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Family-court proceedings can feel intimidating, particularly where a case involves domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma, harassment, mental ill health, disability, neurodivergence, learning difficulties or a fear of another person involved in the case, which is why special measures exist. The Family Court must consider whether a party’s participation in proceedings, or a witness’s ability to […]

A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice, usually called a DAPN, is an emergency notice that police can issue to help protect someone who is experiencing domestic abuse or is at risk of further abuse. It can impose immediate restrictions on the alleged perpetrator, including preventing contact with the person at risk, preventing them from approaching a […]

Important information: Same-Sex Parents’ Rights – This guide explains general principles of family law in England and Wales. It is not legal advice for your individual circumstances. A small factual difference—such as whether treatment was provided through a licensed clinic, whether consent forms were signed, the status of a known donor, or whether a child […]

International Surrogacy: Key takeaway A foreign birth certificate, foreign court order or even a British passport does not, by itself, make intended parents the legal parents under UK law. In most international surrogacy cases, the child must first obtain the correct travel document or entry clearance to enter the UK, and the intended parent(s) should […]

Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse in which one person uses money, property, debt, work, benefits or essential services to restrict another person’s independence. It can make it harder to leave a relationship, secure housing, obtain legal advice, support children or recover financially after separation. In England and Wales, economic abuse is expressly […]

The UK government has confirmed that social media companies will be required to stop offering their services to under-16s, with the first restrictions of the social media ban expected to come into force in spring 2027. For families in England and Wales that raises practical questions: what the rules actually cover, who is responsible for […]

Non-Accidental Injury: Key Takeaways Introduction: Non-Accidental Injury in Family Law Few things are more frightening for a parent than being told a child’s injury may not have been an accident. In England and Wales, allegations of non-accidental injury can rapidly escalate from a hospital visit to social care involvement, police enquiries and family court hearings […]

Financial Abuse: Key Takeaways Financial abuse (also called economic abuse) is a recognised form of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in England & Wales. It can amount to a criminal offence when linked with controlling or coercive behaviour. Family courts can take financial abuse into account in divorce proceedings, children cases, and […]

Whether you are separating from a partner, navigating adoption, or simply responding to your child’s own wishes, a child name change raises important legal and practical questions. In England & Wales, the process is not as simple as filling in a single form. It depends on who has parental responsibility, whether everyone agrees, and what […]

Key Takeaways Police protection (often called a police protection order) is an emergency power under section 46 of the Children Act 1989 in England and Wales, lasting a maximum of 72 hours. It does not require prior court approval. Police protection does not grant parental responsibility to police officers. Children’s services and the family court […]