Latest News

We publish a range of news and updates from the family law sector including reports, cases, legislation and industry events. If you have a story you think would be of interest to our readers, please email all press releases and content submissions to press@todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk

the law society

Law Society shares ‘widespread and serious concerns’ over SRA funding increase proposals

19 June 2026

A frustrated looking woman on the phone

Firms rate themselves higher on service than customers, survey reveals

19 June 2026

Jennifer Coupland

CILEX CEO: ‘I was in the job for 16 days before Mazur…’

18 June 2026

From left to right: Eileen Munro, Neal Barcoe, Jacky Tiotto and Sir Stephen Cobb

Cafcass celebrates 25 years as ‘cornerstone of family justice system’

18 June 2026

A senior employee supervises a younger employee at a desk containing two laptops and files

SRA updates supervision guidance following Mazur ruling

18 June 2026

A group of young children looking at phones

Social media to be banned for under-16s under secondary legislation

18 June 2026

A stressed woman rubbing her eyes in an office

Half of women lawyers say workload is unsustainable for long-term health

18 June 2026

A man looks annoyed while holding a wallet, with a woman looking scared next to him

Home Office launches campaign to tackle financial abuse amid shock figures

18 June 2026

Kelly Reid

Pay disparity among senior family lawyers revealed by Realm survey

17 June 2026

Alia Lewis

New family law service aims to tackle misunderstandings around neurodiversity

16 June 2026

Fraud is ‘national security threat’, as romance scams reach record levels

15 June 2026

Michael Boland

Future leader, ‘best place to work’ and ESR goals: All the latest firm news

15 June 2026

AI Chatbot intelligent digital customer service application concept

Regulation and standards not designed with AI in mind are leaving consumers exposed – LSB

12 June 2026

Amanda Hamilton

Amanda Hamilton to step back from NALP

12 June 2026

Police and CPS rely too much on ‘visible injuries’ in non-fatal strangulation cases, research reveals

12 June 2026

An LGBTQ pin on the lapel of a black suit

Law Society launches LGBTQ+ workplace survey

12 June 2026

A cohabiting mixed-race family with two children

Government shares details of cohabitation consultation, with three key areas of reform

11 June 2026

Irate customer makes a complaint

‘Polluter pays’ model could see firms pay £1500 to settle complaints escalated to LeO

11 June 2026

Charlotte Proudman

Gender bias and victim-blaming found in majority of family court judgments, report reveals

11 June 2026

Baroness Deech. Image © House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris, reproduced under an Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence

Surrogacy and reproductive law ‘shouldn’t be lumped together’ – Baroness Deech

11 June 2026

A person using a smartphone and laptop with a digital AI interface overlay.

DSIT launches AI Growth Lab to target legal services innovation

11 June 2026

The sign outside the Central Family Court

New jurisdictional guidance for remote participation in the family courts

11 June 2026

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Family court ‘indebted’ to journalists for helping trace children following US child abduction case

10 June 2026

A close-up of a small child holding an adult's hand

Government to roll out family finding schemes across England

10 June 2026

A close up of a solicitor and parent taking notes while a child plays

Nuffield publishes strategy to revamp ‘disempowering’ family court system

9 June 2026

Jelena Lentzos

LSB appoints new director of strategy, policy and engagement

9 June 2026

A woman in a black suit and white shirt typing on a keyboard, overlaid with graphics of symbols including emails and social media icons

Cohabitation reform: Family lawyers react

8 June 2026

Hannah Livesey

Firm news: New family partners for Knights, Burgess Mee and Watkins Solicitors

8 June 2026

A cohabitation agreement with two house keys on top, next to a small toy house and a book

Government ‘will strengthen rights for unmarried couples’ as cohabitation consultation launches

5 June 2026

A man and a woman high five each other while on exercise bikes

Tour de Law charity race opens for registration

5 June 2026

Breaking news image

BREAKING NEWS: Government ‘will strengthen rights for unmarried couples’ as cohabitation consultation launches

4 June 2026

UK Supreme Court

‘Regressive’ Supreme Court ruling overturns Cheshire West consent precedent with immediate effect

4 June 2026

An interior sign at the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Compliance roles to be separated from senior leadership, as SRA clamps down on client money protection

4 June 2026

A bullied employee at work being pointed at by an angry boss

Legal whistleblowers gain greater protection as SRA gets PIDA designation

4 June 2026

smiling woman working at her laptop

ALSP consultant headcount grows 25% in 12 months, topping 5,000

4 June 2026

A group of judges in traditional clothes.

Judicial College embeds domestic abuse training into ‘continuous’ curriculum for judges

4 June 2026

A close up of an application form for legal aid for family proceedings

Legal Aid Agency calls for more family legal aid capacity

4 June 2026

Jeff Lewis

Jeff Lewis elected as new Law Society deputy vice president

3 June 2026

Social housing flats

New law ‘will see domestic abusers more easily evicted and victims able to keep tenancy’

3 June 2026

The Rolls Building Business and Property Courts exterior sign

New Business and Property Division set to replace Chancery Division

3 June 2026

Sir Andrew McFarlane

Sir Andrew McFarlane appointed patron of Family Rights Group

2 June 2026

Orwins

Private equity backed law group rebrands following latest acquisition, with ambitions for national footprint

1 June 2026

A stressed looking smart woman in a black suit rubbing her eyes

Threefold increase in solicitors seeking help, Solicitors Charity report finds

29 May 2026

The sign outside the Central Family Court

Journalists win Campaign of the Year award for securing family court transparency

