson’s premiership. Promising to impose tougher sentences and ensuring the continuation of the Domestic Abuse Bill, there was a focus

baby-sleeping-in-male-arms

“We allow individuals a legal route to acquire gender; we must not then fall short when they wish to use those rights” This was the disappointed response to a ruling from the High Court, whereby

Paid leave for victims of domestic abuse

The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic abuse is on leaving the abuser, often when an abuser learns of their victim’s decision to leave they can become more violent. Victims therefore have to

implementing technology in the legal sector

Aiming to help solicitors increase productivity rather than replace solicitors, LawTech looks to benefit solicitors in meeting their client needs more efficiently. There is no doubt that we are surrounded by technology and despite some

Stowe Family Law Nottingham

October marked the 1st anniversary for the Nottingham office of Stowe Family Law, a part of the UK’s largest specialist family law firm and the first office for the firm in the Midlands. Recently ranked

Campaign for faith marriage protection

Register My Marriage seeks to campaign to amend the Marriage Act 1949 and is committed to raising awareness to the lack of legal protection for unregistered faith marriages. Started in 2104 by Aina Khan OBE,

old-wedding-rings-shattering

Recent statistics have shown a 13% decline in the number of applications for divorce in the last year, continuing the trend of falling divorce applications since 2010. Despite shocking headlines stating 42% of marriages end

abused-little-girl

A report published by The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) is calling for reforms to improve reparations for victims and survivors of child sex abuse after their experiences were found to be “hostile,

beautiful-gorgeous-family-of-three-playing-in-the-park

Since 2006 the general rule regarding orders for costs in financial proceedings, is that there shall be no order; save in some circumstances mentioned in the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR), which include whether it

London skyline

Any person can be forgiven for being confused as to what is happening in UK politics at the moment. At a time when some felt it was of utmost importance for decisions to be made

website

Earlier this month saw the launch of YRes Manchester’s new website www.yresmanchester.co.uk. Founded in 2007 by a number of family law solicitors from across Greater Manchester, YRes Manchester helps new starters in the law profession

husband-asks-his-wife-for-forgiveness

With prorogation entering its second week, as yet, there has been no mention of the return of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separations Bill (known simply as the Divorce Bill), in contrast to its cousin the

Nicole_Jacobs-Domestic-Abuse-Commissioner

Wednesday 18th September, saw the announcement of the UK’s first Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Ms Nicole Jacobs. Following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill to Parliament in July, part of the Bill was to establish

Importance Of A Clean Break Order For Divorcing Clients

To some clients, the thought that their soon to be ex-spouse may have a claim over any future wealth may seem bizarre. Why should a person whom you have ended your relationship with have an

wedding-rings-with-roses-on-white-background

Since December 2005 same sex couples have been able to join together in a legally binding civil partnership, with marriage for same sex couples becoming legal with the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples)

old-wedding-rings-shattering

Since April 2018, litigants in person have been able to apply for a divorce online, meaning people are able to bypass solicitors when seeking a divorce. This is certainly a popular option for those who

businesswoman-consulting-her-partner

In 1999 the Youth and Criminal Justice Act enabled the protection and assistance to vulnerable witnesses attending criminal courts, including those with learning disabilities and children. The Act included investigative and pre-trial measures, court procedures

The BBC has today reported a large increase in homicides linked to domestic abuse, meaning rates are at their highest in 5 years. In 2018 173 people were killed in domestic violence-related homicides, an increase