A chance to hear the latest on employment, property, corporate and restructuring and insolvency and to ask questions and share your opinions.
DATE: Thursday 7 May 2020, 10:00am - 11:00am- delivered via Zoom Video Conference
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It is somewhat of an understatement to say that Covid-19 and the lockdown imposed by the Government on 24th March 2020 has impacted all aspects of our lives over the last few months. Separated parents and their families have been one of the groups most acutely affected by the pandemic. There has been an inevitable knock-on effect on arrangements for children to spend time with their parents, sometimes in families where those arrangements were already finely balanced.
For those families that are unable to reach agreement between themselves or in mediation, the Family Court provides a forum to explore the issues in dispute and reach a resolution within the court’s timetable, or for the court to impose arrangements if an agreement cannot be reached. In the current climate, it remains as important as ever for the Family Court to be able to deal with cases fairly and avoid delay in the interests of the children.
At the start of lockdown, the family justice system had to adapt quickly to the changing landscape and embrace technology as a result to ensure remote hearings could take place. It was simply not the case that hearings should be adjourned indefinitely because physical attendance at court was not possible as this delay could be detrimental to children.
Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, has recently published his view of the road ahead for the Family Court over the next six months and into 2021. As lockdown restrictions are eased, court buildings will start to reopen although social distancing restrictions will mean that capacity is limited. Remote hearings will need to continue for the foreseeable future whilst the number of cases the Family Court is dealing with is high and there is limited ability for courts to conduct face-to-face hearings. However, the Family Court will be moving towards some hearings either fully attended by all parties or a ‘hybrid’ hearing, where some of the parties attend court and the remainder engage remotely.
The Transparency Project, a registered charity working within the family justice system in England and Wales, has produced a guidance note to assist parties in understanding remote court hearings in the Family Court, which can be found here http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/remote-court-hearings-guidance-note/ .
If you would like to discuss ongoing proceedings within the Family Court, or are considering making an application to court, please feel free to contact a member of our Family Law Department on 01242 574244 and we will be happy to meet you and discuss your situation.
A chance to hear the latest on employment, property, corporate and restructuring and insolvency and to ask questions and share your opinions.
DATE: Thursday 7 May 2020, 10:00am - 11:00am- delivered via Zoom Video Conference
Cheltenham based solicitors, Hughes Paddison, have announced two promotions within their Senior Management Team. Jon Rathbone has been made an Equity Director within the firm, whilst Julie Bennett has been made a Director.
What our clients say
“Hughes Paddison have provided assistance on numerous occasions consistently acting in an exemplary fashion whilst dealing with all aspects of the issue at hand. It is extremely reassuring to know that our company is represented by such a competent and professional firm.”– Commercial Director, Ferroli Limited
“We are lucky to have the services of Paul Engelbrecht on hand. He has always met our requests and ridiculous deadlines and puts himself out to make life easier for us”– Company Secretary - Supergroup PLC
“Paul has repeatedly demonstrated a high level of legal skill, accuracy, attentiveness and most of all, commercial acumen. I particularly appreciate his eye for detail and ability to take complex legal issues and explain them in lay terms. ”– Relationship Director RBS
“Whilst constantly demonstrating his consummate professionalism and occasional wry sense of humour David has at all times supported me and acted in my best interests resulting in a successful financial settlement and my divorce.”– V
“Jennifer provided sound professional legal advice which I needed to help me to sort out the legal and financial aspects of a difficult personal situation. I wouldn't hesitate to go to her with any family legal matters I have in future.”– R
“Having the support of Marcus throughout what has been a very painful divorce has really helped me get through the last 18 months. Although this has personally been a very difficult process, I know that Marcus has done everything possible to make it as smooth as it can be. I really appreciate the honest, open feedback to all of my questions and also how quickly he responded to them. Above all else, Marcus really does seem to care about his clients and their families. I never had the feeling that this was just a job for Marcus, and Im so grateful that I was fortunate enough to have had Marcus recommended to me when I did.”– R
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