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20 May 2026
Issue: 8162 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Divorce , Mediation , ADR
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Mediation voucher extension & digital tools for separating families

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which gives separating families £500 of mediation, has been extended for another year

Assistance will also be provided by a series of digital tools on GOV.UK—the Child Arrangement Planner helps families agree practical arrangements for their children; the Get Help Finding a Child Arrangement Option triage service points users to suitable dispute resolution paths; and a revamp of GOV.UK content aims to make it easier for separating families to settle their disputes outside of court.

Justice minister Baroness Levitt KC said: ‘We are producing simple online tools and clear advice.’

Issue: 8162 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Divorce , Mediation , ADR
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley strengthens family law team

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway in Teesside role

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird Bird hires leading legal transformation expert

NEWS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

How forcefully can a litigant criticise a public authority before robust advocacy crosses the line into unreasonable conduct? 
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
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