Family and Immigration Barrister

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Financial Remedy Orders – changes to Financial Remedy Hearings you need to know about

A financial remedy order helps divorcing couples obtain certainty in court with financial matters when separating if they have been unable to resolve things during mediation.  A financial remedy order can include any financial asset and how this is shared between the separating couple. Often, a financial remedy order deals with lump sum payments, pension … Read more

Separation and marital assets: when dishonest behaviour leads to adverse costs orders  

Do you suspect that your former partner is being less than truthful in their disclosure of assets in your divorce?  In this article I explore what seemingly should have been a straightforward split of assets became a protracted and complex review and decision-making process.   Please see the page on Financial Remedy Proceedings where I set … Read more

Child Arrangements Orders and Domestic Abuse: [2023] EWHC 597 (Fam) A Case Review

Ms Najma recently acted for her client in an application for a Child Arrangements Order under s.8 Children Act 1989. Section 8 deals with all orders with respect to the welfare and contact arrangements for children. These can be for: The facts of the case: The father was making an application to spend time with … Read more

New guidance for Domestic Abuse applications and the need for Fact-Finding Hearings 

Domestic Abuse is an important area of Family Law which forms part of the foundation of the Family Courts. A recent decision in the Court of Appeal in H-N and Others (children), has provided some guidance as to evidential matters in Domestic Abuse applications.   Domestic Abuse is defined by the UK government as being “any … Read more

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order

Are you looking for help with Children Act 1989 proceedings? I am a public access Barrister who has helped many clients with applications and continue to provide support to families going through Court. In this short article I will guide you through some essential facts about Children Act 1989 proceedings. Take a look at my … Read more

Children Act 1989 Proceedings Explained

Are you looking for help with Children Act 1989 proceedings? I am a public access Barrister who has helped many clients with applications and continue to provide support to families going through Court.   In this short article I will guide you through some essential facts about Children Act 1989 proceedings. Take a look at my … Read more

In the Media – Assessing Sexual Abuse Allegations in Child Arrangement Order Proceedings

I recently represented a client in an appeal which was heavily reported in the media. (See A and D v B and C and E [2022] EWHC 3089 (Fam)) The Court case concerned two family law appeals, each involving allegations of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, by one parent against the other. Together with … Read more

Life As A Barrister During Covid-19

Life As A Barrister During Covid-19 – Sima Najma

It’s a year now since Covid-19 became the number one concern of almost everyone worldwide. It’s had an unimaginable effect on our lives, in every conceivable way. Families have been separated as people have had to shelter at home, while the lockdowns also caused the rest of us to stay in our homes for unprecedented … Read more

COVID-19, Remote Hearings, & Family Courts

COVID-19, Remote Hearings, & Family Courts – Sima Najma

One of the major changes to the way we operate as a society due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been in the Courts. From the first lockdown in March 2020, Courts have had to adapt to remote hearings where possible and Family Court matters are among those that are currently held completely by remote technology. … Read more