Latest family law stats see divorce applications decrease and a decline is domestic violence applications
New Family Court data has revealed that divorce applications are on the downturn whilst there has also been a decrease seen in both domestic violence remedy applications and orders made. Government data released yesterday, has shown that between January to March 2024 there were 27,908 applications made for divorce, down 11% on the equivalent quarter in […]
Law Society has serious concerns about proposed rise to the Compensation Fund levy
In response to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) consultation on the proposed rise to the Compensation Fund levy, the Law Society of England and Wales has expressed serious concerns about the impact this could have on the sector, especially small firms and sole practitioners. The proposed individual contribution to the Fund will rise from £30 […]
More than 25,000 children ‘trapped in a broken justice system’
The next UK government must act to protect tens of thousands of children trapped in a family courts crisis with detrimental effects on their wellbeing, warns the Law Society of England and Wales. According to the latest figures published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), there were 27,445 children involved in new family cases between […]
Despite positive development on Victims and Prisoners Bill 14-year-old son turned away from visit to father on prison steps
Despite legislation progress on the Victims and Prisoners Bill in Parliament last month, a 14-year-old boy was turned away from seeing his father on prison steps at HMP Manchester in what would have been their second reunion in 12 years. Thomas White, who stole a mobile phone in 2012 and given a minimum two-year sentence, […]
Rally outside Parliament to raise awareness of domestic abuse against women and girls ahead of election
A UK domestic violence charity have held a rally outside of parliament to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, with charity bosses calling incidents of gender based brutality ‘truly an epidemic’. Women’s Aid held s rally in Parliament Square along with sector colleagues Resect, Rights of Women and Advance to raise awareness of […]
Network to improve professional services for the deaf community launches
A network designed to improve the availability and quality of professional services to the deaf community has launched. Advisers for Deaf Network (ADN) describes itself as a marketing network for professional advisors, including law firms, accountants, and financial advisers committed to providing professional services to the Deaf community. ADN is the brainchild of private client […]
Nuptials bouncing back indicate institution of marriage isn’t dead -but cohabitation rises for opposite-sex couples as civil partnerships start to lead in wedding industry
Post pandemic marriage statistics show that nuptials are once again on the rise, despite an increase in cohabiting couples and those who decide to tie the knot are reported to be in the highest age bracket recorded. The Office for National Statistics(ONS) released figures today that analysed data on marriage and co-habitation from 2021-2022 which […]
Keir Starmer promises a tough stance on trafficking and rape cases in Labour manifesto
As the Labour Party unveiled their manifesto today in Manchester the party made promises to provide fast track rape cases through the courts and dedicated rape units in every police force. Keir Starmer claims the ‘Labour Party has changed’ and seeks to make Britain’s streets safer again after declaring plans to put 13,000 more neighbourhood […]
Royal College of Midwives to build maternity services that are ‘envy of the world’ in wake of birth inquiry
After the UK birth inquiry probe documenting sub-standard maternity care on the NHS, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has pledged to elevate services for expectant mothers. Bosses have claimed that after the election, the new UK government will have the opportunity to ‘shape healthier lives’ through postnatal and perinatal care in the nation’s hospitals. […]
Conservatives pledge ‘better protection for women and girls’
The Conservative Party have pledged better protection for women and girls as candidates roll out their manifestos this week. The party praised the UK’s ‘brave’ police force, and have promised safer streets for Britain with a focus on the safety of women and girls against sex attacks. They say that under the Tory government crime […]
Earl Spencer uses the same divorce lawyer as the King in his split from Princess Diana in 1996
Sources claim that Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia will be Earl Spencer’s divorce lawyer after he announced his split from the Countess of Spencer to The Mail on Sunday last week. Baroness Shackleton has overseen some of the most high-profile divorce cases in Britain, including the King’s divorce from Princess Diana in 1996. Other notable clients […]
MoJ raises QLR fees by 10% amid concerns over legal aid rates
The Ministry of Justice has implemented secondary legislation to increase the fees that Qualified Legal Representatives (QLR) can claim by 10%. They were initially set at the same level as legal aid rates, which the Law Society correctly warned were inadequate to attract sufficient advocates to the scheme. Law Society of England and Wales president […]
‘Relief’ as Victims and Prisoners Bill passed before the election
Campaigners have expressed ‘relief’ as parliament passed legislation allowing rights for prisoners serving ‘public protection’ or IPP sentences after a redaction of support from the Labour Party raised concerns around the Victims and Prisoners Bill. The legislation, which was passed on May 14, has ended what has been dubbed a ‘scandal’ by Richard Garside, Director […]
Conservatives propose Equality Act overhaul to ‘focus on biological sex protections’
The Conservative Party has pledged to amend the Equality Act to ensure protections based on sex apply exclusively to biological sex, aiming to clarify definitions and enhance safety for women and girls, as reported by The BBC. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the “current confusion around definitions of sex and gender” is unacceptable. The […]
Stowe Family Law launches divorce coaching service
Stowe Family Law (Stowe) has launched a divorce coaching service to further enhance its holistic approach to client care and service. Partnering with the Divorce Coaching Academy, the UK’s only externally accredited specialist divorce training programme, and its affiliated Diploma accredited coaches, divorce coaches will work alongside clients’ legal teams to add additional support to […]
Law Commission to release scoping paper on financial remedies in divorce by November 2024
The Law Commission has announced plans to publish a scoping paper in November 2024, analysing the current laws governing financial remedies in divorce cases. This analysis aims to identify any issues within the existing framework that may necessitate law reform. The Government has tasked the Law Commission with evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of the […]
Domestic Abuse Commissioner sets out priorities for a new Government
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner has today set out her priorities for a new Government, including recommendations across: Domestic abuse service provision and funding Policing and criminal justice Children and young people Family Courts Migrant survivors Domestic homicide and suicide The paper briefly sets out short-medium term recommendations that must be taken in order to address key […]
Managing Partner’s Marathon Raises £12,000 for Charity
The head of a leading law firm ran his way to raising a whopping £12,000 for charity – by almost doubling his initial target. Guy Longhurst, Managing Partner at Ellisons Solicitors, said goodbye to his comfy 5km jogs, and his reservations, by taking on the Leeds Marathon in May. He completed the hilly course in […]
More than 18,000 orders for eviction as legal aid remains elusive
The UK government must act now to expand access to legal aid, warns the Law Society of England and Wales has warned that ‘the UK government must act now to expand access to legal aid’ as repossessions and evictions increase. New figures published by the Ministry of Justice, show that mortgage possession claims increased 28% […]
MHAW: Law firms, psychologists and professors launch industry-first mental health collaboration
In the first of its kind, dozens of family law practitioners from over fifteen firms and chambers collaborated with psychologists, psychiatrists and academics to produce resource materials that will provide industry-wide guidance to all family law practitioners on how to identify and support those involved in relationship breakdown who are struggling with their mental health. […]