Weekly Family Law Update January 28, 2021

Domestic abuse, similar fact evidence and child abuse

Domestic Abuse Bill progresses The Government’s Domestic Abuse Bill has received its second reading in the House of Lords. The purpose of the Bill is to raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims, to further improve the effectiveness of the justice system in providing protection for victims of domestic abuse […]

Weekly Family Law Update January 20, 2021

Hearing starting times and a brain damaged child

President concerned at long court hours The President of the Family Division Sir Andrew McFarlane has expressed concern over widespread reports of family court hearings starting as early as 8am or as late as 4.30pm, in response to the pressure of the backlog of cases, exacerbated by the closure of courts due to the pandemic. […]

Weekly Family Law Update January 14, 2021

A restraint order, a rent demand and ex-wives’ incomes

Court restricts father’s right to make further applications The High Court has extended an order restraining a father from making further applications to the court regarding his children. In November 2018 Mrs Justice Knowles made an Extended Civil Restraint Order (‘ECRO’) with respect to the father, who had made seven applications for permission to appeal […]