Posts
Another Financial Remedy case where anonymity was refused
The recent judgment in the case of Gallagher v Gallagher (No.1) (Reporting Restrictions) [2022] EWFC 52 is a sequel to the previously anonymised case of XZ v YZ [2022] EWFC 49. As the title suggests, having made an interim anonymity order, Mr Justice Mostyn decided in...
When family members apply to become parties: A hidden and “private” (but not sinister and secret) hearing
In the first of two linked guest posts, Celia Kitzinger explains the problem with the confusing and inconsistent way Court of Protection cases are currently listed, making it more difficult for public observers to attend the hearing. (This post is reproduced with...
Why are so many Court of Protection hearings labelled “PRIVATE”?
This guest post by Celia Kitzinger is an APPENDIX to her post When family members apply to become parties: A hidden and “private” (but not sinister and secret) hearing Several of my previous blog posts lament the fact that so many Court of Protection hearings are...
Barring orders – strengthened guidance on section 91(14) to stop repeated applications
Parents who live under the shadow of constant threats by ex-partners of being taken back to court, with repeated applications about their children, will now get more protection from this happening.“Barring orders” is the name commonly given to orders the Family Court...
Transparency in the FRC – The workings of the TIG Sub-Group
This post is by HHJ Stuart Farquhar. HHJ Farquhar is a Circuit Judge based in Brighton. He is the Lead Judge in the Financial Remedies Court for Kent, Surrey and Sussex and Chairs the FRC sub-group of the Transparency Implementation Group. It is somewhat ironic, to...
Very much ancillary
A lot has been written of late about the privacy (or otherwise) of family money cases, and all of it by men with big brains and a lot of words. As someone who hasn’t conducted a money case for some years (not great with numbers, me), I would not dare to offer any view...
Media reporters’ Charter – open justice, but only for some
A new “Reporters’ Charter” outlining the rights and responsibilities of court reporters has been launched to boost transparency in the justice system, according an announcement by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. The charter, part of the General guidance to staff on...
When can parental responsibility be removed from a terrible parent?
In the summer of 2021, Jade Ward was killed by her estranged husband Russell Marsh at their family home. He is now serving a life sentence for her murder. She leaves behind four little boys who are now being raised by her mother and other family members. This is not...
FAMILY COURT REPORTING WATCH ROUNDUP
Welcome to the Roundup, where we correct, clarify and comment on media reports of family court cases, explain and comment on published family court judgments and highlight other transparency news MEDIA COVERAGE OF FAMILY COURT MATTERS ITV, Wales Online, BBC Wales, the...
Court hearing lists and open justice
A cheery post on the HM Courts and Tribunals Service blog recently announced that developers were now working on on Making hearing lists more accessible to court and tribunal users This is long overdue. HMCTS has had court listings on its list, as it were, ever since...