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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

National Pro Bono Centre—Esther McConnell & Sarah Oliver Scemla

National Pro Bono Centre—Esther McConnell & Sarah Oliver Scemla

Charity strengthens leadership as national Pro Bono Week takes place

Michelman Robinson—Akshay Sewlikar

Michelman Robinson—Akshay Sewlikar

Dual-qualified partner joins London disputes practice

McDermott Will & Schulte—Karen Butler

McDermott Will & Schulte—Karen Butler

Transactions practice welcomes partner in London office

NEWS
NLJ columnist Stephen Gold dives into the quirks of civil practice, from the Court of Appeal’s fierce defence of form N510 to fresh reminders about compliance and interest claims, in this week's Civil Way
Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) has restated a fundamental truth, writes John Gould, chair of Russell-Cooke, in this week's NLJ: only authorised persons can conduct litigation. The decision sparked alarm, but Gould stresses it merely confirms the Legal Services Act 2007
The government’s decision to make the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) the Single Professional Services Supervisor marks a watershed in the UK’s fight against money laundering, says Rebecca Hughes of Corker Binning in this week's NLJ. The FCA will now oversee 60,000 firms across legal and accountancy sectors—a massive expansion of remit that raises questions over resources and readiness 
The High Court's decision in Parfitt v Jones [2025] EWHC 1552 (Ch) provided a striking reminder of the need to instruct the right expert in retrospective capacity assessments, says Ann Stanyer of Wedlake Bell in NLJ this week
Paige Coulter of Quinn Emanuel reports on the UK’s first statutory definition of SLAPPs under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023in NLJ this week
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