Resolution’s “Good Divorce Week” embraces a child-focused approach to separation
Resolution will be holding Good Divorce Week next week (29 November – 3 December), where they’ll be aiming to kickstart a national conversation about how parents can embrace a child-focused approach to separation. The week-long programme will focus on a number of tools and initiatives that can help family practitioners and their clients navigate the challenging experience […]
4 common ways criminals launder money
Money laundering costs the British economy around £37 billion each year. And with the legal sector under increasing scrutiny (and SRA site visits happening right now) it’s something firms should be placing front and centre of their risk planning. A review by the SRA into law firm AML compliance identified the failure to introduce “proper […]
Consultation could pave the way for APP fraud refunds
A consultation from the Payment Systems Regulator could see legislation introduced forcing banks to refund those affected by authorised push payment (APP) fraud. APP fraud is typically perpetrated by criminals impersonating trusted individuals and organisations in order to trick people into authorising a payment to an account controlled by a criminal. The criminals will send […]
SRA proposes to end post six-year run-off cover
The SRA has announced proposals to end the provision of post six-year run-off cover (PSYROC), because the protection is thought to be disproportionately expensive. If effective, this means that the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF), which provides the additional cover for closed firms, would end, and any remaining funds would be handed to the Law Society. The […]
SRA consults on changes to fining powers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a consultation on its approach to financial penalties for law firms and solicitors with the aim of resolving cases more quickly and reducing the need to refer to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) The consultation will review how the SRA can create more consistency across its regulated entities […]
New predatory marriage case shows pressing need for law reform
Predatory marriages have been the focus of much debate in the press recently, including stories previously reported in Today’s Family Lawyer, as well as calls from campaigners to reform the law, putting an end to abuse of the vulnerable and elderly. Many experts are now calling for the law to be changed so that marriage […]
Clio Launches New Functionality in Response to Growing UK Legal Aid Crisis
Clio, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, has joined the call for the protection of legal aid in England and Wales as part of its continued investment and commitment to increasing access to justice in the UK and globally. The call comes as the company launches its new legal aid feature designed to […]
Too many witness statements “in breach of proper professional standards”
Sir Andrew McFarlane has released memorandums this week warning family law practitioners over the preparation of witness statements and drafting orders. The president of the Family Division said too many witness statements have been prepared ‘in breach of proper professional standards.’ He went on to describe how too many statements were quoting from documents, seeking to […]
Time management for startup law firm owners
When it comes to running your own law firm and serving clients, it can feel like the work is never done. For the sake of your wellbeing, though, and that of every member of your team, finding the right time management solutions to ensure a healthy work-life balance is essential. That’s why, for the tenth […]
Judge criticises couple over “aggressive” divorce costing £2.3 million
In the judgment of Crowther v Crowther & Ors handed down last week, Mr Justice Peel criticised both parties and their lawyers for a lack of co-operation resulting in “enormous” legal costs. Mr Justice Peel stated that there had been an “almost complete breakdown of constructive communication” between the divorcing husband and wife during proceedings. […]
Couples that meet online are six times more likely to divorce
A study by the Marriage Foundation has revealed that couples who meet on dating apps are six times more likely to get divorced within the first three years of marriage. The survey of 2,027 married adults aged 30 and over, also found that meeting a partner online now accounts for a third of marriages in […]
New court battle over Lady Hiroko Barclay’s £100 million divorce payout
A new legal battle between Sir Frederick Barclay and Lady Hiroko Barclay is underway at the High Court over a £100 million divorce payout. Lady Hiroko Barclay is now seeking enforcement of a ruling made in May this year against her 86-year-old former husband, following the award of her £100 million settlement by Mr Justice […]
Domestic abuse victims denied legal aid
A charity which deals with domestic abuse victims has suggested that “thousands of people each year” are unable to access support to remove themselves from their situations. Domestic Violence Assist (DV Assist) has reported that the volume of referrals it receives has increased 50%, now around 3,000 referrals p/m, up from 2,000 in 2020. DV […]
Britain’s biggest divorce case underway
A 10-day High Court hearing is currently underway to decide the final payout of the biggest divorce case in British legal history. Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein is demanding a share of her husband, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s £10 billion fortune. The Jordanian Princess fled with their two children to the […]
Financial penalties where mediation is not “default” choice
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has re-iterated the government’s desire to make mediation a “default” option when it comes to family proceedings by suggesting that parents would face financial penalties for bringing unnecessary claims to court. The thinking is being driven by the view that too many parents are bringing claims to an already overstretched courts […]
Is your workplace set up to support the 1 in 6 needing fertility treatment to build their family?
Following National Fertility Week last week, Fertility Matters at Work is sharing its workplace education and policy programme to raise awareness of fertility issues and their impact in the workplace, supporting organisations in becoming “fertility friendly” – an important topic that relates to mental health, workplace wellness and women’s reproductive health. Fertility Matters at Work […]
Law Society comments on SRA 21/22 business plan
The Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce has backed the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) 2021-2022 business plan and budget, and reiterated the joint key priorities for the Law Society which include anti-money laundering (AML), diversity, inclusion, technology and innovation, “We are pleased to see the SRA is prioritising its work and resources on its core regulatory […]
1 in 5 don’t understand British law
A survey of over 2000 adults aged 16+ had revealed that nearly 19% of people don’t understand British law and do not feel empowered to seek justice. Less than half (41%) of respondents said that if they needed help, support or wanted to make a complaint, they’d be comfortable approaching a law firm. 59% said […]
Brexit and what’s changed for expatriates in applying to the Family Courts
The impact of a divorce can go far beyond just the divorcing spouses themselves and their children. Today, particularly as wealth has generally become bigger (we are all aware of the story of the rise of The Super Rich – and indeed Forbes recently reported that in 2020 billionaires on average got 20% wealthier by […]
Judicial review ‘reform’ plans would have ‘chilling’ effect on justice
Judicial review is an essential part of our justice system which keeps government accountable, the Law Society of England and Wales said after giving evidence to the Judicial Review and Courts Bill committee in parliament. “Our primary concern is that changes are being proposed which make life easier for government at the expense of accountability […]