Cafcass report uplift in overall new cases referred to service
In June 2025 Cafcass reported they received 4,780 new children’s cases, at a rate of 228 children’s cases per working day; an uplift compared to 12 months previously when there were 200 children’s cases received per working day. Over the past 12 months the service has achieved a reduction in overall cases with a fall […]
Changes to first-tier complaints requirements risks ‘over-regulation’ – The Law Society
Proposed changes to first-tier complaints handling, which could include requirements to publish complaints information to clients in a ‘clear, accessible and prominent place’ on firms’ websites, have been criticised by The Law Society. Responding to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s ‘Changing our requirements on first-tier complaints’ consultation which runs until 1st August, Law Society president Richard […]
‘Ill judged remark’ lands family judge with formal advice for misconduct
A judge has been issued with formal advice for misconduct after a comment made during proceedings could have displayed bias or prejudice. Her Honour Judge Kharin Cox (HHJ Cox) was admonished by The Lady Chief Justice after a comment made in court amount to a ‘questioning of the complainant’s immigration status’ after a party to […]
New Family Presiding Judges Appointed
The Lady Chief Justice, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, has announced the appointment of two Family Presiding Judges. Ms Justice Harris has been appointed as the Family Presiding Judge for the Midland Circuit for a period of four years, with effect from 1 October 2025, where she will succeed Mrs Justice Lieven. Mr […]
Law Society recommends 2.45% salary increase for trainee lawyers
The Law Society of England and Wales has recommended a 2.45% salary increase for aspiring solicitors, in line with the Consumer Price Index 12-month rolling inflation rate. The increase, which is not a regulatory requirement but ‘a matter of voluntary good practice’, means trainee solicitors outside of London should be paid £24,916 and £28,090 in […]
Divorce case remind professionals of court’s ability to take holistic approach to justice
![TF v SF [2025] EWHC 1659 (Fam)](https://todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TF-v-SF-2025-EWHC-1659-Fam.jpg)
The divorce of a couple who had accrued £30m in assets over the course of their 25 year marriage reminds professionals of the court’s view of post-separation conduct in any decision on division of assets. In the case of TF v SF [2025] EWHC 1659 (Fam) a husband (TF, known as H throughout the judgement) and […]
Divorce tourism under scrutiny; Potanin heard in Court of Appeal this week
The Court of Appeal has heard the substantive appeal of Natalia Potanina, former wife of Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin, in her claim for financial relief following a foreign divorce. Potanina v Potanin ([2024] UKSC 3) is a long running divorce case involving a Russian couple whose divorce has been working its way through the legal […]
‘High risk’ legal services NRA classification not proportionate, Law Society claims
The newly published UK National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing has been greeted with disappointment by the Law Society of England and Wales, with president Richard Atkinson pointing out the lack of prosecutions in the so-called ‘high risk’ legal sector. The 2025 NRA, produced by HM Treasury and the Home Office, […]
£14.5m High Court trust dispute arose over biological status of son
A court battle between between two siblings who found out in adulthood one was the product of an affair are to share a £14.5m trust fund after a High Court judge ruled the intention of their father’s will was to include his ‘children’ regardless of their biological relationship to him. Stuart Marcus had built a […]
Wife ordered to pay half of former spouse’s gender reassignment surgery
An ex-wife has been ordered to pay half of the cost of her ex-husband’s gender reassignment surgery after a judge found there was a “genuine and deep-felt medical/psychological need” for the ex-husband to transition. Brighton Family Court heard how the former spouses, who cannot be named for legal reasons, both worked in financial services, married […]
£500m social outcomes partnerships funding to give children ‘best start in life’
The government have announced a 10 year fund aimed at boosting pupil achievement, supporting children with mental health issues, and reducing reoffending rates amongst young people in what is described as a ‘groundbreaking’ initiative bringing government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists together to give children a brighter future. The Better Futures Fund […]
Judiciary has ‘work to do’ to achieve diversity
The government has released the latest official statistics related to the diversity of the judiciary, prompting the president of the Law Society of England and Wales to call for ‘significant progress to level the playing field’. The data, which covers legal professions, new appointments and current post-holders for the last 12 months, shows an overall […]
Annual AML data collection starts this week
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s annual AML and sanction data collection has started this week, with firms required to provide information about AML and financial sanctions activity and how it’s managed. All regulated firms must provide the SRA with information on work carried out within the scope of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of […]
Number of fathers over 60 sees notable increase
Official statistics show the number of fathers aged over 60 is on the increase, as the numbers of children born to younger parents falls. Office for National Statistics (ONS) numbers show a 14% increase in the number of fathers over the age of 60 compared to 2023; from 942 live births in 2023 to 1,076 […]
Resolution announces awards shortlists
Family justice representative body Resolution has announced the finalists for it 2025 awards, hosted in London on Thursday 18th September 2025. Church House will host the annual awards event which is a ‘celebration of the values that unite Resolution members’; innovation, impact and a shared commitment to the Code of Practice. Finalists have been selected […]
Talbots acquires Tinsdills as M&A activity ramps up
Stourbridge headquartered Talbots has announced the acquisition of Tinsdills Solicitors, in what it describes as a ‘strategic expansion’ into North Staffordshire and Cheshire . Talbots’ offices stretch across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Shropshire and Worcestershire and with the acquisition of Tinsdills, their footprint now encompasses Leek, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sandbach and Stoke-on-Trent and total of 19 […]
On the move – partner and associate appointment round up
Collaborative lawyer and mediatory Louise Masters has joined Ward Hadaway as a Partner in its Family and Matrimonial team in the Newcastle office to drive the growth of its One Lawyer, Resolution Together service alongside Partner Gemma Iceton. With almost two decades of experience and known for her leadership in alternative dispute resolution, her role […]
‘Pivotal’ Standish v Standish decision due this week
The Supreme Court will announce its ruling on the ‘pivotal Standish v Standish case on Wednesday 2nd July. The ongoing saga, which has worked its way through the courts system, will reach a conclusion with a decision which is likely to shape the future understanding of pre-marital assets, and transfers between spouses are treated n […]
Rix and Kay the latest Knights acquisition for undisclosed sum
South-east based Rix and Kay are the latest firm to have been acquired by Knight PLC, the third in as many months after the acquisitions of Birkett Long in May and IBB Law in March. It brings the total number of acquisitions by the firm to 25 over the past seven years. The acquisition, for […]
Changes to sentencing guidelines prevent PSRs reference personal characteristics
New sentencing guidelines preventing pre-sentence reports (PSRs) which reference personal characteristics, such as race or ethnicity have come into effect. Under the new legislation, sentencing guidelines which risked differential treatment for different races and religions, in terms of access to pre-sentence reports, will be blocked to ensure fair access to justice for all. While the […]