The fallout from the controversial judgment in F v H
How the family justice system is failing victims of abuse and children who are at real risk of harm as a result of a flawed approach to cases involving allegations of abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour On Tuesday, four appeals in private children proceedings involving allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and serious sexual […]
Latest message from the President of the Family Division
The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane’s latest message for The Family Court and COVID-19. Sir Andrew McFarlane, invites all family professionals to access the updated document: The Family Court and COVID-19 – the Road Ahead 2021.
A Quick Guide to Pre-Nuptial Agreements in England/Wales and Scotland
Following the Villiers decision, reinvigorating forum shopping (Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30), and with the implications of Brexit now a reality, family law practitioners must ensure that they are aware of the significant differences in family law between England/Wales and Scotland. This article identifies some of the differences between the two jurisdictions when considering […]
Lord Chief Justice’s message on latest COVID-19 restrictions
A message from the Lord Chief Justice on the latest COVID-19 restrictions. “We have now entered lockdown for the third time. The courts and tribunals must continue to function. The position remains that attendance in person where necessary is permitted under the proposed new regulations. This would include jurors, witnesses, and other professionals, who count […]
Reform of the Mental Health Act must be properly funded
Proposed changes to the mental health system must be properly funded to be effective, the Law Society of England and Wales warned following publication of the Mental Health Act White Paper. Law Society president David Greene said: “It is clear the current system means that all too often compulsory detention and treatment is, or feels […]
Solicitors back changes to Law Society governance
Solicitors in England and Wales have voted overwhelmingly to introduce term limits and constituency reforms for the governing council of their membership body, the Law Society of England and Wales. At last year’s annual general meeting, held in October, it was decided to conduct all-member ballots covering two issues: maximum term limits of 12 years […]
Resolution supports Family Mediation Week
Resolution is backing Family Mediation Week which runs from 18th to 22nd January 2021. Family Mediation Week raises awareness of mediation and how it can help separating families manage their issues collaboratively and productively. This campaign is organised by The Family Mediation Council (FMC) and there are plenty of activities to get involved with during […]
New research raises concerns about virtual child protection conferences
New Research has been published revealing serious concerns and differing opinions about virtual child protection conferences. The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, who improves the lives of children and families by putting data and evidence at the heart of the family justice system, has published a report on the impact of virtual child protection conferences as […]
Does the Family Court favour mothers?
Does the Family Court favour mothers when determining with which parent dependent children lives? Of course, the starting answer has to be, “Of course not!” but as with all things there is so much more to consider. This is a subjective question if ever there was one, and also a very hard one as every […]
Amir Ali announced as new President of the Professional Paralegal Register
The former Chairman of the CCUA who has over three decades of experience in both Legal and Enforcement sectors, Amir Ali, has become the inaugural President of the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR), a not-for-profit organisation which provides regulation for Paralegals. The inaugural President calls for recognition of the only organisation offering independent regulation for Paralegals […]
Domestic abuse Commissioner to shape laws
Domestic abuse has been rife in societies, but add in the extra complexities of a worldwide pandemic and multiple lockdowns, those in need are unfortunately not being heard. It is known that more needs to be done to ensure those who are suffering, are able to come forward and speak out. The Domestic Abuse Bill […]
How can your firm manage risk and compliance in an increasingly digital world?
As 2021 gets underway many of us will be reflecting on how we can manage our businesses in the coming months in a landscape of continuing change and, now, lockdown 3.0. One of the biggest questions facing us now is what elements of the new ways of working we’ve had to adopt, and which parts […]
Proceedings against tenants
The rules of litigation against tenants has had a number of changes the last year which have made substantial changes to the ways in which residential and commercial landlords are able to remove a tenant from their property. Leonie Savory, litigator at Tiger Law explains where we are at now and what is the current […]
Senior Judge provides update on Central Family Court during Lockdown
A senior judge has provided an update regarding the operation of the Central Family Court during the latest lockdown. Her Honour Judge Lynn Roberts, Designated Family Judge for Central Family Court said in her letter: “Dear All, “I write to you about how CFC will operate during the current lockdown. “We aim to proceed with […]
A Quick Guide to Financial Proceedings in England/Wales and Scotland
Following the Villiers decision, reinvigorating forum shopping (Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30), and with the implications of Brexit now a reality, family law practitioners must ensure that they are aware of the significant differences in family law between England/Wales and Scotland. This article identifies some of the differences between the two jurisdictions when considering […]
Domestic violence victims are charged to prove injuries
Victims of domestic violence are given a bill by their doctor to confirm their injuries. GPs are charging more than £150 for a letter confirming victims’ injuries. Documentation is more often than not requested to access legal aid but the Government is now facing criticism for failing to outlaw the practice – and insisting on […]
Movers and Shakers – 8 Jan 2021
A new year, often means a new start, and here at Today’s Family Lawyer, we wanted to share with you the good news we’ve had within in the industry of professionals joining firms and those who have moved up the promotional ladder. This week we’ve seen the following announcements with regards to appointments and promotions: […]
Lockdown 3.0 – a quick guide to robust risk management as we near the peak of the pandemic
Firms have achieved so much in such a short space of time and now is the right time to ensure we are building businesses that are right for 2021 and beyond. Legal Eye has been collating data from working with many firms during this period and has come up with check lists and suggestions that […]
Clients need out of hours access, but don’t expect firms to respond
The latest industry roundtables from Today’s Wills & Probate and Today’s Conveyancer have focused on the way in which technology has helped law firms to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In many ways, the pandemic has forced a rethink of the way in which the customer interacts with businesses and those who […]
Updated guidance on family law disputes involving the EU
The guidance for legal professionals regarding family law disputes involving the EU has been updated. More information can be found here.