Family
Online portal fault allowed couples to divorce too early
A fault in the digital divorce system allowed 67 members of the public to apply for their divorces earlier than they were allowed to by law, it emerged last week.
Family legal aid “loss-making for half of providers”
Family legal aid is loss-making for almost half of providers, research has found, with those handling private, rather than public, law matters struggling the most.
Value of family law market hits £2bn
The annual value of the family law market hit £2bn for the first time last year, as it rose by 4.5%, researchers have found, with ancillary services boosting the opportunities for firms.
Online employment law specialist targets divorce and conveyancing
The founder of an online employment law firm which specialises in settlement agreements has said he is planning to launch two similar ABSs – one for no-fault divorce and the other for conveyancing.
Leading law firm obtained order for client’s divorce “in error”
One of the country’s highest-profile family law firms obtained a final order of divorce for a client in error without her instructions or authority, it has emerged.
Solicitors launch self-help divorce tool
A new self-help divorce and separation tool, created by two solicitors formerly at City firm Withers, is aiming to help clients with no or limited budgets for legal advice.
Family judge tells divorcing couples to use ADR before going to court
A Family Court judge has told divorcing couples that the court expects them to make “a serious effort” to resolve their differences before issuing proceedings.
Students come to aid of unrepresented divorcing couples at court
Students in Teesside are to provide free help and guidance to unrepresented people attending first hearing dispute resolution appointments at Middlesbrough Family Court. Teesside University’s law clinic has been given permission to attend the court on Tuesdays, the day these… Read More
Profession disappointed with slim Budget pickings
The legal profession yesterday expressed disappointment at the lack of attention given to the justice system in the Budget, which will see the Ministry of Justice’s expenditure fall next year.
Value of legal services market “to hit £50bn” this year
The legal services market will continue to grow in 2024, hitting a turnover of £50bn with a “resilient” corporate law sector boosted by “stronger economic conditions” later in the year.
PI partner turned family lawyer challenges “aggressive” divorce bills
A former personal injury specialist turned family lawyer has condemned “aggressive billing” in his new practice area and called for reforms to reduce costs.
CA warns against misuse of judgment clarification procedure
The delivery of a judgment “is not a transactional process”, the Court of Appeal has warned, saying the clarification procedure was being misused in family cases.
Woman fails in contempt bid over application to debar her solicitors
A woman has failed in her bid to bring contempt proceedings against her ex-husband and his business associate, who she claimed conspired in an attempt to stop her instructing certain solicitors.
Government announces early legal advice pilot for separating couples
The government is to launch a pilot of early legal advice for separating couples to judge what impact it could have to speed up a resolution.
Online divorce service set for major growth after Octopus acquisition
Octopus Group has expanded its presence in the legal market by acquiring a majority stake in amicable, the online divorce service that markets itself as an alternative to solicitors.