Division of Assets and Fairness in Divorce: Is it Fair and Equal?

Separating couples face the unenviable task of working out what assets they have and how these will be divided. This is no easy task. Where the court is charged with making the decision, the Parties must make a full disclosure to each other of their finances and assets. The assets may include any of the … Read more

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

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

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

Barristers and Solicitors: The Differences Explained

Barristers and Solicitors: The Differences Explained – Sima Najma

If you’re currently studying law, and wondering which direction to take your career, then I hope this will prove to be a useful tool in your decision making process. As you come to the conclusion of your undergraduate studies, the legal training for prospective Barristers and Solicitors will begin to separate as each branch follows … Read more

What Is A Section 7 Report And Can I Challenge It?

What Is A Section 7 Report And Can I Challenge It? – Sima Najma

In summary, where an application has been made to the Court under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989, a Section 7 report is ordered by the Court primarily concerned with the child’s welfare, and which is written by a CAFCASS worker, or a social worker from the local authority. What Is CAFCASS? CAFCASS: Children … Read more

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Britain’s Courts

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Britain’s Courts — Sima Najma

For an already under-pressure Court system, the Covid-19 outbreak has almost proven to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. During the first lockdown, Courts shut completely and only re-opened at the end of May 2020. That two-month shutdown caused hearings planned for the summer of 2020 to be rescheduled into 2022, and caused … Read more