Family

Rules should be ‘simple and simply expressed’, according to the Courts Act 2003—yet Mr Justice Mostyn recently urged rule-makers to look again at the ‘Byzantine’ rules governing the release of documents to children proceedings.

A Byzantine set of rules governs the release of documents in children proceedings: David Burrows calls for some sorely-needed simplicity

Potential arguments can be avoided and acrimonious atmospheres dissolved by taking the precaution of making a post-nuptial or pre-nuptial agreement. Should couples choose to take this step, what must their legal adviser bear in mind, what are the necessary actions, and how have the courts treated such agreements?

Nuptial agreements: Sarah Scriven runs through the key points to consider now, to avoid disputes later

One in ten crown court cases (6,073 cases) have been delayed for more than two years, the latest statistics reveal.

The number of wills and inheritance disputes has risen in recent years

A financial claim in divorce cannot proceed if one spouse dies, the Supreme Court has held

Lawyers have firmly rejected Ministry of Justice (MoJ) proposals for mandatory mediation in family cases.

How are the courts applying the law in relation to the issue of ‘parental alienation’? Luke Scarratt, senior associate at Payne Hicks Beach, investigates how the law is being applied and what tools the courts have at their disposal.

Parental alienation has the potential to cause serious harm to families & children: Luke Scarratt discusses the tools at the court’s disposal when it raises its head