29 May 2026

Anna Bradley

‘Mistakes have been made’ – SRA chair steps down with apology to profession

28 May 2026

The sign outside the Central Family Court

Cafcass welcomes Child Focused Courts as central pillar to three year strategic plan

28 May 2026

Arlene Small

Legal profession can’t afford to wait for cohabitation reform, barrister warns

28 May 2026

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Court of Appeal overturns care order that had ‘no workable plan’ for child’s future

28 May 2026

Kim Lehal

Families already affected by child abduction not protected by new law, family lawyer says

28 May 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society calls for clear plan to roll out ombudsman’s new complaints model

28 May 2026

Yvette Cooper

Home secretary launches international coalition to end violence against women and girls

26 May 2026

Lucy Loizou

Family firms share latest successes

22 May 2026

blurred conference room

Conference to share insight for vital SME law firm market

22 May 2026

Outlines of people in black on stacked dice, with the top outline in red

All change at the top for Taylor Rose and NLS

22 May 2026

A woman cowers at a desk, shielding her face with paper

EXCLUSIVE: KC calls for better safeguarding after litigant ‘ruins lawyers’ lives’

21 May 2026

CILEx Regulation

Over 1,000 chartered legal executives secure standalone litigation practice rights in the wake of Mazur

21 May 2026

An angry looking young couple with a professional behind a desk

Misconduct reports up 58% in two years, says SRA

21 May 2026

Legal Ombudsman

Legal Ombudsman decision results in £13,000 compensation bill for divorce lawyer

21 May 2026

Couple arguing in a meeting room with a mediator

Family mediation voucher scheme extended as FOI request shows uptake doubled since launch

21 May 2026

Barrister's wig

BSB produces guidance on the use of AI for barristers

21 May 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

Man who ‘terrorised’ lawyers via TikTok issued with injunction

20 May 2026

ChatGPT app on mobile phone

Survey reveals widespread use of unauthorised and open source AI, breaching client confidentiality

19 May 2026

A solicitor greets a young couple in the office

Private client work the most profitable for SME law firms

19 May 2026

A red ink stamp with the word fine

Family lawyer ordered to pay over £30,000 for sharing litigant’s address

19 May 2026

A man using a laptop, overlaid with a graphic of simple people figures, one with a green tick above it

New legal careers platform matches job seekers with verified and regulated family law firms

18 May 2026

Ifedayo Adedapo Kolawole Adeyeye and Laurys

Judge releases name and picture of child abducted by father mistakenly released from prison

15 May 2026

A young white woman holding a black toddler

£12.4m to modernise foster care and change the ‘traditional, married relationships’ narrative

15 May 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society calls for public consultation on use of AI in courts

15 May 2026

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Court of Appeal sets aside adoption after ‘serious irregularities’ found during evaluation

14 May 2026

Melissa Lesson

Court of Appeal ruling ‘delivers judicial clarity in international matrimonial proceedings’

14 May 2026

Alexandra Davies-Jones ©House of Commons

VAWG efforts take a hit with high profile ministerial resignations

14 May 2026

Old Broad Street sign, London

SRA seeks 29% funding increase ‘to move from reactive to proactive regulation’

14 May 2026

The exterior of Bristol Justice Centre

Child born to foreign surrogate can be beneficiary of family trust, court rules

14 May 2026

An aerial view of Harare in Zimbabwe

Court orders the return of abducted children to Zimbabwe in complex Hague Convention case

14 May 2026

Mother and child in social services setting

Cafcass demand is up 7% over 12 months

13 May 2026

Ursula Rice

Family law firm claims UK first with 24-hour live legal Q&A

13 May 2026

Wooden block saying Revision

Mr Justice Peel delivers Standard Orders update

13 May 2026

A US passport on top of a pile of cash, with a yellow image of Donald Trump

US parents with $2,500 child support debt to have passports revoked

12 May 2026

The words mental health is health written on wooden blocks

‘Mental Health Act must work for all’ – Law Society

12 May 2026

A white jigsaw with a missing piece, with the word 'regulation' underneath it

SRA shelves CILEX transfer after four year delay

12 May 2026

The exterior of the Ministry of Justice

New Justice of the Supreme Court and seven Civil Justice Council members announced

8 May 2026

Let’s talk about difficult conversations at work

Lawyers urged to take practical action to support mental health and wellbeing ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week

8 May 2026

LSB calls for ‘urgent and immediate’ action from SRA, as it orders external audit of regulator’s compliance

7 May 2026

A close up of an application form for legal aid for family proceedings

Law Society criticises LAA for lack of compensation after cyber attack

7 May 2026

A man holding a newborn baby

Surrogacy law could be debated in Parliament after petition by dads hits 110,000 signatures

7 May 2026

A computer screen and a phone screen showing the FCA home page

FCA to probe claims management companies over ‘poor practices’

7 May 2026

A young couple sit together on a couch in discussion with a professional woman holding a clipboard

New legal arbitration group aims to improve access to family dispute resolution

7 May 2026

Sir Geoffrey Vos

‘Embrace AI to stay relevant to TikTok generation’ Sir Geoffrey Vos tells lawyers

7 May 2026

Adrian Jaggard

AIIC posts record revenues and profits

6 May 2026

A 'law courts' sign on the exterior of a building

Judicial Appointments Commission seeks candidates for Recorder roles

6 May 2026

A young couple relax on the floor of a lounge surrounded by empty packing boxes

Survey finds strong demand for cohabiting rights, as requests for legal agreements rise 50%

