Government to launch consultation on legal protections for cohabiting couples amid concerns over economic abuse
In response to growing concerns over the lack of legal protections for unmarried couples, the Government has confirmed it will launch a public consultation on cohabitation reform later this year. The announcement comes after Manuela Perteghella, Liberal Democrat MP for Stratford-on-Avon, posed two written questions to the Secretary of State for Justice. Perteghella pressed the […]
Three years on: Reflections on the No Fault Divorce regime
As Sunday 6th April 2025 marked the third anniversary of the implementation of the No Fault divorce regime in England and Wales, family lawyers are reflecting on its impact – both positive and unintended. The landmark change, introduced in 2022, was designed to remove the element of blame from divorce proceedings, simplifying the process and […]
More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued
More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss. Support groups have long campaigned for these certificates and have welcomed this news. The government is also committed to ensuring bereaved parents are better supported, and that the impact and importance […]
UK’s first baby born after womb transplant
A baby girl described as a “miracle” has become the first child in the UK to be born to a mother with a donated womb. Grace Davidson, 36, was born without a functioning uterus due to a rare condition, but in 2023 she underwent a successful womb transplant – the only one of its kind […]
Divorcing couples increasingly opt for one lawyer
More separating couples are turning to a one-lawyer approach to navigate towards an efficient and amicable outcome following the ending of their relationship, according to the family law team at HCR Law. The team has reported an 88% increase in the number of divorcing/separating clients opting for its one-lawyer service in 2024 compared to 2023, […]
Women in England and Wales expected to have fewer children later in life, ONS reports
Women in England and Wales are projected to have smaller families and have children later in life than previous generations, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Girls turning 18 in 2025 are expected to have an average of one child per woman by age 35, compared to their mothers’ generation, […]
UK Government unveils measures to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation
The UK Government has announced a comprehensive update on its strategy to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation, with a major package of reforms aimed at delivering justice for victims and bringing perpetrators to justice. Delivering a statement in the House of Commons, Minister Phillips highlighted the scale of the crisis, revealing that an estimated […]
More than 100 women have come forward with allegations against Fayed
More than 100 women have now come forward with allegations against the late Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire and former Harrods owner, accusing him of sexual abuse and assault spanning decades – as far back as the 1970s, as reported by The Telegraph. Former employees describe a familiar pattern: young women plucked from the shop […]
Victims attend parole hearings to see offenders held to account
For the first time, victims from across England and Wales will be able to apply to observe private Parole Board hearings held to decide if a prisoner is safe to be released. It will let victims see first-hand how offenders are held accountable for their crimes, their subsequent behaviour in prison and their work to […]
Government blocks sentencing rules for ethnic minority offenders
New sentencing guidelines for ethnic minority offenders have been scrapped after a standoff between senior judges and the government. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood opposed the rules, arguing they would create a “two-tier” justice system. The guidelines, developed over months, instructed judges to seek extra information before sentencing offenders from minority groups. The Sentencing Council, which […]
Daughter of ‘Ask for Angela’ namesake calls for stronger action on women’s safety
The daughter of Angela Crompton, whose name inspired the Ask for Angela safety scheme, is calling for stricter government action to ensure its proper implementation. Angela was killed by her husband in 2012, and the initiative allows people in bars and clubs to discreetly seek help if they feel unsafe. Hollie Crompton, Angela’s daughter, says […]
1,280 children subject to DoL applications in 2024 – MoJ
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has published information about the number of children subject to applications to deprive them of their liberty under the inherent jurisdiction of the high court (DoL applications) in the Family Court Statistics Quarterly release. It shows that 1,280 children were subject to applications to deprive them of their liberty in […]
£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
More children and young people will be supported to achieve and thrive in their local school, as the government announces that 10,000 new school places will be funded for children with SEND, delivering on Plan for Change. £740 million is being invested by the government to deliver adaptations, expand specialist units in mainstream as well […]
LSB emphasises ongoing oversight and engagement to drive regulatory improvements
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the performance of legal regulators. Speaking at a recent meeting, LSB Chief Executive Craig Westwood outlined the Board’s approach leading up to the next regulatory performance assessment. Westwood emphasised that, beyond formal assessments, the LSB is actively working with regulators to drive improvements. This […]
MoJ releases update on Pathfinder programme for private law reform
The Ministry of Justice has released an update on the implementation of the Government’s Pathfinder programme for private law reform, including stakeholder support, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on scaling successful initiatives. Recent figures revealed that the Pathfinder scheme is resolving cases faster, with family court backlogs reduced by half in pilot […]
Divorce applications drop 2% in late 2024, with sole applicants dominating
Between October to December 2024 there were 24,171 applications made (74% from sole applicants, 26% from joint applicants). This was a decrease of 2% from the same quarter in 2023, according to the Family Court Statistics. There were 23,413 final orders granted in October to December 2024 up 2% compared to the same quarter in […]
Progress on court reform programme but challenges remain
As the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Reform Programme, established to help modernise the courts and tribunal system, comes to an end, the Law Society of England and Wales has played an influential role to bring positive change. Over the nine-year span of the programme, 14 modern digital services were developed to enable access […]
Domestic homicide report exposes urgent need for stronger action on domestic abuse
The latest findings from the Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides 2020-2024 Year 4 Report reveal the devastating toll of domestic abuse, with experts warning that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life. The report highlights that at least one woman is killed every week by a male partner or ex-partner, with […]
Children deprived of their liberty require better access to legal aid – The Law Society
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the reduction in family court backlogs and delays, but further investment in civil legal aid is needed to support children at risk of being deprived of their liberty. Civil legal aid is an essential public service that protects and strengthens our community, reducing the strain on other […]
Major legal regulators fall short in latest performance assessment
The two largest legal regulators in England and Wales have fallen short of expected standards, according to the latest annual performance assessment published by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) together regulate more than 90% of legal professionals in England and Wales. Both failed to demonstrate […]