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Family law brief: November 2025

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

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Carey Olsen—Arindam Madhuryya

Carey Olsen—Arindam Madhuryya

Corporate and investment funds lawyer promoted to partner in Jersey

Jackson Lees—Jennifer Carr

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Private family team announces appointment of senior associate

NEWS
The government’s landmark Employment Rights Act 2025 met its pre-Christmas deadline, ushering in sweeping changes to the law
Barristers and advocates in Scotland, England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have urged the government to drop its proposals for judge-only ‘swift courts’ in cases where the sentence is three years or less
The practice guidance on non-molestation orders has been updated and replaced, and guidance issued on protective injunctions
Criminal silk Kirsty Brimelow KC, of Doughty Street Chambers, has taken over the reins at the Bar Council, succeeding family silk Barbara Mills KC
Lawyers have welcomed the government’s long-awaited announcement of legislation to reverse PACCAR but warned plans for light-touch regulation could cause delays
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