A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS MPs call for inquiry into use of ‘alienation’ claims in parental disputes Concern that unregulated experts’ diagnoses are being used to silence parents or undermine abuse allegations in England and Wales. Full story: The Guardian. Family court praises parents who 'put aside conflicts' in face of Ukraine war A family court judge has praised two parents who ‘put aside personal conflicts in the context of gross international ones’ after a father living in Ukraine withdrew his application to have his chi ..read more

The most effective way to get couples into mediation is to provide them with early legal advice, the Law Society of England and Wales said today as the government announces mandatory mediation proposals for divorcing couples. “The best way to get couples into mediation is to provide them with early legal advice, but the government has not taken this on board,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja. “Mediation can be a vital tool for resolving many family disputes, but compulsory mediation in family cases is not a substitute for funded early advice, which can provide people with a reality-ch ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS UK mother unlawfully denied legal aid in case against abusive ex, court rules MoJ guidance found to be wrong after woman trying to enforce custody agreement denied funds as son no longer lived with her. Full story: The Guardian. Court of Appeal rejects claim by mother Family Court should not have made placement order after her lawyers withdrew at advanced stage The Family Court did not act unfairly when a judge refused to adjourn an adoption case when the mother’s solicitors withdrew at a late stage ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Means free legal aid features in family rules changes Means free legal aid is being extended for both parents and those with parental responsibilities. Full story: Legal Aid Agency. Social worker who abused ex-partner loses fight to keep details from regulator Senior employee caused ‘lasting disability’ to former partner, who appealed against decision not to disclose judgment. Full story: The Guardian. Raab considers “cost shifting” to keep family law cases out of court The Lord Chancellor has said ..read more

The Ministry of Justice has made changes to legal aid in some private and public family law cases, including domestic abuse. Law Society of England and Wales President Lubna Shuja said:  “We are pleased to see the widening of criteria for family legal aid cases. “Of particular importance is a change to how domestic abuse victims may provide evidence of the abuse they suffered. “Victims used to have to produce a letter from a health professional, but it would only be accepted by the Legal Aid Agency if the meeting had been face-to-face, at a time where medical appointments are increa ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Senior judge issues guidance on instruction of un-regulated psychologists in Family Court The President of the Family Division has issued guidance on the instruction of un-regulated psychologists as experts in the Family Court. Full story: Local Government Lawyer. Judge rules birth father should have been notified of existence of child but accepts he cannot force mother to reveal his identity A Family Court judge has said he cannot compel a mother to disclose the identity of a toddler’s birth father ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Widow left out of husband’s will after 66-year marriage wins half of £1m estate High court judge rules ‘reasonable provision’ was not made for 83-year-old, ‘left with next to nothing’. Full story: The Guardian. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Legal Aid: Family and Domestic Abuse) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2023 This Order amends Schedule 1 to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and secondary legislation under the Act. Statutory Instrume ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Study exposes the extreme vulnerability of children subject to ‘deprivation of liberty’ applications New analysis of court applications that seek to deprive children of their liberty in England and Wales has exposed the extreme vulnerability of the children involved and raises further questions about the severe shortage of appropriate provision to meet their needs. Full story: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. Solicitors ramp up campaign for cohabitation law reformDespite a succession of governmen ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Long-term strategy launched to fix children’s social care Government to transform children’s social care, with ambitious plans that put families at the heart of reform. Full story: Department for Education. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 (Commencement and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 These Regulations bring into force on the 27th February 2023 the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022. Statutory Instrument. Judge lambasts education secretary ov ..read more

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:  NEWS Domestic abuse charges in England and Wales halved since 2015, as offences doubled Domestic abuse charges authorised by CPS declined from 82,158 to 43,836 in 2021-2022, Labour party reveals. Full story: The Guardian. Firms sign up to divorce support scheme for staff Four law firms have signed up to a scheme backed by the president of the Family Division to support employees going through a divorce or separation. Full story: Law Society Gazette. First transparency order opens family case to reporters ..read more