Family
Unbundling “empowers client” and optimises solicitors’ billing
Clients using unbundled legal services feel empowered by having control of their own case, while it is the best way for solicitors to bill every minute of their time, a pioneering family lawyer says.
Online probate process “taking longer than paper”
Private client lawyers believe the new online probate process is taking longer than the old paper-based system, with family solicitors and civil litigators also unhappy with digital processes.
Judge rules public access barristers’ payment terms unfair
Two public access barristers have failed in their bid to be paid nearly £125,000 in fees after the High Court found the terms of their retainer unfair.
Law firm data breach “highlights risks to domestic violence victims”
A family law firm that disclosed personal data about a woman and children to her rapist ex-partner has been highlighted in a warning over how data breaches are putting domestic abuse victims’ lives at risk.
CA allows funder to challenge financial remedy consent order
A litigation funder owed up to £1m by the wife in a “bitter and extortionately expensive” divorce battle can remain a party to financial remedy proceedings, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Court of Appeal sets aside circuit judge’s “plainly irregular” ruling
The Court of Appeal has set aside a circuit judge’s ruling in care proceedings after describing his decision as “plainly irregular” given the lack of detailed analysis.
Partner rebuked for backdating documents used in divorce case
A solicitor who followed a client’s instructions to backdate a loan agreement and then did not disclose it as part of divorce proceedings has been rebuked for her “error of judgment”.
Niche cohabitation law firm aims to fill “gap in market”
A law firm has been launched in Bristol specialising solely in advising cohabiting couples on their relationships and on contentious probate, claiming to be the first of its kind.
Judge wrong to let 14-year-old boy instruct solicitor
A family court judge was wrong to order that a 14-year-old boy be allowed to instruct his own solicitor in care proceedings, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Not-for-profit family law ABS bids to expand successful model
A family law alternative business structure with charitable status is considering setting up a chambers as it expands its efforts to fill the justice gap for women ineligible for legal aid.
Law firm must pay £13k for head of family’s constructive dismissal
A law firm that tried to change its head of family’s bonus scheme without notice and failed to promote her as agreed must pay her almost £13,000 for breach of contract and constructive dismissal.
“Women will suffer” warning as CA hears divorce costs funding case
The future of litigation funding in divorce cases – which new figures from law firms show mainly benefits women – is in the balance as the Court of Appeal hears a crucial appeal.
Law firm takes civil action against “abusive” opposing party
A law firm has had to take civil action against the father on the opposite side of a child contact dispute because of the abuse he has directed at it and the solicitor running the case.
Unbundled family law service “reaches new market” of litigants in person
An unbundled family law service aimed at people who cannot afford to instruct a solicitor has “reached a new market” and delivered very positive results, researchers have found.
Barristers facing “unrealistic” expectations in private family law
Barristers working on private family law cases are facing “unrealistic” expectations to broker agreements between warring parents, two lawyer academics have argued.
