The end of forum shopping and delayed service in divorce?
It has now been almost a year since the change in divorce legislation to introduce “no-fault divorce” in April 2022. Much of the focus over the last year has been the zeitgeist of change away from fault based divorce applications and towards a modernised language (saying goodbye to using anachronistic terms like Decree Absolute, Decree […]
Diary of a legal aid lawyer: Getting the most from your talented legal aid team
When I first started at The Family Law Company, I asked a member of our support staff where she worked – she said she was “just in the basement”. But to me there was no “just” about it. All good things are built on solid foundations; the most important people are often behind the scenes. […]
International Women’s Day: Female lawyers ‘positive about future’
Over eight out of 10 female lawyers claim that they feel positive about their future in the legal profession, new research coinciding with International Women’s Day has found. Realm Recruit surveyed a cross-section of 65 lawyers from its extensive network on topics relating to gender equality within the law. It found that 88% of lawyers […]
Division of assets in divorce proceedings influenced by husband’s litigation misconduct
The issue of jurisdiction is unavoidable in complex financial provision in divorce cases where the parties involved have international assets, and will always be considered carefully by the family court. This is made yet more complicated when one of the parties fails to engage with the proceedings. In the recent case of XO v YO [2022] […]
Coercive control on the big screen
The new Anna Kendrick film – Alice, Darling – has been praised for its portrayal of coercive control on the big screen. Sharon Horgan’s smash hit TV drama “Bad Sisters” has also recently included a coercive control storyline front and centre, helping to shine the spotlight on this issue which was only recognised legally since […]
Setting up a paralegal practice
Before setting out to deliver paralegal services direct to businesses and consumers, there are several issues to consider. These include qualifications and experience, demand for the services you would offer, and how you would grow your business. Qualifications Clients want to be sure that the person handling their (frequently delicate) legal issues is competent to […]
Family law ethics – 30 years in practice
The latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast focuses on the tricky topic of ethics in family law. Joining host David Opie to discuss the ins and outs of the subject is Helen Young , head of the family team at Debenhams Ottaway. With 30 years experience as a family practitioner, Helen brings a wealth of experience […]
Diary of a legal aid lawyer: Making the most of initial client interviews
As lawyers, we understand that someone coming to an appointment for the first time is likely to feel uncertain about the experience. After all, lawyers aren’t always portrayed in the best light in TV programmes! Clients are often at their lowest point, with no confidence or faith that anyone wants to help them. Whether it […]
Work life matters: Emotions at work
Hello everyone, I’m new around here. My name’s Rich and I’ve been working with professional services firms on employee engagement and wellbeing for about 25 years. I know, I don’t look old enough, right…? Err. Moving on… I’ll be writing a new monthly column to explore different aspects of working in the legal sector. This […]
Paralegals – where would we be without them?
In this latest episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast host David Opie is joined by National Association of Licensed Paralegal’s (NALP) former CEO and now Patron Amanda Hamilton Starting out running paralegal training programmes in the 90’s, at a time when the term “paralegal” was starting to be used more regularly in the UK […]
In the Yellow Chair: The impact of separation upon cohabiting couples
In the Yellow Chair with Mr Divorce Coach | Today’s Family Lawyer sits down with one of the UK’s first male divorce coaches who shares his thoughts on the impact of separation on cohabiting couples. Couples are decreasingly getting married and instead choosing to cohabit. Why do you think this is? There are a vast […]
Diary of a legal aid lawyer: Avoiding costing jeopardy
The LAA costs assessment guidance rules often seem overwhelming and full of potential pitfalls. But there are ways to help avoid issues when costing your file at the end of a case. Some may seem basic, but it’s surprising how often they’re overlooked. For example, it’s important to check your funding certificate and ensure the […]
To rely or not to rely on a common-intention constructive trust?
To rely or not to rely on a common-intention constructive trust: an instance of the application of s. 53(1)(c) of the Law of Property Act 1925 | By John Clargo, Barrister, Gatehouse Chambers On 14th December 2022, the Court of Appeal overturned March’s High Court decision that detrimental reliance is not a necessary element of […]
F v M [2023]: Section 91(14) orders
F v M [2023] EWFC 5: Section 91(14) Orders to prevent litigation abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour in private children proceedings | By Victoria Rylatt, Senior Associate Solicitor, Anthony Gold This is the latest judgment by Mr Justice Hayden in a long-running private children matter. I discussed the previous fact finding judgment in my […]
Accidental Americans: Why IRS tax issues matter in family law
America is one of only two tax jurisdictions in the world who tax based on citizenship as well as residency, and this is a trap that catches millions of people unaware. The expansive definition for US citizenship creates a whole new category of “Accidental Americans”; those people with only nebulous connections to America but who […]
Diary of a legal aid lawyer: Why we need to be trauma-informed
As family lawyers, we support clients through the worst that life can bring. Whether that’s the end of a relationship or abusive behaviour, it’s usually what brings them to us in the first place. We need to understand trauma and how it affects how someone functions, and the first step is to become a trauma […]
Choose well: Choose mediation?
Family Mediation Week | Sonia Rola, Buckles Solicitors LLP, looks at the benefits of mediation I am a family law solicitor and an accredited family law mediator and have worked within the legal profession for over 20 years, with extensive experience in family law and am a member of Resolution. The week commencing 16th January […]
In the Yellow Chair: Replacing the “expensive box of tissues”
In the Yellow Chair with Mr Divorce Coach | Today’s Family Lawyer sits down with one of the UK’s first male divorce coaches who shares his unique perspective on divorce and family law. To begin, tell us who Mr Divorce Coach is I am Tom Nash, commonly known as Mr Divorce Coach, or simply “the […]
The impact of the festive season on relationships
It’s a sad fact that the festive period can often bring relationship breakdowns to a head and with a new year having started, where a fresh start is actively sought and encouraged, many couples consider divorce or separation as a solution. In this article, we look at the impact of the festive season on many […]
Natalie Sutherland: Understanding fertility and surrogacy law
Recorded in November 2022 this Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast features Head of Modern Families Department at Burgess Mee Natalie Sutherland discussing her work as a fertility and surrogacy law specialist and the launch of the Fertility Workplace Pledge; a commitment by business to better engage with the fertility challenges employees often face. The discussion covers […]