The increase in humanist weddings
Joanna Newton, Partner at Stowe Family Law, says: It is interesting to see the new Labour government considering the Law Commission’s 2022 report, which set out recommendations for reform of wedding law. The report suggested that regulation of marriages should be based on the officiant, rather than the building it is conducted in, enabling non-religious […]
Still no law reform for cohabitating couples
The recent King’s speech outlined the major areas of law reform for this government but noticeably absent was any mention of reform for the law relating to cohabiting couples, despite the undeniable changing face of families in the UK today. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in May this year confirmed the […]
Letter to the Home Secretary demanding Southport attack be seen as part of the wider VAWG epidemic plaguing the country
Earlier this week, Women’s Aid, alongside 76 of its member organisations, have issued an urgent letter to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, demanding that the horrendous knife attack in Southport earlier this week be viewed not in isolation but instead as part of the wider epidemic of violence against women and girls […]
The Herculean task of rehabilitating pre-nuptial agreements
It’s time to change the narrative on prenups. Despite almost 50 per cent of people over the age of 16 being married or in a civil partnership, research from early 2024 suggests that only 20 per cent of those people have some form of pre-nuptial agreement in place. That’s a substantial number of couples and […]
Divorce at pension age – what are the implications?
Roger Mackenzie, family law expert and Partner at leading Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), said: “Divorce among retired couples brings unique financial challenges, particularly regarding pensions. Unlike younger couples, retirees’ pensions are typically in payment rather than in the accumulation phase, which requires careful valuation and consideration. “Getting financial advice becomes […]
Strict US abortion law comes into effect banning terminations after six weeks of pregnancy in Iowa
A strict US abortion law came into effect in the state of Iowa yesterday, enforcing a ban on most terminations after six weeks gestation – when cardiac activity is detected in a foetus. The midwestern state’s Republican officials have been striving for the law to come into effect for a number of years and took […]
London Victims Commissioner says justice system is ‘failing victims of stalking’
A statement from the London Victims Commissioner has found there is ‘confusion’ among Met police regarding stalking laws and findings also indicate that the criminal justice system is ‘failing’ victims of stalking. The London Victims’ Commissioner’s review was commissioned specifically to investigate the Metropolitan Police’s response to stalking in London. Claire Waxman’s report found 45 […]
Trainees should see increase in recommended minimum salary
Aspiring solicitors should be paid £24,320 outside of London and £27,418 in the capital for qualifying work experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or during their training contract, the Law Society of England and Wales said today. “The increase in recommended salary for aspiring solicitors is considered appropriate at this time,” said Law […]
Solicitor Sophie returns to Merrick
Solicitor Sophie Hughes has returned to Manchester-based family law firm Merrick where she started her legal career. Sophie rejoined after successfully completing her training contract with Glaisyers ETL. She gained a Distinction in her LLM Master of Laws at BPP Manchester. Sophie was initially a legal assistant and then paralegal with Merrick. She says it […]
Millions must have chance to access justice again, says The Law Society
More than five million people and families with children could qualify for free legal help and advice in cases such as unfair eviction or domestic abuse, if the new UK government implements changes recommended by the 2023 Means Test Review, the Law Society of England and Wales said. The Review committed to expanding financial eligibility […]
Gender Neutral Family Court: Is Now the Time?
Introduction In 2023, Reem Aslem, UN expert on violence against women, reported to the Human Rights Council that deeply entrenched gender bias permeates family court systems worldwide (https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2023/06/gender-bias-custody-battles-places-women-and-children-risk). Can the same be said about the system in England and Wales? The need for a review into the impact of gender bias within the Family Court […]
The new test for matrimonialised property set out in Standish
The Court of Appeal’s recent decision in the case of Standish v Standish can certainly be considered controversial. The decision effectively states that a gift to a spouse is not in fact a gift, thereby becoming a judgement of universal application in family law. Another way in which this decision will set precedent is through […]
What is a private domestic abuse advisor?
Caroline Glass is private domestic abuse advisor having worked extensively throughout her career with those impacted by domestci abuse. She had been part of the charity Refuge and was also an Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA) in Lambeth. She has since decided to become a private advisor and joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast […]
London firm specialising in sports law faces heavy fine after funnelling $4million through client’s account
A London firm that deals with professional sporting clientele has been fined £36K after reporting itself to the Solicitors Regulation Authority(SRA) after funnelling $4million through a client account which was paid out to a third party. Onside Law LLP reported themselves to the SRA in November 2022 for a possible breach of accounts rules in […]
Law Society says ‘risks to the public should be minimised’ after chancellor unveils plans for reducing overcrowding
The justice secretary is to set out plans to address prison overcrowding in the UK after concerns that jails may run out of space within weeks, including plans to release prisoners early as confirmed by the BBC. Shabana Mahmood has said emergency measures are needed to ‘pull the justice system back from the brink of […]
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged to take “a different approach to family breakdown” after £51bn hit to economy from family breakdown
The Justice Secretary has been urged to take ‘a different approach to family breakdown’ and to ‘help raise the profile of family mediation’ after reports have estimated that family breakdown costs the country £51bn each year. The new Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will be tackling the UK prison system, with reports of emergency measures to […]
‘Chancellor has a long to-do list’ say Magistrates Association
The Magistrates’ Association has responded to the appointment of a new government by urging it to make criminal and family justice a priority, and carry out a fundamental review of the criminal justice system and boost investment in all parts of it. The association have identified six areas ‘of improvement’ facing the current justice system, […]
Non court dispute resolution in family law – Applicability is now a moving target
The case of NA v LA [2024] EWFC 113 makes it abundantly clear that judges are increasingly mindful of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) at every stage of family law proceedings. Practitioners and clients alike should be aware that changing circumstances within a case can prompt fresh consideration of NCDR. Recent changes, effective from 29 April […]
The statistics indicate that millennials are marrying later in life
We’ve all heard the term ‘millennial’, but to quash any confusion about exactly who is a millennial, it is those born between 1981 and 1996 i.e. anyone aged between 28 and 43. I find myself pretty much exactly at the mid-range point, so feel quite adept to comment on ‘us millennials’. The statistics indicate that […]
‘Smoothies for Solicitors’ to celebrate the biggest London Legal Walk in 20 years
Thousands of walkers and runners in the legal profession took to London’s streets in support of a legal charity and enjoyed a fruity treat at the end in the June sunshine. A record number of solicitors and their legal colleagues stepped out in support of this year’s London Legal Walk, sponsored by The Solicitors’ Charity. […]