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29 April 2010
Issue: 7415 / Categories: Opinion
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Looking outside the family

There is no shortage of critics of the family justice system. Family charities allege bias in the law so far as it relates to their members, senior judges complain that there is insufficient funding to properly protect children, Ofsted continues to criticise Cafcass, and politicians have finally woken up to the fact that the system should be viewed in its socio-economic and public health context.

There is no shortage of critics of the family justice system. Family charities allege bias in the law so far as it relates to their members, senior judges complain that there is insufficient funding to properly protect children, Ofsted continues to criticise Cafcass, and politicians have finally woken up to the fact that the system should be viewed in its socio-economic and public health context.

Suggestions for improvements range from changes in law, such as in international relocation (or “leave to remove”) cases, to greater transparency in, and the use of mediation and collaboration as an alternative to, family courts, and even to the suggestion that poor parental conduct should be “irrelevant”

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Restructuring and insolvency practice strengthened by partner hire

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

North West residential development team welcomes partner and associate

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Family law boutique expands London team with legal director hire

NEWS
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dillon highlights a central tension in modern public law: rights may be recognised without being fully realised
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but its successful adoption depends as much on culture as technology
Non-court dispute resolution is no longer an alternative in family law—it is rapidly becoming the norm
The fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal as UK ambassador to Washington raises profound questions about constitutional governance, accountability and political appointments
Some employment law controversies never disappear—they merely lie dormant
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