The Law Commission has launched a consultation on provisional proposals to reform the law governing how and where couples can get married. The consultation period will run until 3 December 2020. The provisional proposals for reform are: • to allow weddings to take place outdoors, for example on beaches, in parks, in private gardens and…
From Monday 27 July, HM Courts and Tribunal Services is asking all court and tribunal users to wear a face covering in the public areas of its buildings in England. Court rooms will continue to be covered by the current government guidance, which states that court users may wear face coverings whilst in the court room.…
An infant approval hearing is sometimes referred to as a Damages Approval Hearing and takes place after settlement has been reached in respect of a child’s damages (compensation) following a personal injury claim. Unlike in an adult’s personal injury compensation claim, it is not enough for the Claimant to simply accept a settlement amount and…
From 1st June 2020 lockdown in England has been eased considerably with many children returning to schools and families and friends allowed to meet in groups of up to six provided that they observe social distancing rules when outside. There was much confusion at the start of lockdown back in March, when government ministers appeared…
In these unprecedented times some of us may, as we have more time on our hands, be thinking of making a Will or updating an old Will, but are unsure as to whether this is in fact possible due to the current Covid-19 restrictions. The answer is, yes, it is still possible to make and…
Court Protection from domestic violence; – Non-molestation orders and occupation orders. There have been many recent reports in the press about the increase in domestic violence that has occurred as a result of the pandemic. If you are a victim of domestic violence you can apply to the court for an “injunction” to protect you…
Certain family proceedings should not be conducted remotely said the President of the Family Division after intervening in a case involving a young girl living ‘in limbo.’ Proceedings in the case of Re P (A Child: Remote Hearing) began a year ago. The Local Authority said the girl suffered significant harm as a result of…
Current covid19 pandemic The work of courts and tribunals has been consolidated into fewer buildings in order to maintain a core justice system through the duration of the pandemic. This will seek to ensure that essential hearings that must still be held in person can go ahead whilst complying with public health advice. During the…
Separated Parents Information Programme- What is it and do I have to attend? The Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) is a course which helps you understand how to put your children first whilst you are separating, even though you may be in dispute with your child’s other parent. The programme is designed to help separated…