Belgium King Admits He Fathered A Child In 1960s Affair
A woman who has fought for seven years to prove that an abdicated Belgian king is her biological father, has finally had an “grudging admission” from the king’s lawyer. The seven–year legal battle, and decades of rumours, ended after a court-ordered DNA test revealed that Delphine Boёl was in fact correct and was the biological daughter of former Belgian King Albert II. “His Majesty King Albert II has […]
Marking International Women’s Day In The Family Sector
Yesterday marked International Women’s Day which celebrates and highlights women’s achievements throughout history and how far we have come in gender equality since the Sex Disqualification Act was passed in 1919. Even though gender equality has advanced since the Act there is still a clear gap between women in law and women in senior leadership […]
Continued Deterioration Of Court Standards
Despite the HMCTS modernisation programme, the standards of family courts are continuing to deteriorate according to a survey by Resolution. The survey, that took place in the first and final quarters of 2019 revealed that members were finding increased delays in processing and hearing of urgent cases. It was also reported that concerns over the accuracy and […]
Enhanced Re-Introduced Domestic Abuse Bill Receives First Reading
The radical Domestic Abuse Bill received its first reading at the House of Commons this week. The Government re-introduced a newer enhanced version of the ground-breaking Domestic Abuse Bill to Parliament on 3rd March which has even greater support and protection for victims and increased punishments for offenders. The landmark Bill has the most comprehensive […]
Resolution Looking For New Committee Members
Five committees within Resolution are looking for new members to join their teams and are welcoming applications from members of all backgrounds. Describing the work as demanding and complex, the roles also promise to be productive, enjoyable and rewarding, with access to expertise, new perspectives and professional networking opportunities. The five committees are: Collaborative Working Party that look to engage and support […]
CBE Appointed As Interim Chair Of Cafcass
The Secretary of State has announced the appointment of Sally Cheshire CBE as the Interim Chair of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass). Following Edward Timpson’s resignation in December 2019, Sally, who has been a member of Cafcass since May 2018, has been undertaking duties normally managed by the Chair. However, […]
“Unprecedented Demand” Putting Children’s Social Care Budgets Under Pressure
The Local Government Association has revealed an “unprecedented demand and funding shortages” are putting council children’s social care budgets under increasing pressure. The pressures from the increased demand and funding shortages meant councils have been forced to spend more on children’s social care budgets in order to keep children safe, leading to an overspend of […]
Resolution’s Response To Report On Medical Experts in the Family Courts
On the 17th February, Resolution, a community of family justice professionals, gave its response to a draft report from the President of the Family Division’s working group on experts in family law. The response included specific points on legal aid and highlighted the “helpful and collaborative” guidance for experts from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). It was […]
Home Title And ID Fraud
Gaining a foothold on the property ladder has been no mean feat throughout the past decade. Eligibility regulations and lending criteria tightened considerably following the financial crisis in 2008, property prices increased by 40% whilst the average wage increases were modest at best. When homeowners sacrifice and fight to own a property to call their […]
Evolving Role Of Modern Paralegals Discussed
Once viewed as the assistant to a solicitor with a main aim of aiding them in the development of a case, the role of a paralegal is now unrecognisable. Gone are the days when a paralegal’s main function was to act as support or admin alone. Law firms are encouraged to fully utilise the expert […]
Housing Crisis Impacting On Family Life
A housing crisis is causing major stress and disruption in family life, according to an Affordable Housing Commission survey. The commission’s findings reveal that housing stress, due to a shortage of homes, is potentially stopping nearly 2 million people from having children and attributing to mental health problems. The national YouGov poll, which took place […]
The Princess Haya vs Sheikh Al Maktoum Court of Appeal Proceedings
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, is appealing against a decision made by the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, to publish two judgements relating to proceedings between himself and his ex-wife, Princess Haya of Jordan, about their two children. Those proceedings concern applications made by the Princess as […]
Resolution Informs HMCTS Of Online Divorce Application Issues
With the online divorce system now open to all legal professionals, some Resolution members have been experiencing “unacceptable problems” with the service. Juliet Harvey, vice Chair and incoming Chair for Resolution, has been in regular contact with HMCTS regarding the experiences and suggesting improvements. Current issues revolve around the functionality of logins, ability to access and manage cases, […]
Vulnerable Children To Benefit From Dedicated School Leaders
Following recommendations made by the Children In Need review, the Department for Education (DoE) and MP Vicky Ford, have published new plans which is set to see every school across the country benefit from a dedicated school leader to help vulnerable children attend and achieve at school. A consultation will look to introduce changes to […]
New Feature: Lawyers Helping Lawyers
Here at Today’s Family Lawyer we are always looking for ways in which to help legal professionals; from providing industry news, case details and the progress of legislation. We also offer a platform for professionals to publish articles on subjects they are particularly interested in or feel are of industry importance. We are now introducing […]
The Importance Of Price And Service Transparency For Family Lawyers
On 6 December, 2018 the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published new price and service transparency rules, applicable to all regulated family law firms and sole practitioners. There is a lot of debate about whether or not family lawyers (and other types of lawyer) should make their fees public, but here’s why it’s important. As a […]
Managing Client’s Expectations
Many solicitors talk to me about managing their client’s expectations and sometimes how difficult this can be. As a Family Consultant I understand that expectations can only be managed when everyone involved in the process has clear, effective communication and are aware of the rules, boundaries and consequences that accrue if those parameters are not […]
Pilot Scheme Launched For Affordable Advice
An online pilot scheme has been launched that will help separating couples by providing affordable advice at crucial points in the separating process. Blending an online guide from Law for Life’s Advicenow website as well as offline advice from a panel of Resolution family lawyers, the ‘Affordable Advice’ will deliver affordable fixed fee, price transparency […]
Legal Action Concerning Storage Of Dead Persons Gametes
A “highly unusual claim” is current being heard over the access to a fertility clinic’s private records concerning the storage of a dead person’s “sperm and/or embryos”. Lawyers have applied to court representing the estate of a dead individual, who’s gender cannot be revealed, for permission to see the records held by a UK fertility […]
Social Media Plays Part In Divorce
Social media has seen the downfall of a property tycoon, who informed his ex-wife – who was in the process of obtaining a divorce – that she should sell her engagement ring to maintain her way of life. Preston Haskell IV (53) and ex-wife Alesia Vladimirovna (39), enjoyed the finer things in life during their […]