5 May 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

Freelance journalist wins reporting restrictions challenge in family proceedings

1 May 2026

An exterior sign at the Ministry of Justice

Victims and Courts Bill becomes law

1 May 2026

Kohitoor Alam, Paul Nuttall, Jaspreet Rai and Emma Hamilton

Promotions, partners, collaborations and expansions at family law firms

1 May 2026

A woman in the foreground taking a wedding ring from her finger, with a man in the background looking annoyed

Surveys reveal impact of ‘financially complex’ divorce trends

30 April 2026

Jason Minns outside court

High Court to rule on property dispute between mother and son

30 April 2026

Sarah Rapson

SRA must ‘regain the trust’ of the profession and get back to the basics of regulation says new CEO

30 April 2026

An aerial view of Ipswich

Ipswich firm is subject of latest SRA intervention – but no reasons provided

30 April 2026

An exterior sign at the Ministry of Justice

MoJ data reveals steep rise in private law applications

30 April 2026

A professional couple talking over coffee

Free LawCare webinar will share tips on handling difficult conversations

30 April 2026

Cardiff reflected in the water

Independent survey launched to understand ambitions and challenges of Welsh legal market

29 April 2026

Civil Justice Council Costs Consultation

‘Outdated’ costs to be reviewed as Civil Justice Council launches consultation

28 April 2026

Cohabitee homelessness

Research highlights risk of homelessness as a result of cohabitee relationship breakdown

28 April 2026

A stack of wooden bricks with simple illustrations of workplace concepts

Shortcomings in continuing competence prompt CPD consultation from SRA

27 April 2026

Satpal Kaur-Thompson and Claire Jacques

The Solicitors’ Charity partner calls for more action on wellbeing

27 April 2026

House of Parliament

Assisted dying bill stalls in House of Lords but supporters hopeful of imminent return

27 April 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

Potanina v Potanin to go ahead in UK court, with final hearing ordered for November

24 April 2026

SRA client money consultation

Taylor Rose fined £160,000 by SRA

24 April 2026

Sir Stephen Cobb

King appoints new president of the Family Division

24 April 2026

The sign on the front of the Supreme Court

Supreme Court rules adoption orders are final and permanent

23 April 2026

The sign outside the Central Family Court

Unregulated sperm donor loses declaration of parentage application

23 April 2026

Cohabitation reform

Government ‘running out of time’ to reform cohabitation

23 April 2026

An aerial view of Sheffield

SRA is investigating £39.5m ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ at PM Law

23 April 2026

Road signs in Nanyuki in Kenya

Landmark legal case identifies British fathers of children in rural Kenyan Army base

23 April 2026

LSB to ‘focus on sharper and more targeted interventions’ in response to changing regulatory environment

23 April 2026

A mobile phone showing apps of several major news publications

News has ‘blind spot’ to VAWG coverage, with just 1.3% of global stories on the issue

21 April 2026

Environmental social and governance

LSSA launches ESG policy to ‘support responsible innovation and trusted AI in legal technology’

21 April 2026

FCA consults on the interpretation of cryptoasset activities ahead of summer policy statements

20 April 2026

Government to crack down on harmful pornography in fight against VAWG

17 April 2026

A man holding a newborn baby

New paternity leave reform ‘could reshape family law’

17 April 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society issues Mazur practice note

16 April 2026

A child writing a letter

Judges urged to write to children in updated family court toolkit

16 April 2026

Sir Andrew McFarlane

President of the Family Division Sir Andrew McFarlane retires from the judiciary

16 April 2026

Law Society sign on Chancery Lane

Legal sector growth at 15 year high

16 April 2026

Domestic abuse Scotland

‘Judiciary should take note of landmark Scottish decision which held abuser criminally responsible for partner’s suicide’

16 April 2026

Close-up of hands on a laptop with a bar chart overlaid lots of one star reviews

LeO receives 6.1% budget increase to tackle ‘staggering’ increase in complaints

16 April 2026

The sign outside the Central Family Court

Government study will explore how AI transcripts can improve family court experience

15 April 2026

The Government Legal Department sign on Petty Street

Monisha Shah appointed chair of the Legal Services Board

15 April 2026

The exterior of the Ministry of Justice

Victims and bereaved to get more time to challenge lenient sentences

10 April 2026

A close-up of a laptop screen displaying graphs, with people pointing to the screen

UK Family Law Report forecasts steady growth for sector, reaching £2.9bn by 2029

9 April 2026

A diverse group of young people sitting in chairs in a circle

Nuffield analysis of changing needs of young people sheds light on future of family justice system

9 April 2026

Japan’s new joint custody legislation will make ‘significant difference’ to nationals divorcing in UK

9 April 2026

Shikha Datta

Shikha Datta appointed head of family law at Andrew & Andrew Solicitors

9 April 2026

Graphics of speech bubbles with five star reviews over an image of hands holding a mobile phone in front of a laptop

Satisfied clients aren’t leaving reviews in growing ‘advocacy gap’, report finds

9 April 2026

Lawfront adds Reading-based Field Seymour Parkes to portfolio

9 April 2026

Richard Blakeway

LSB confirms Richard Blakeway as chair of Office for Legal Complaints

7 April 2026

A wide shot of the exterior of the royal courts of justice, view from below

Court of Appeal overturns Mazur in ‘most consequential judgment for legal services in recent history’

2 April 2026

Speech bubbles against a purple background

Mazur overturned: Legal sector reacts

2 April 2026

An unhappy looking teenage boy with a professional older woman

Deprivation of liberty applications up 12.5% in 2025

2 April 2026

Trethowans marketing award

Awards, acquisitions, launches and promotions in the latest round-up of family law news

