header-logo header-logo

NLJ this week: Private FDRs & other ways to kick the combat out of divorce

29 March 2024
Issue: 8065 / Categories: Legal News , Procedure & practice , Family , Divorce , Mediation
printer mail-detail
166021
A range of options are available for separating couples wishing to iron out their disputes without going head-to-head in court. In this week’s NLJ, Joanna Newton explores what’s available and sets out the pros, cons and quirks of each

Newton, partner at Stowe Family Law, writes: ‘Family lawyers are seeing a marked reduction in the number of couples going to final hearing, instead choosing more cost-effective, less acrimonious routes to getting a consent order in place.

‘In 2018, 14% of finance cases went to a final hearing. By 2023, this had fallen to around 3%.’

In an article packed full of information and practical advice, the author looks at FDR (financial dispute resolution) hearings, private FDR, mediation, collaborative divorce and arbitration.

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
back-to-top-scroll