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14 November 2025 / Ellie Hampson-Jones , Carla Ditz
Issue: 8139 / Categories: Features , Family , Divorce , Child law
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Family law brief: November 2025

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In their latest update, Ellie Hampson-Jones & Carla Ditz consider three recently reported cases & some important developments in family law
  • In the latest instalment in Potanin v Potanina, the judgment makes clear that there is no statutory requirement to establish a ‘substantial’ connection to England and Wales.
  • Helliwell v Entwistle has shown the importance of full and frank disclosure when negotiating pre-nuptial agreements.
  • BC v BC demonstrates the need to respect confidentiality in the FDR and private FDR process.
  • Meanwhile, the Family Justice Council has published guidance on the use of covert recordings in family law proceedings, and there has been a useful evaluation of the Pathfinder court pilot.

Potanina v Potanin (No 2) [2025] EWCA Civ 1136

The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment in the latest instalment of the long-running case of Potanin v Potanina. The case concerns Russian multi-billionaire Vladimir Potanin (pictured) and his wife Natalia Potanina, who were married for 30 years before divorcing

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform

NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings

Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency

Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
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