header-logo header-logo

08 January 2015 / Geraldine Morris
Issue: 7635 / Categories: Features , Family
printer mail-detail

An avalanche of reform

morris

Geraldine Morris reviews the family law changes in 2014 & makes predictions for the year ahead

This time last year I referred to a “plethora” of changes in relation to the family justice system planned for 2014 (“All change (again)”, 164 NLJ 7591, p 11). If I could go back in time I would change “plethora” to “avalanche”: it’s been an incredible programme of reform, rightly described by the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby, as the “largest reform of the family justice system any of us have seen or will see in our professional lifetimes”. However, while some aspects of the reforms are working well, in a number of areas there’s still widespread confusion, and there’s lots more reform ahead in 2015. The following sets out just some of the changes/trends expected in 2015.

Financial provision

FRWG proposals

One of the most significant areas of reform in 2015 will be in relation to financial cases. The Financial Remedies Working Group (FRWG), led by Mr Justice Mostyn, published its

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP strengthens Commercial practice with a new partner

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
back-to-top-scroll