A new report published by Women’s Aid reveals the severity of the £321 million funding gap faced by domestic abuse services. Life-saving services have been forced into using organisation reserves and reduce areas of work
It has been announced that the Minister responsible for family justice has confirmed the family mediation voucher scheme will be continued for a further year until March 2026. Following news that the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has opened its consultation to increase civil legal aid fees for those working in housing and immigration sectors. The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the proposed hike in
Watkins Solicitors is representing families in a pivotal Judicial Review case against Devon County Council and Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement, due to be heard at the Bristol High Court from 28–30 January 2025.
Working people and businesses are set to benefit from new rules that will give more flexibility over how occupational defined benefit pension schemes are managed. Hosting a meeting with leaders of Britain’s biggest businesses in
The Family Mediation Trust has announced the launch of the Family Mediation Impact Fund (FMIF), a new grant program dedicated to driving innovation and advancing practices in family mediation. With a clear focus for 2025,
Two thirds of people are aware that family mediation is an option to help avoid court and resolve money, parenting, and property issues, should they face divorce or separation, according to a new survey of
Regional law firm, Gardner Leader, has announced the expansion of its Family Law team with the appointment of a new Senior Associate amid ongoing growth in Oxfordshire. Rosie Deller joins the firm having spent half
To commemorate the Day of the Endangered Lawyer (24th January), the Law Society of England and Wales draws attention to the risks lawyers face across the globe. There are lawyers that are targeted by certain
The measure, which was announced earlier this month, has been tabled by the Government as an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill currently before Parliament, to ensure the new law is on the
A family court judge has voiced “very great concern” over significant delays in adoption support plans for three vulnerable siblings being adopted by their aunt, as reported by The Law Society Gazette. The delays, caused
Victims will be given more power to have their cases re-examined, the Home Secretary has announced today, as she unveils a £10 million action plan to tackle grooming gangs and child sexual abuse. As part
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application to revoke an adoption order on welfare grounds, despite unanimous support from all family members involved, as reported by The Law Society Gazette. In the case Re
New report from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner uncovers criminal justice system unfit to hold abusers to account and safeguard domestic abuse victims. New figure finds just 4% of alleged domestic abuse perpetrators in the police
Harrison Thames Valley Solicitors LLP, a recognised law firm based at 7 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB, has been fined £25,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) following serious breaches of the Money Laundering, Terrorist
As the Law Society of England and Wales marks two centuries since its inception in 1825, new research reveals public views on the legal profession, the justice system and the use of technology. Public confidence
West Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell’s Family Law team, which is jointly led by partners Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti, has unveiled a new service for separating couples seeking a fast, cost-effective divorce. The service
Domestic abuse charity Refuge is delighted to announce the appointment of Gemma Sherrington as its new Chief Executive Officer. Gemma, a dedicated advocate for social justice with over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector,
A study conducted on behalf of renowned City lawyers forecasts a 28% decline in UK marriages by 2050, signalling a seismic shift in British society’s approach to matrimony. A report containing findings from the analysis
Victims of antisocial behaviour (ASB) are to get better information and access to support as the government continues to implement its Plan for Change and cracks down on ASB in local communities. At present when
Following the success of the family court reporting pilot, the Family Procedure Rule Committee has approved a proposal to rollout the reporting pilot nationally, through changes to the Family Procedure Rules and new practice directions.
Women’s Aid, alongside 100 other expert violence against women and girls (VAWG) organisations, have issued a letter of solidarity to Jess Phillips MP following an onslaught of misogynistic and far right attacks against the Minister
Jessica Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Hospitals and Primary Care, has raised concerns about protections for victims of financial coercion and controlling behaviour. Jessica Brown-Fuller asked the Secretary of State for Justice whether the government
A Birmingham law firm has been fined more than the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) stated £25,000 for ‘traditional’ firms for anti-money laundering (AML) failures because of it’s status as an alternative business structure (ABS). Tyndallwoods
Hundreds of teachers across England are facing significant delays in their divorce proceedings due to backlogs in obtaining pension valuations from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, according to The BBC. These valuations, known as Cash Equivalent
The Government will create new offences for the taking of intimate images without consent and the installation of equipment with intent to commit these offences – sending a clear message that abusers will face the
A Chichester and Brighton-based specialist family law and mediation firm is celebrating further growth as the firm welcomes acclaimed solicitor Grace-Parker White to the team as a Director. This development coincides with the launch of
In its 2025 Corporate Plan, launched today, CILEx Regulation Limited (CRL) sets out a bold programme of action to strengthen the regulation of legal executives and improve information to consumers. The key priorities deliver the
Barbara Mills KC, Joint Head of Chambers at leading family law set 4PB, has been elected Chair of the Bar Council for 2025. Barbara becomes the first black woman and the first person of colour
A former senior police officer has warned that sexual abuse similar to the crimes exposed in Oxford’s grooming gang investigation is still ongoing, with perpetrators operating “in plain sight”, as reported by The BBC. Simon
The UK government has issued a detailed response to the findings and recommendations in the Victims’ Commissioner’s Annual Victims’ Survey 2023, reiterating its commitment to improving the experiences of crime victims throughout the criminal justice
Predators who create sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ could face prosecution as the Government bears down on vile online abuse as part of its mission to make our streets safer. The proliferation of these hyper-realistic images has
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to introduce a new offence targeting individuals who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse, as part of the government’s effort to implement mandatory reporting laws.
Nine-in-ten (89%) UK couples who are married or in a civil partnership do not have a prenuptial agreement in place, according to new independent research conducted on behalf of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, highlighting
New research from Legal & General Retail to mark Divorce Day (Monday 6th January) – where family lawyers report a spike in inquiries following the festive season – has found that 280,000 recent divorces were
Thousands more people with disabilities will be supported to remain in their homes thanks to immediate action government is taking to improve adult social care, support the care workforce and take pressure off the NHS.