family law news

Lord Justice Munby Calls for Reform of Legal Rights of Unmarried Couples

Lord Justice Munby, in his capacity as Chairman of the Law Commission, has said that unmarried couples need new legal rights to protect them on separation. The government is currently awaiting the results of research carried out in Scotland, where unmarried couples do have statutory rights on separation.

The judge also suggested that the division of finances on divorce is also in need of review. On this issue he commented that it was unsatisfactory that there should be a single set of criteria for dividing the wealth of all couples, however large the sum involved. “It might be an advantage having an approach for each”, he said.

NHS to Offer Counselling to Divorcing Couples

Divorcing couples are to be offered free counselling on the NHS in a bid to combat depression and help partners stay together, according to a report in the Observer.

Court of Appeal Upholds Decision to Remove Son from Uncooperative Mother in Contact Dispute

The Telegraph has reported on a decision to refuse a mother permission to appeal an order that her son should go and live with his father, despite the child’s objections.

The Telegraph reports that Lord Justice Wall refused permission to appeal the order of HHJ Bond of Bournemouth County Court, although he acknowledged that it would have an “almost cataclysmic” effect on the child. The child had lived with his mother most of his life, and is settled at school, but the court heard that the mother’s hostile attitude towards father and the issue of contact was emotionally harming the child. Lord Justice Wall therefore refused permission to appeal as the Circuit Judge had not been plainly wrong.