2 April 2026

A black book with the word 'guidelines' on the spine

New allocation guidance relating to children in the Family Court

2 April 2026

LawtechUK funding

Legal tech sees 35% increase in external investment as government invests £4.5m in incubator

2 April 2026

Hannah Barlow (L), Sophie Hughes (R)

New partner at The International Family Law Group; Maguire Family Law expands Wilmslow team

1 April 2026

Breaking news image

Breaking news: CILEX reacts to Mazur appeal win

31 March 2026

A young boy hugging his baby sister

New legislation will keep siblings connected in care

31 March 2026

Shortage of refuge places as demand outstrips supply – Women’s Aid

31 March 2026

A slightly out of focus couple sit next to each other looking guarded

Family mediation voucher scheme ‘extended to March 2027’

30 March 2026

Gemma Kingsley

Romance fraudster jailed after conning multiple men in £180,000 fraud operation

30 March 2026

Family Court Statistics from April to June

Family courts demand up 3% year on year

27 March 2026

LSB ethics policy statement

LSB outlines plans to strengthen ethical standards but is warned over duplicating regulators’ efforts

27 March 2026

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Landmark case on parental responsibility: Lessons from the Court of Appeal in Re J, Re M, and Re P (Loss of Responsibility)

26 March 2026

Houses of Parliament

Lords Committee publishes call for evidence in Domestic Abuse Act inquiry

26 March 2026

A young woman looks distressed while looking at her phone

Government sets out expectations for tech providers in halving VAWG

26 March 2026

A draw full of files with one headed 'complaints'

LeO seeks input on draft complaints procedure

26 March 2026

A hand points to a holographic image of scales of justice with the outlines of two heads on either side, one with the letters AI within it

New Law Society guide informs solicitors of AI risks

26 March 2026

Mark Evans

Law Society president Mark Evans to lead LawCare’s London marathon team

26 March 2026

Maunsell House

High Court to decide whether home on aristocrat’s family estate forms part of ex-wife’s £1.2m trust

25 March 2026

Three hours a day spent on non-billable tasks, report finds

23 March 2026

law firm partners quit

One in five law firm partners may quit in next three years, survey finds

23 March 2026

Small wooden figures with one highlighted by a magnifying glass

Interest in law jobs ‘drops by a third’

20 March 2026

Court of Appeal rules on ‘extraordinary’ Copinger-Symes case

19 March 2026

family court

Pathfinder courts to be rolled out across England and Wales

19 March 2026

Richard Orpin

AI is blurring boundaries on legal advice, new LSB chief exec warns

19 March 2026

Family law. Figure of parents with children and gavel on wooden table, space for text

Nuffield FJO calls for outcomes-based measures in family justice

19 March 2026

Cohabitation reform

Cohabitation reform ‘a matter of utmost importance’ ahead of spring consultation

19 March 2026

Rayman Collins

Court judgments reinforce the importance of financial disclosure on divorce

19 March 2026

Sir Geoffrey Vos

‘Property Act removes uncertainty over digital assets’ – Sir Geoffrey Vos

17 March 2026

A teen sits on a sofa using a phone while adults argue in the background

Family Solutions Group report calls for children to be at heart of provision

16 March 2026

Hendon tube station and shops

£1.6m loan was fabricated, court finds in Part III financial remedy proceedings

13 March 2026

New partners enhance specialist areas at three family law firms

13 March 2026

A woman appears to be holding a holographic digital ID card

Government launches digital ID consultation

13 March 2026

Houses of Parliament

Family lawyers react as government confirms Courts and Tribunal Bill will repeal presumption of parental involvement

12 March 2026

A worried looking woman holds a credit card while speaking on the phone

Economic abuse ‘has role in more than half of domestic abuse deaths’

12 March 2026

Cryptocurrency and divorce

Family lawyers warn crypto assets are being concealed

12 March 2026

A tired looking woman uses a laptop as two children fight in the background

Briefing paper spotlights AI benefits and risks in family justice system

12 March 2026

two women in an office, with one woman holding a pen and notepad

Government launches independent legal advice service for rape victims

12 March 2026

A young girl sits cowering on the floor while a young boy stands over her shouting

New Youth Justice Board resource highlights ‘complex factors’ shaping harmful behaviour among children

12 March 2026

Refuge campaigners outside the houses of parliament

Refuge calls on parliament to plug funding gap that leaves women unsafe at home

11 March 2026

Tom Hayhoe

‘Impossible for LSB to meet objectives’, Legal Services Consumer Panel warns

11 March 2026

The outside of a small high street solicitor in Manchester

SMEs would bear the brunt of proposals to fund access to justice through client accounts – CILEX

10 March 2026

SRA pays out £9m to ‘most urgent’ PM Law transactions after receiving 250 applications to compensation fund

10 March 2026

Claire Waxman

Repeal of parental presumption ‘historic victory’, Victims Commissioner says

9 March 2026

CILEX calls for more opportunities to diversify access to the legal profession

9 March 2026

A scared looking woman cowers on the floor in a corner with the outline of a person looming over her

Domestic abuse crisis ‘hiding in plain sight’ – Refuge

6 March 2026

An exterior sign at the Department for Education

Government’s SEND consultation facing legal challenge

6 March 2026

The exterior of the Royal Courts of Justice

Mother fabricated abuse claims, court finds in Hague Convention application

6 March 2026

SRA formally censured for failures over SSB Group

5 March 2026

Kinship care

Government commits £126m to kinship care pilot across seven local authority areas

5 March 2026

A silhouette of a woman seen from behind as she looks out of a window

President of Family Division sets aside alienating behaviour findings and limits use of expert evidence

5 March 2026

A woman holds a pile of organised papers, separated with large paper clips

New guidance released on preparing court bundles for litigants in person in family proceedings

5 March 2026

A man with a pushchair and a small child seen in silhouette from a distance

Risk of future domestic abuse not sufficient to justify removal, court finds

5 March 2026

A close-up of an adult holding a child's hand in a hospital bed. The child has a cannula in their hand.

