Exploring co-habitation

In this article, I explore what co-habitation means and how it can impact your rights when dealing with separation and issues of domestic violence. Co-habitation is a term used to describe the living arrangements between an unmarried couple. Partners can decide to get married and have additional legal recognition for their status as a couple, … 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

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

Does A Parent’s Immigration Status Affect Disputes About Children in Family Law proceedings concerning Children?

Does A Parent’s Immigration Status Affect Disputes About Children in Family Law proceedings concerning Children? – Sima Najma

Disagreements between parents about arrangements for their children raise all kinds of sensitive issues and emotions. But what if the immigration status of one parent is uncertain such as them being an overstayer or an illegal immigrant? When the Court is asked to make decisions under the Children Act 1989 about where a child should … Read more

Turning Children Against Parents: Parental Alienation

Turning Children Against Parents: Parental Alienation — Sima Najma

What happens if a child has been manipulated to such an extent by one parent that he or she is unwilling to have any contact with the other parent? The approach of the Courts and practitioners to what’s known as parental alienation is constantly evolving as our understanding of the effects of this type of … Read more