‘No-fault’ divorce: Two years on
The Solicitors Journal, Gazette Ireland and Today’s Family Lawyer report that it is two years since ‘no-fault’ divorce came into effect, and the additional obstacles facing the family justice system.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The family law system saw a welcome change two years ago when ‘no-fault’ divorce came into effect.
“Separating couples no longer need to prove a fault-based fact against their ex-partner and this can support them to divorce more amicably.
“Our members tell us that while many couples are still not aware of the changes in the law, they are happy when they know about them.
“Separating couples are also driven by wanting to sort out their financial situation, but they are unaware they need to start divorce proceedings first in order to get a conditional order to lodge papers for court approval. Early advice would help couples to understand how to navigate the process and ensure the courts receive the right documentation at the right time.”
Non-disclosure agreements
Lawyer Watch covers our response to the Legal Services Board’s call for evidence on the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
PC fee
The Gazette reports about our consultation on the proposed 5% rise of the practising fee.
Law Society chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “We have ambitious plans for 2024-25 to deliver more of the services and activities that our members have told us are important to them. In addition to services provided directly to members, our planned programme supports our strategic aims of protecting the justice system and making sure it applies to everyone equally, promoting the value of the profession and addressing threats to the rule of law.
“Our main source of income is the funds we receive from our share of the practising certificate (PC) fee which allows us to support the profession and wider society. We consulted more than 1,400 solicitors in 2022 about the proposal to increase the level of funding we receive from the PC fee over a three-year period. 58% of respondents agreed with our proposal which allows us to continue delivering on our members’ priorities to a high standard.
“We are currently holding another consultation, where we are seeking to understand our members’ priorities for 2024/25 and for their views on a proposed 5% PC fee increase in line with the three-year approach supported in 2022.”
Find out more about our PC fee consultation
Also worth a read:
- Post Office: Nadhim Zahawi calls for company to be investigated for corporate manslaughter – Times (£)
- Paula Vennells refuses to comment if she lied to MPs – Channel 4 News
- Post Office: Bosses earned £19.4m over 24 years – BBC News
- Lord Ian Burnett questions Post Office mass exonerations – FT (£)
- Post Office inquiry will hear from Alan Bates and Adam Crozier – Guardian
- Garrick Club analysis – Gazette
- LeO: Delays still lengthy – Legal Futures
- SRA fines firm £17k over AML breaches – Gazette
- HM Treasury seeks to improve AML rules – Legal Futures
- New polls predict Tory ‘wipeout’ at General Election – Evening Standard
- Passengers hit with train strikes – BBC News & Guardian