High Court weighs faith, medicine and a child’s best interests in life-sustaining treatment case

5 March 2026

Bromley town centre at night

Domestic adoption order refused due to safeguarding and trafficking concerns

4 March 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society backs LSB’s EDI plans but warns of burden on small firms

4 March 2026

A group of young children looking at phones

Government launches consultation on children’s digital wellbeing

3 March 2026

Adrian Jaggard

Legal group AIIC passes 1,000 consultants as platform business continues to grow

3 March 2026

Richard Blakeway

LSB announces preferred candidate for OLC chair

3 March 2026

MyHMCTS Portal

Child arrangements and domestic abuse applications must be filed online in five family courts

2 March 2026

Group photos of the Ward Hadaway teams

Ward Hadaway strengthens team with 44 new appointments

27 February 2026

A series of wooden tiles printed with simple people figures and connected by string

Birketts hosts first CILEX Connect and Grow events ahead of national roll-out

27 February 2026

A woman viewed from behind stands in front of a window covered by curtains

New legal definition of ‘honour’ abuse introduced, along with widened CPS guidance

26 February 2026

Richard Port

Family lawyer questions effectiveness of domestic abuse legislation

26 February 2026

Record investment in legal tech and artificial intelligence solutions

26 February 2026

Close-up of a solicitor shaking hands with a client over a desk

UK legal services sector grew by 6.1% last year, with family law worth £3.6bn

26 February 2026

SRA client money consultation

Separating compliance roles ‘complex and impractical’ Law Society says in client money consultation response

26 February 2026

A speech bubble with the word "FEEDBACK" surrounded by human figurines.

Family Executive Team launches consultation on short notice application guidance

25 February 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

CILEX opens submissions at Mazur appeal

25 February 2026

J-Law

Referral scheme aims to put clients in touch with non-UK legal professionals

25 February 2026

Valentines Day Divorce google searches

Valentine’s day sees huge spike in divorce searches

23 February 2026

fethiye turkiye

Court refuses application to return children to Türkiye after planned abduction

23 February 2026

A young woman looks distressed while looking at her phone

New 24-hour tech law ‘will protect women and girls from intimate image abuse’

20 February 2026

A woman signing papers at a bank in front of a glass screen

Financial services firms ‘not asking right questions about abuse’

20 February 2026

A wide shot of the exterior of the royal courts of justice, view from below

High Court rules section 83 requirements do not apply to step-parent adoption

20 February 2026

A microscopic image of IVF

Fertility patients win battle to save embryos after clinics failed to gain consent for storage

19 February 2026

PM Law

SRA confirms ‘potential fraud and missing client money’ at PM Law

19 February 2026

A happy couple with a young boy

Government to increase funding as part of expanded support for adopted children

19 February 2026

A smiling mother and young daughter have a conversation on a sofa, using a laptop

Government ‘has the right approach’ to online safety, family lawyers say

19 February 2026

A small boy seen from behind, holding the hand of a woman

Family court orders adoption without parental consent due to delays ‘causing real and significant emotional harm’

19 February 2026

the law society

Law Society seeks applications for Diversity Access Scheme

19 February 2026

Sarah Rapson

SRA ‘will profile law firms’ to identify warning signs of collapse

18 February 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

Without notice Part III applications must be rare and ‘exceptional’, Family Court reiterates

18 February 2026

A street in Waltham Forest

Local authority criticised for ‘substantial and dogged’ resistance to post-adoption sibling contact

17 February 2026

Law Society sign on Chancery Lane

LSB should strengthen oversight to safeguard consumers, Law Society says

17 February 2026

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Court of Appeal upholds finding that £38m trust was a sham

16 February 2026

A kind-looking woman wearing a phone headset

LawCare supported record numbers in 2025

16 February 2026

PM Law Update: ‘Urgent’ clients contacted and compensation fund claims being processed

13 February 2026

An angry looking young couple with a professional behind a desk

Legal Ombudsman complaints data shows record levels of demand

12 February 2026

An exterior sign at the Ministry of Justice

Government launches consultation on child-focused Victims’ Code reforms

12 February 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Client account proposals ‘an unfair tax on clients and cannot proceed’, Law Society says

12 February 2026

Sarah Sackman ©House of Commons

Government announces review of the Legal Services Board

12 February 2026

Ardal Loh Gronager

Banker loses £4m prenup case after ‘deplorable’ behaviour

12 February 2026

Liverpool crown court

Legal cashier barred for £200,000 theft

12 February 2026

Victoria Morrison-Hughes

New tech platform aims to help legal clients navigate cost and retainer terms

11 February 2026

Furley page staff holding a giant cheque for £30,000

Law firm celebrates 300th anniversary with £30,000 hospice donation

11 February 2026

A smiling woman works on a laptop outside a cafe

Legal sector not embracing remote roles, study finds

10 February 2026

A couple in warm clothes sit by a lake appearing to be deep in an argument

Family arbitration use doubles as court delays mount

6 February 2026

SRA takes action on PM Law closure

6 February 2026

Ministry of Justice ILCA

Client account consultation deadline extended

5 February 2026

An aerial view of Sheffield

Silence from Sheffield firm following widespread office closures

5 February 2026

Sheffield family court

Family court grants journalist’s application for psychologist’s reports to ‘advance open justice’

