The important role of intermediaries in court proceedings
In the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie discusses the role of intermediaries in the justice system with Lucy Osmond, Lead Practitioner at Communicourt. With over a decade of experience in facilitated communication, Osmond sheds light on the essential work Communicourt does in supporting HMCTS and ensuring that all court users can effectively […]
Fifteen years on – The impact of Radmacher on UK prenups and divorces
It is now some fifteen years since the UK Supreme Court gave its landmark decision in the case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42 on the use and effectiveness of prenuptial agreements. In doing so it moved the emphasis on to holding the parties to their bargain when setting out the principle that “the court should […]
Proposed changes to financial procedure
Family law has been very slow to change in the past, although a major shift took place in April 2022 when ‘no fault’ divorce (including dissolution of civil partnerships) was introduced. Not surprisingly, the focus then turned to the linked financial issues and once again, the Law Commission was called upon to investigate the current […]
Private judging becomes the norm for resolving financial aspects of divorce
Wealthy couples are increasingly by-passing the public, slow and chronically underfunded family court system to resolve the financial aspects of their divorce with the help of a private judge, especially in London, according to law firm Kingsley Napley. Although the introduction of No-Fault-Divorce in April 2022 has reduced acrimony around the dissolution of a marriage, […]
Jenny from (her agreed share of) the Block: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s mediation settlement
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reportedly settled their well-publicised divorce through mediation, with an agreement being reached in September 2024 after their official separation in August 2024. The pair married in July 2022, following an almost 20-year separation since they called off their first engagement in January 2004. Divorce papers reveal that neither party […]
Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse: Legal comment
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse [IICSA], chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, published its final report in October 2022 in which it recommended the introduction of legislation that places certain individuals – ‘mandated reporters’ – under a statutory duty to report child sexual abuse [CSA] (i.e. any act that would be an offence under […]
The State of Mediation
Norman Hartnell was among the first family mediators in England and Wales, qualifying in 1989. In 1999, he co-founded the Devon Family Mediation Agency, later Devon Family Solutions Ltd. Here, he shares how mediation has evolved. Training: Then and Now Mediation training used to be holistic, combining legal, relationship, and emotional skills. Solicitors, psychologists, and […]
Building a profile using social media
Launching the latest series of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Head of the Family Department at Chester-based Oliver & Co Solicitors Alex Reagan to discuss the firm’s proactive approach to marketing to help build the firm’s profile. Having launched a social media series called Family Fact Friday the firm […]
Your voice matters – help improve mental health in the legal sector
Be part of Life in the Law 2025 By Niamh Warnock and Trish McLellan The legal sector is known for its high-pressure environment, long hours, and demanding workloads, all of which can take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. In 2021, LawCare’s first Life in the Law survey provided groundbreaking insight into these issues. More than 1,700 legal […]
Are celebs making divorce sexy?
Divorce was once quite the taboo, especially in respect of the women’s position whereby you could be branded as being ‘left on the shelf’ post-divorce. Women were also financially vulnerable given how many couples historically fell into the social role of the man being the breadwinner and the wife the homemaker. Until White v White in […]
Blue Monday: Why more needs to be done to support families through the emotional distress of divorce
January is often referred to as “Divorce Month” by family law professionals, as it consistently sees a noticeable spike in divorce filings and inquiries. The Ministry of Justice’s Family Court Statistics has revealed that in the UK there was a 60% increase in new divorce applications being made in January compared to December last year. […]
The good, the bad and the awkward: What clients say about their first impressions of law firms
First impressions are critical, especially for law firms. Clients often approach with high-stakes concerns, looking for more than just expertise – they want empathy, professionalism and reassurance. The Law Firm Marketing Club’s What Clients Want 2024 research posed a key question: “How did you first contact the law firm, and what was your first impression?” Respondents […]
2025 predictions
New Year has arrived, a series of themes and challenges for practitioners, families and policymakers are predicted to be on the horizon. So, what are they? Cost and conduct in litigation Changes to Family Law in England have been aimed to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and discourage unreasonable litigation behaviour. The court now has […]
Balancing privacy and accountability: a new era for Family Justice
With effect from 27 January 2025 the Reporting Pilot, that has aimed to bring greater transparency to the family courts, will be extended to all courts in England and Wales. As I reflected on this, it was interesting to have stumbled upon some of my own articles on the topic of transparency over the years […]
The impact of non-disclosure and misconduct in financial remedy proceedings
As family law professionals we well know, divorce and separation are rarely entirely smooth sailing. Division of assets, child arrangements, and the breakdown of a relationship can cause heightened emotions, leading to tensions and disagreements. As a result, in some cases, one or both parties can behave poorly during proceedings, for example lying or intentionally […]
Shared care orders over the Christmas season
The Christmas period for some is a time of celebration, but for others it is a time they dread. Some parents have the same battle each year about when the children will spend time with them. Many families don’t require Court Orders, but sadly others do. When making an application to resolve Christmas arrangements, there is […]
‘Diversity: Not Just a buzzword, but a business imperative for UK law firms’
When choosing a law firm, one might assume clients typically prioritise expertise, reputation, and value for money. However, in an age where social responsibility and fairness are becoming increasingly important, there’s another factor that is fast gaining prominence: diversity and inclusion (D&I). This year, in the Law Firm Marketing Club’s ‘What Clients Want 2024’ survey, […]
The direction of family law
I recently spoke at a family law masterclass for law students at Kings College. When preparing the talk, I started off by quoting my idol, Lady Hale, “A lot has happened in Family Law since the 21st century has begun, and we are only a quarter of the way through. A good parlour game for […]
The future of financial remedies: What the Law Commission’s review may mean for an ‘out of date’ system
In April 2023, the Law Commission announced the start of its review of the law governing financial remedies on a divorce/dissolution of a civil partnership, and potential recommendations for reform. Its scoping report is set to be published in December 2024. The current system centres around the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (‘MCA 1973’) and is […]
Reform of the Law on Financial Claims on Separation and Divorce
The laws governing financial claims when a couple separate are complex and date back over 50 years. Many say they are ripe for reform. The last Conservative government agreed, as they asked the Law Commission to produce a scoping report (due next month) addressing areas for reform. So do the new Labour government; they have […]