Blog
Kingsley Napley’s Medical Negligence Team ‘walks together’ with the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity
Sharon Burkill
Anyone who has visited a family lawyer will be aware that it is a highly discretionary area of law. Part of the reason for this is that much of what guides a judge’s decision, and indeed a lawyer’s advice, are the cases that have come before them. Of course, there are statutes and binding law that judges must follow, for example S1 (1) Children Act 1989 ‘[…] the child’s welfare shall be the court’s paramount consideration’, but case law provides invaluable guidance to family practitioners. Our judicial system allows flexibility so that when it comes to the interpretation of statute the courts can evolve and progress in line with society.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (the DDSA) comes into force on 6 April 2022, bringing about no fault divorce, dissolution and separation. It is the biggest change to the divorce process in almost 50 years, aiming to reduce the opportunity for conflict in relationship breakdown.
As family lawyers we help clients through challenging times when they may struggle to manage the overwhelming emotional impact of divorce. Until recently, they could be entitled to assume that any court proceedings would be heard in private and it would be highly unlikely for them to be reported in the media or for any documents to be available for any third party to inspect.
Anthony Bailey, former fundraiser to Tony Blair and PR guru knows how to spin a headline… ‘The Princess and the Pauper’ he claims from the comfort of a luxurious villa in Portugal following the High Court’s decision to hand him a 12 month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Most of my clients and the lawyers and experts with whom I work know far too much about my beautiful dog, Charlie. Yes, I am that kind of dog owner who over shares information about my four legged soul mate, and I have occasionally been guilty of referring to myself as his mummy. I make no apologies for this, but nor do I judge any raised eyebrows from those who think me slightly kooky as a result.
Sharon Burkill
Natalie Cohen
Caroline Sheldon
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