5 February 2026

An aerial view of Hounslow

High Court finds Hounslow Council unlawfully failed to treat a child as looked after

5 February 2026

A slightly out of focus couple sit next to each other looking guarded

Family mediators warn of ‘cliff edge’ for families as Mediation Voucher Scheme set to end

5 February 2026

three disks with simple drawings of a human brain, an AI brain, and the scales of justice

Use of AI is ‘affecting judgement of junior lawyers’

5 February 2026

Ken Fowlie

Stowe Family Law partners with Australian firm in first international deal

4 February 2026

Georgia Meyer

Regional firms expand family teams

4 February 2026

A group of women smiling and talking

Female lawyers form network to ‘overcome challenges and help next generation’

4 February 2026

Helen Lucking, Shakeela Bi

Napthens strengthens family team with Islamic divorce expert

3 February 2026

Claire Gordon

Claire Gordon appointed head of family at Farrer & Co

3 February 2026

Owen Reynolds James Christacos

New family partner joins Knights’ growing Reading team

2 February 2026

LawCare’s free webinar will share tips on dealing with anxiety

2 February 2026

A pile of papers on a desk in front of a man holding a pen

LSB interim report criticises regulators for ‘varied clarity and detail’ in Mazur advice

30 January 2026

Law Society sign on Chancery Lane

Law Society ‘disappointed’ at lack of solicitors among 96 new KCs

30 January 2026

A couple hug, with a therapist looking on

As part of Family Mediation Week, legal practitioners share their thoughts on its benefits

29 January 2026

Publicly funded mediation down 60% since 2013

29 January 2026

The exterior of Bradford and Keighley family court

Financial remedy transparency pilot extended

29 January 2026

Brian Hughes

Family mediator celebrates 90th birthday as practising solicitor

29 January 2026

A young couple examine a form being shown to them by a solicitor

Half of 18-44 year-olds ‘want prenups to protect digital assets’

29 January 2026

Nightingale Courts to become permanent fixtures – but family lawyer says ‘it’s a sticking plaster on a dire reality’

29 January 2026

Two podcast hosts and two guests can be seen on a computer screen

Fledgeling family law podcast looks beyond the job

28 January 2026

A man puts a closed sign across metal shutters closed with a padlock

Quarter of new law firms don’t make it past five years, research finds

28 January 2026

Close-up of the exterior sign of the Royal Courts of Justice

Court of Appeal reiterates need for ‘anxious scrutiny’ in interim separation cases

27 January 2026

A man and a woman sit on opposite sides of a desk in conversation, with a pile of papers and a laptop between them

LeO shares early resolution advice to cut ‘unnecessary escalation’

26 January 2026

The exterior of Kingston Crown Court

Restricting jury trials would save just 2% of crown court time, IfG says

23 January 2026

A group of judges in traditional clothes.

Judiciary sets out diversity and inclusion priorities in latest strategy

23 January 2026

A scared woman hugging a child in the background, with a man clenching his fist and seen from behind in the foreground

Inspectorates warn children are not being recognised as domestic abuse victims

22 January 2026

Today's Family Lawyer Podcast

Family Mediation Week 2026: 26th-30th January

22 January 2026

A woman signing papers at a bank in front of a glass screen

Most mortgage lending now covered by Financial Abuse Code

22 January 2026

The word misleading stamped in red capitals

Senior Manchester family lawyer struck off for misleading unrepresented opposing party

22 January 2026

young children looking at their mobile phones in a classroom

Government ‘will launch consultation on children’s social media use’

22 January 2026

A close-up of a Crown Court sign and crest

MoJ to give victims free access to Crown Court sentencing remarks

22 January 2026

Elizabeth Wyatt

Social purpose law firm launches divorce chatbot to improve early support

20 January 2026

Close-up of hands holding pieces of a jigsaw together

Bright Legal Solicitors and W&P Legal collaborate to offer probate and family services

20 January 2026

The exterior of the Royal Courts of Justice

Habitual residence and removal to non-Hague states

19 January 2026

Gamlins Law solicitors appointed as panel deputies

19 January 2026

High Court rules WhatsApp messages are not legal signatures in divorce case

16 January 2026

A mother sits at a dining table with a baby on her lap, holding a phone and with an open laptop in front of her

New charity launches national directory of separated parenting programmes

16 January 2026

Ward Hadaway's managing partner Steven Petrie

National firms report strong growth in latest financial results

16 January 2026

Bell Lamb and Joynson

Regional firms celebrate successes and milestones

16 January 2026

Hands on a laptop overlaid with a graphic of red warning signs

Firms continue to deal with fall-out from LAA cyber attack while others profit, family lawyer says

15 January 2026

The exterior of the Ministry of Justice

Online Procedure Rules positive first step for a digital justice system, Law Society says

15 January 2026

Lord Falconor

Assisted dying law ‘will fail through lack of time’, Lord warns

15 January 2026

Sir Geoffrey Vos

Sir Geoffrey Vos to retire as Master of the Rolls

15 January 2026

Richard Orpin

LSB appoints Richard Orpin as new CEO

15 January 2026

An older woman at a table with a pile of bills and calculator, holding open an empty purse

