In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of remote hearings for family law cases. This change has been embraced by courts in Milton Keynes and across England & Wales, transforming the way family law matters…
Mediation, MIAMS and court applications about children – changes on the way?
There are headlines in the papers this morning about moving more children cases out of the courtroom and into mediation. The government are starting a consultation period about how best to avoid lengthy court disputes about children. They are keen…
How do I appeal a Family Court decision?
An appeal is a complex process, and is therefore relatively rare. The first step is to establish whether you need to obtain permission to launch an appeal. If your case was heard by lay magistrates, you do not need permission…
Family Law Cases and Judgments in England & Wales
Family law cases in England & Wales are dealt with in the Family Division of the High Court, by district judges in County Courts and in the Magistrates’ Courts. Many of the decisions of the family court are available to…
Will My Family Case Be Heard in the High Court?
Family matters in England & Wales can be dealt with in the Family Division of the High Court, by district judges in County Courts and in Family Proceedings Courts, which are specialist Magistrates’ Courts. The High Court of Justice is…
Tougher Sentences for Domestic Abuse Offences in the Home and on Social Media
New sentencing guidelines will make domestic abuse in the home a more serious offence and include reference to the use of social media to carry out abuse. People convicted of domestic abuse offences will be more likely to go to prison.…
More help for victims of domestic abuse in family law disputes
Victims of domestic violence will get more support in taking abusive former partners to court. Changes to evidence requirements in private family law disputes have come into effect. There will no longer be a time limit on abuse evidence for victims,…
New Family Law Court Forms 2018
The Ministry of Justice has introduced five new court forms for the family court in England & Wales in 2018. New forms FM1, Form B, Form A1, Form A and C100 have come into effect on 8 January 2018. Links…
Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Notices
Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Notices were introduced in 2014. Our work often overlaps with that of the police, particularly in the area of domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse may choose to pursue a non-criminal option…
New legislation to combat domestic violence in the UK
The Government has introduced new proposals to takle domestic violence in the 2017 Queen’s Speech. Theresa May’s government is planning to introduce the “Draft Domestic Violence and Abuse” legislation which “will provide a statutory definition of this hideous crime, ensure robust protective…