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NLJ this week: Divorce disputes surge amid economic strain & court chaos

18 July 2025
Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Divorce , ADR , Legal aid focus
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James Maguire of Maguire Family Law explores the sharp rise in contested financial remedy orders—the highest in 15 years—in this week's issue of NLJ

He attributes this to economic volatility, court delays, and the soaring cost of divorce, now £603. Many clients are investing more to secure fair settlements, while others cut corners, risking long-term financial insecurity. Delays in pension reporting and court backlogs, worsened by legal aid cuts, are fuelling uncertainty.

A two-tier system is emerging, with wealthier parties opting for private arbitration. The recent Supreme Court ruling in Standish v Standish offers guidance on pre-marital assets but also highlights the growing relevance of compensation arguments and nuptial agreements.

Maguire warns that systemic issues—high fees, limited legal aid, and court closures—are trapping people in unhappy marriages. While AI may offer future efficiencies, it cannot replace sound legal advice.

Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Family , Divorce , ADR , Legal aid focus
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
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