Insights
‘Significant change’ required for adopted children says Mrs Justice Judd
The Public Law Working Group has recently highlighted the need for a ‘wholesale reform’ to the adoption process. Sydney Edwards, Trainee Solicitor at Staffordshire Family Law reflects upon the report made by the adoption sub-group of the Public Law Working Group which...
Domestic Abuse during the Sporting Season
It has long been recognised that there is a strong correlation between major sporting events and increased reports of domestic abuse. Research conducted by Lancaster University in 2014 revealed a 38% increase in domestic abuse reports when England loses and a 26%...
Life as a Family Law Paralegal
What is a paralegal? Paralegals support lawyers in various ways from assisting with day-to-day management of a client’s matter to the administrative tasks involved behind the scenes. Paralegals usually assist in both legal and administrative work. Paralegals are not...
Arrangements for your children after separating – understanding child arrangement considerations
If you are separating from a spouse or partner, you may understandably be worried about what will happen to your children and what the implications are going forward. You will want to know what your rights are and understand what factors the Court will consider in...
The importance of good litigation conduct
A recent High Court case illustrates very clearly the need for good conduct of parties during family court proceedings. In the case of DH v RH, the wife was ordered to pay a significant sum towards her husband’s substantial costs. The husband accused the wife of...
Changes to the Family Procedure Rules introduced at the end of April have been adopted to encourage individuals to utilise alternative means to resolve Family Law disputes, rather than litigating through the courts.
Charlotte Hirst, a paralegal at Staffordshire Family Law Solicitors explains: “For some time, there has been a requirement on people to attend a “Mediation Information Assessment Meeting” (known as a MIAM) prior to issuing an application to the court, to consider...
Moving in together – consider a cohabitation agreement
If you have recently moved in together or are currently considering it, there are a few legal facts worth understanding so that you make the right decisions to protect you, your assets and your family in the future. Anyone who is not married but living together with...
Will Proposed Law Reform Mark a New Era for Financial Remedy Cases?
With 50-year-old matrimonial laws currently being reviewed, we look at what the future holds for the resolution of financial matters arising from divorce. Why is there a proposed reform? With financial matters of divorcing couples being governed by the dated...
Awareness Week – Vision For Family Justice
This year, to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Resolution, an organisation of Family Lawyers who prescribe to a non confrontational approach to resolving family disputes, are using Awareness Week to launch its Vision for Family Justice. This focuses particularly on...
Why Is No-One Listening To My Child?
In cases where there is a dispute about the arrangements for the child(ren) of the family, whether upon divorce or separation, sometimes the adult disputes take over from a clear focus on the child(ren) involved and who sadly are firmly at the centre of the...