LAW2025 Online: Family Law

This event includes:

• A high quality 4 x 1 hour pre-recorded video and audio broadcast (topic titles are listed below)
• Q&A – watch the 1 hour recording of the “Shape The Debate” Q&A session with the speakers. This is your opportunity to hear our experts answering attendee questions on both the pre-recorded content and general day to day Family Law issues
• LAW2025 Online: Family Law Exhibition – claim an additional hour of CPD, via a choice of webinar from our Webinar Learning Library worth £35+VAT
  
  

Topics covered are:

Relationship Breakdown: Is it to be a Divorce, Dissolution, Nullity or Judicial Separation?

Presented by Safda Mahmood.

• There will be a consideration of the various legal options, which are often dependent upon not just the client who instructs the lawyer, but also what outcome they ultimately seek.
• There will be a discussion surrounding the developments of divorce and dissolution, and in particular how the new legislation has been operating over last few years, together with consideration of ways to avoid making mistakes, and ensuring that delay is kept to an absolute minimum.
• There will a particular consideration of when costs may be sought
• Difficulties with service, and extensions of time which may be required
• When can somebody dispute the divorce?
• Why should you not apply for final order so early? This session will explore the various options that a client needs to be advised on?
• Running cases under no - fault and the use of nullity
• Service Options, the 20 Week Period and alternative methods of service
• Current Developments and updates

Consideration of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Subsequent Developments - Key Principles and Updates into 2025

Presented by Safda Mahmood.

This session will cover exploring the various provisions of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and subsequent legislation, as well as key updates, into 2025.

There have been many key changes, which impact on various areas of law, principally family and children law. The provisions affect the advice given to both alleged victims and identified perpetrators, not only in injunction proceedings, but also in relation to associated children proceedings.

There will be key consideration of the following:

• • Key aspects of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  • Definition of Domestic Abuse – How has this changed matters?
  • DVD’s Scheme and Legislation
  • Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders – Commencement of Pilots since November 2024 – How are these operating?
  • Electronic monitoring to DAPO’s - How is this to work?
  • Controlling or Coercive behaviour – What has changed?
  • Special Measures/ Participation Directions – What has changed?
  • Cross-Examination – Use of QLR and Developments

Chattels – How do the Courts treat the Family Dog and other belongings?

Presented by Elissa Da Costa-Waldman

Regardless of the value of the matrimonial pot, it is often the treasured but not necessarily financially valuable items collected during the marriage and where they land up that exercise the parties’ minds the most. One of those treasured possessions is often the family dog and with whom it should live. Traditionally, regarded as a chattel, recent case law, suitable named FI -v- DO [2024] EWFC 383 (B) takes a fresh look at how to treat the much loved pet.

• What counts as a chattel?
• Treatment of Chattels generally
• What do the courts do if the parties cannot agree on who keeps what?
• How do we deal with disputed chattels in the case of unmarried parties?
• Are claims in conversion appropriate?

Running a Successful TOLATA Claim – is the TR1 all important?

Presented by Elissa Da Costa-Waldman

TOLATA claims fill family practitioners with fear and clients just think they are another form of ‘family law’. They are not and different criteria apply in this area of civil law that deals with unmarried family breakdown. This session will consider what evidence is necessary in a successful TOLATA claim and in what circumstances the TR1 document may not be the end of the story.

• Is the TR1 always conclusive as to beneficial ownership?
• Is the TR1 signed? Are there consequences if it is or is not?
• If the TR1 is signed, is the relevant box ticked indicating beneficial ownership?
• Can you vary the beneficial interests as set out in the TR1? If so, how should it be done?
• What if there is a subsequent oral agreement purporting to vary the interests? Is it valid or does it infringe section 53 of the LPA 1925?