Research reveals £53k pension gap for divorced women

15 January 2026

Kate Moran

New family leads for Collyer Bristow and Maguire Family Law

14 January 2026

A black book with the word 'guidelines' on the spine

Non-molestation orders guidance comes into effect

13 January 2026

A phone with the grok app on the screen, with Elon Musk in the background

Grok AI is monetising abuse and government must act, Refuge warns

12 January 2026

Richard Port MBE and Katherine Tippetts

mfg Solicitors appoints Richard Port MBE to expand family team

12 January 2026

a close-up of microphones on a conference stage with a blurred audience in the background

Legal GiGZ launches ‘world first’ global directory of business of law conferences and events

12 January 2026

Cartoon illustration by Stacy Bias

Researchers call for UK banking industry to ‘design out’ economic abuse

9 January 2026

David Lammy

MoJ sets out plans to fund justice system with interest on client accounts

8 January 2026

Mark Evans

Law Society urges government to support families with more funding for civil legal aid

8 January 2026

A close up of a solicitor and parent taking notes while a child plays

Pathfinder analysis explores experiences of families and sets out further ‘valuable opportunities for learning’

8 January 2026

Tiles spelling out 'legal fees' next to a calculator and notepad and pen on a desk

HMCTS updates solicitor rates, with recommended fees now up to £579 an hour

8 January 2026

Close-up of the header of a birth certificate

High Court rules transgender father cannot be named on birth certificate

8 January 2026

Former INXS manager in £14 million divorce fight

8 January 2026

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society asks government to clarify rules regarding use of AI in legal sector

7 January 2026

Two women hug while a smiling therapist looks on

FMC hosts week of free webinars for Family Mediation Week 2026

7 January 2026

Jennifer Carr

Senior appointments expand family teams for Jackson Lees and Harrogate Family Law

7 January 2026

An exterior sign at the Ministry of Justice

Families facing custody battles will benefit from £20m government legal fund

7 January 2026

The exterior of a magistrates court

Govt launches recruitment drive for ‘ordinary people’ to become magistrates

6 January 2026

Robert Green, Partner; Lachlan Donaldson, Partner; James Kent, Partner; Joanna Worby, Managing Partner

Brachers completes acquisition of Gill Turner Tucker following Lawfront deal

6 January 2026

A woman in the foreground taking a wedding ring from her finger, with a man in the background looking annoyed

‘Divorce day is a myth’ – family lawyers weigh in on annual ‘event’

5 January 2026

A mixed race family with two young children and two dads laughing in the kitchen

Government pledges to reverse decline in foster carer numbers

5 January 2026

Thank you for reading and happy holidays!

23 December 2025

Family law court statistics

Slight increase in overall family cases masks ‘concerning’ rise in domestic violence protection orders

19 December 2025

Legal sector value jumps to over £50bn as LSB outlines plans for future regulation

19 December 2025

Jonathan Rees

Mazur response a key focus for CILEx Regulation, as it sets out 2026 corporate plan

19 December 2025

The letters AML on small wooden cubes placed on a clipboard next to a pen

Lawyers fear AML reforms could endanger legal privilege, poll finds

19 December 2025

Helen-Benussi-and-Paul-Mourton

Osbornes Law and Lodders welcome new family partners

19 December 2025

A woman sits in darkness, hunched over with her hand covering her face

Nowhere to hide for offenders in ‘largest crackdown on VAWG in British history’

18 December 2025

AML Single Professional Services Supervisor

Law Society ‘strongly opposes’ proposed switch to AML regulation under the FCA

18 December 2025

SRA Client money consultation

SRA targets COLPs and COFAs in latest client money crackdown

18 December 2025

System overload a report into family legal aid

Family legal aid fees half of what they were 30 years ago, leading to ‘system overload’

18 December 2025

A woman and a small child hold hands while walking through a park, seen from behind

Court of Appeal finds child placement order was not proportionate

18 December 2025

A young woman sits on the floor in a kitchen with her head in her hands and a child on her lap

Economic abuse figures ‘shocking but not surprising’, family lawyer says

18 December 2025

Violence against women and girls strategy

Government previews VAWG strategy with £19bn commitment over next three years

17 December 2025

The Law Society sign shot from below

Law Society rejects LeO budget increase

17 December 2025

New Bar Council chief appointed

17 December 2025

An exterior sign at the Department for Education

Govt unveils plans for national Child Protection Authority to protect children from predators and abuse

16 December 2025

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Psychotherapist loses bid for anonymity, as Appeal Court rules judicial criticism doesn’t trigger additional rights

16 December 2025

Hsiao Mei-Lin outside court

High Court test case will decide whether WhatsApp messages are legally binding

12 December 2025

Pepperills-senior-leadership-team

Firms share news of growth and acquisitions

12 December 2025

David Lammy ©House of Commons

Deputy PM meets legal sector leaders to develop ‘future-proofing’ plan

12 December 2025

Shabana Mahmood ©House of Commons

Home secretary confirms national inquiry into grooming gangs

11 December 2025

A group of smiling children

Over half a million children to be lifted out of poverty in ‘historic’ strategy

11 December 2025

A girl looking at a phone with an alarmed expression

Youth Endowment Fund survey on teen abuse ‘deeply alarming’ – Refuge

11 December 2025

The entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice

Family Division order allowing hospital trust to remove child’s treatment was procedurally unfair

11 December 2025

A close-up of the exterior signage at the Department for Education

Govt confirms community based SEND support through Best Start Family Hubs

11 December 2025

Amarjit Singh Ryatt

Taylor Rose and Switalskis boost family teams with senior lead appointments

11 December 2025

Mark Evans

UK law societies back landmark treaty to protect lawyers

10 December 2025

Property (Digital Assets etc) Act

Law Society welcomes clarity on digital assets

9 December 2025

Jonathan Rees

CILEx publishes EDI strategy and diversity report, with focus on improving access to services

