Could Lauryn Goodman face jail sentence for her harassment of Kyle Walker?
Kyle Walker recently underwent a very public legal dispute with influencer Lauryn Goodman and whilst those proceedings have now concluded, it has been reported that Goodman is continuing to cause Walker difficulties by regularly posting about him, his Wife Annie Kilner and their four young children on social media. Walker is now believed to be […]
Molly-Mae’d to Last? Exploring the legal balance of Love Island’s power couple upon separation
Love Island and Family Law enthusiasts alike, please gather around the fire pit. Last week, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury announced their separation. The reality power couple, both 25, met on the 2019 season of the hit UK reality TV show. In January 2023, Molly-Mae and Tommy became parents to their daughter, Bambi. Shortly after, […]
AML and sanctions data collection – What you need to know
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently requested law firms complete an anti-money laundering and sanctions data collection exercise. The SRA is required by Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) to take a risk-based approach to supervision and is requesting firms complete the requested information as full as possible. It will, they say […]
Are cohabitee rights fit for purpose?
Around one quarter of all couples in the UK now cohabit outside of marriage, with this being particularly common in younger age groups. Meanwhile, the proportion of those aged 16 or over fell, for the first time in 2022, below 50 per cent. What this shows us is that the structure of society is evolving, […]
Costs orders in private children proceedings
Many parents agree the arrangements for their children after they separate or divorce without the involvement of lawyers, or the family court. An increasing number cannot do so, and this has led to applications in private children proceedings rocketing in recent years. The family courts are generally overwhelmed, and steps have been taken to encourage […]
Ben and Jen – their family lawyers are likely to be busy
If the rumours are to be believed, Ben and Jen (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck for any avoidance of doubt) may be heading for a divorce. The celeb gossip fan in me has been following the story closely, but the family lawyer in me can’t help thinking of all the issues that could arise in […]
Family Courts are in crisis, we need to embrace technology
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice reported that more than 100,000 children are trapped in a backlog of cases at Family Courts across the country. Vital decisions about their future are being held up for months, as the Courts struggle to deal with the sheer number of cases. As the new Government gets its […]
Overwhelming majority of parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on their child’s wellbeing
Results from NSPCC’s new survey reveal that 86% of UK parents – more than eight out of 10 – whose children play, believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing. The YouGov survey of over 1,000 parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62% of respondents, whose children play, would […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
