Family
Niche cohabitation law firm aims to fill “gap in market”
A law firm has been launched in Bristol specialising solely in advising cohabiting couples on their relationships and on contentious probate, claiming to be the first of its kind.
Judge wrong to let 14-year-old boy instruct solicitor
A family court judge was wrong to order that a 14-year-old boy be allowed to instruct his own solicitor in care proceedings, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Not-for-profit family law ABS bids to expand successful model
A family law alternative business structure with charitable status is considering setting up a chambers as it expands its efforts to fill the justice gap for women ineligible for legal aid.
Law firm must pay £13k for head of family’s constructive dismissal
A law firm that tried to change its head of family’s bonus scheme without notice and failed to promote her as agreed must pay her almost £13,000 for breach of contract and constructive dismissal.
“Women will suffer” warning as CA hears divorce costs funding case
The future of litigation funding in divorce cases – which new figures from law firms show mainly benefits women – is in the balance as the Court of Appeal hears a crucial appeal.
Law firm takes civil action against “abusive” opposing party
A law firm has had to take civil action against the father on the opposite side of a child contact dispute because of the abuse he has directed at it and the solicitor running the case.
Unbundled family law service “reaches new market” of litigants in person
An unbundled family law service aimed at people who cannot afford to instruct a solicitor has “reached a new market” and delivered very positive results, researchers have found.
Barristers facing “unrealistic” expectations in private family law
Barristers working on private family law cases are facing “unrealistic” expectations to broker agreements between warring parents, two lawyer academics have argued.
Firm ordered to pay ex-client £400k for negligent divorce advice
A law firm that narrowed the scope of its retainer after a divorcing woman negotiated her own financial settlement was nonetheless negligent in failing to give her advice on the deal.
Courts not “insurers of solicitors” in divorce cases where costs overrun
It is not the role of courts to act as “insurers of solicitors” who “overshoot, let alone dramatically overshoot” legal services payment orders, a Family Court judge has said.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