9 December 2025

A paper headed 'divorce settlement' with a wedding ring and fountain pen placed on top

Property tycoon Michael Fuchs guilty of contempt after breaching order in divorce dispute

8 December 2025

Non-fungible token

Digital assets to be recognised as personal property following legislative update

8 December 2025

A close up of an application form for legal aid for family proceedings

LAA failure ‘a breaking point for the system’, KC and data expert say

5 December 2025

A close-up of a Crown Court sign and crest

Government’s ‘swift and fair’ courts plan erodes rights, Law Society says

4 December 2025

Sarah Sackman ©House of Commons

Government confirms extra £92 million for criminal legal aid ‘after years of neglect’

4 December 2025

Rape trial reform proposals

Reform of rape trials proposals will aim to stop victims ‘dropping out of the system’

4 December 2025

Pepperills senior leadership team

Court ‘no longer viable’ for many divorcing couples, firm says

4 December 2025

A woman cowers at a desk, shielding her face with paper

Law Society research lays bare shocking scale of threats and abuse against solicitors

4 December 2025

Stowe moves north to serve Scottish clients with strategic partnership

4 December 2025

Will MacFarlane and Sarah Dodds

Firms in Bristol and Skipton strengthen family teams with senior appointments

2 December 2025

Guests at the Old Bailey event

City of London sheriffs hold Old Bailey event to tackle care leaver criminalisation

1 December 2025

Guests at the Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol

Watkins Solicitors’ fourth annual domestic abuse conference promotes survivor-centred practice

1 December 2025

A speech bubble with the word "FEEDBACK" surrounded by human figurines.

LSB seeks feedback on encouraging diversity in legal sector

28 November 2025

Budget may have ‘profound and immediate’ impact on separating couples

27 November 2025

Liverpool criminal court

Domestic abuse-related offences accounted for more than 15% of all crimes recorded by police in the last year

27 November 2025

Westminster

Harmful rhetoric and mistrust of legal profession undermine the rule of law, House of Lords report finds

27 November 2025

David Lammy ©House of Commons

Plans to scrap jury trials for most crimes go too far, Law Society says

27 November 2025

The exterior of the Royal Courts of Justice

CILEX granted permission to appeal Mazur ruling

27 November 2025

Sarah Sackman ©House of Commons

Support LawTech and reassess reserved activities to boost legal sector, MoJ report finds

27 November 2025

CILEx Regulation

CILEx shares update on practice rights amid ‘distress and uncertainty’

25 November 2025

Rebuke for Whitehaven firm that failed to return residual balances for almost 10 years

24 November 2025

Law Society unveils artwork to honour 200 years of legal service

24 November 2025

Law Society sign on Chancery Lane

‘Act now to modernise wills’, Law Society tells government

21 November 2025

Marriages fall by 8.6 from 2022 to 2023

Number of marriages fall by 9% following decades long downward trend

20 November 2025

Pathfinder courts - are they effective

Pathfinder progress welcome but profession caveats with investment and outcome concerns

20 November 2025

The exterior of the Royal Courts of Justice

CILEX asks for permission to appeal Mazur ruling

20 November 2025

Features

A therapist listens sympathetically to her patient

Child welfare brings reflective practice to the top of the agenda in family law  

19 June 2026

Three years’ cohabitation – an unexpectedly low bar for far reaching financial claims?

18 June 2026

Noelle Heath Morris

Profile: Noelle Heath, partner and head of family law at Morrish Solicitors

17 June 2026

The sign on the front of the Supreme Court

Deprivation of liberty redefined by Supreme Court ruling

16 June 2026

Goal achievement and business success concept with step by step checklist leading to target

How can law firms select the right technology? Part 3: The role of vendors and the importance of an implementation plan

15 June 2026

SRA client money consultation

The SRA’s client money reforms are well-intentioned. But will they actually work?

12 June 2026

Francesca Cozens

Profile: Francesca Cozens, senior associate at Knights

10 June 2026

Costs Orders in Children Act proceedings – the continued exception or a developing trend?

8 June 2026

A man in a black suit holds up a piece of paper with large questions marks drawn on it

How can law firms select the right technology? Part 2: Who is making decisions, and are they the right people?

8 June 2026

A prenuptial contract with two gold wedding rings placed on top

What’s driving the rise in pre-nups in the UK?

5 June 2026

A therapist listens sympathetically to her patient

Child welfare brings reflective practice to the top of the agenda in family law  

19 June 2026

Three years’ cohabitation – an unexpectedly low bar for far reaching financial claims?

18 June 2026

Noelle Heath Morris

Profile: Noelle Heath, partner and head of family law at Morrish Solicitors

17 June 2026

The sign on the front of the Supreme Court

Deprivation of liberty redefined by Supreme Court ruling

16 June 2026

Goal achievement and business success concept with step by step checklist leading to target

How can law firms select the right technology? Part 3: The role of vendors and the importance of an implementation plan

15 June 2026

SRA client money consultation

The SRA’s client money reforms are well-intentioned. But will they actually work?

12 June 2026

Francesca Cozens

Profile: Francesca Cozens, senior associate at Knights

10 June 2026

Costs Orders in Children Act proceedings – the continued exception or a developing trend?

8 June 2026

A man in a black suit holds up a piece of paper with large questions marks drawn on it

How can law firms select the right technology? Part 2: Who is making decisions, and are they the right people?

8 June 2026

A prenuptial contract with two gold wedding rings placed on top

What’s driving the rise in pre-nups in the UK?

5 June 2026