Growth in the family sector – how are you managing it?
The GLP Index has predicted a growth of +3% for family lawyers in 2024. How are family lawyers going to deal with such growth? Or perhaps the question should be how are the family Courts going to deal with this growth? Our clients need to know from the outset that whatever their need for advice, […]
Beyond Price: What Makes Clients Choose a Solicitor in 2024?
Over 1200 people responded to Stephen Rimmer LLP Solicitors annual survey which was carried out in December 2023 and January 2024. The survey asked participants what plans they had for 2024, their biggest challenges and what’s most important to them when choosing a solicitor. Challenges for 2024 For our respondents, 2024 presents a mixed bag […]
“Lead Linings Playbook” – A relationship and divorce involving Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook focuses on the relationship between a man who has bipolar disorder and a woman who has an undefined personality disorder. The male protagonist tells his therapist his new approach to life is to search for the “silver linings” in every experience and indeed his relationship with the woman blossoms […]
Reflections on International Considerations
It is often a surprise to our international clients how stark the differences can be in family law and procedure worldwide. In almost every case involving parties either born, or living in Europe or further afield, there has been a conversation in which clients express shock at different elements of the English system. This is […]
The signs of domestic abuse
Shocking statistics recently released by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that an estimated 1.4 million women in the UK experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. This is despite the numerous attempts of media campaigns to address the issue, including “Ask for Angela”, an initiative which provides support for victims on […]
Mediation – ‘It is a time of significant change in family law’
Now the dust is settling after the government’s announcement that it won’t bring in changes to force separating couples to mediate, consideration is being given on what that means going forward. To effectively end with the headline announcing status quo, after a year-long consultation on compulsory mediation, could send a message that it’s still going […]
Will transparency in the courts push more clients into ADR?
It’s clear the legal landscape of family courts is changing as we move deeper into 2024. At the beginning of January, the BBC reported that the pilot scheme to allow journalists and legal bloggers to report on cases from three family courts in England and Wales was to be extended to 16 more. This means […]
A decade of divorce proceedings: the war rages on
The Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Potanina v Potanin, handed down on 31 January 2024, centred on the right of a respondent to an application under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings 1984, which concerns financial relief after an overseas divorce. This couple have been warring in courts around the world […]
Potanina v Potanin and the lessons for the profession
Recorded shortly after the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Potanin v Potanina [2024] UKSC 3, partner at Hunters Law LLP Richard Kershaw join Today’s Family Lawyer podcast host to discuss the implications of the decision in the family law sphere. Richard outlines the facts of case; both parties are Russian citizens who were […]
Considering abuse in divorce settlements
In respect of financial remedies cases, Section 25(2)(g) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 specifies that a parties’ conduct, that is not inequitable to disregard, is one of the relevant considerations for the courts when exercising their distributive powers. The modern approach to conduct was set out by Mostyn J in OG v AG[1], which […]
Potanina v Potanin: what does it mean for Part III applications?
Supreme Court Judgment on Potanina v Potanin: what does it mean for Part III applications? The Supreme Court has recently issued its long-awaited judgment in the case of Potanina v Potanin ([2024] UKSC 3), which deals with the issue of the correct procedure regarding an application under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings […]
How family lawyers should respond to the ongoing rise of cohabitating couples in 2024
Data from the ONS highlights the proportion of people who live in a cohabiting couple has increased from 20.6% in 2011 to 24.3% in 2021 (the most recent census). This is an increase across all age groups aged under 85 years and is the fastest growing type of family unit of the last ten years. […]
As marriage popularity declines, family lawyers await Government decisions on cohabitation reform
The Office for National Statistics recently revealed data on the changing status of relationships in England and Wales, with marriage rates of people aged 16+ dropping below 50% (to 49.4%) since comparable records began. Same-sex marriages have increased, however, with an estimated 167,000 people in a same-sex marriage in 2022, compared to 26,000 in 2015. […]
How A Retreat Can Empower Your Clients Going Through Separation and Divorce
How A Retreat Can Empower Your Clients Going Through Separation and Divorce As a lawyer, you witness the emotional toll divorce can take on your clients. It is a time of significant change, uncertainty, and often intense emotions. Navigating through separation and divorce is a challenging journey, and it’s crucial for your clients to find […]
Creating a sustainable route out of domestic abuse
Creating a sustainable route out of domestic abuse While rising homelessness and the lack of housing continues to dominate the headlines, it is worth re-examining the effect this situation has on the incidences of domestic abuse and how failure to tackle either issue effectively keeps those suffering trapped in a perpetual cycle of fear. Official […]
Diary of a Legal Aid Lawyer – CCFS family case plans
Diary of a Legal Aid Lawyer | CCFS family case plans – what do I need to know? If you’re starting out in legal aid and are faced with preparing a CCFS case plan, my initial advice is, don’t panic! With a little practice, these case plans will be relatively easy to prepare. To start […]
Is my spouse entitled to share my bonus if we divorce?
In the complex landscape of divorce proceedings, the question of whether a spouse is entitled to a share of bonuses and equity awards adds a layer of intricacy. Understanding the nuances of the benefits is crucial in divorce cases, as they may constitute a significant portion of a spouse’s income. In this article, Partner Liz […]
Family Separation: Exploring Grandparent Right
Grandparents Who Are Not Seeing Their Grandchildren There is frequently a special bond between Grandparents and their Grandchildren. When families separate, this can lead to an end of, or severe restriction to, the time grandparents spend with their grandchildren. The chance of this escalates when parents find it difficult to agree on what time the […]
Mediation Week
Mediation Week is an annual national awareness week, aiming to raise the profile of mediation as a form of dispute resolution for divorcing couples. This year, the week runs from 22nd – 26th January. Mediation is way of finding a solution to issues that arise between divorcing couples. For instance, when a couple is struggling […]
The Ombudsman’s Corner: January 2024
Our approach to offers made at first tier When a consumer first brings a complaint to us, one of the first thing we do is to establish whether the service provider has made an offer to resolve it during their own complaints procedure. If this is the case, and we think the service provider’s offer […]