Family News

Alternative provision projects receive £4m funding boost

Cypnow – 6 August

The Department for Education has allocated a further £4 million to nine projects across the country that specialise in better education of pupils in alternative provision. According to Dame Christine Lenehan, director of the Council for Disabled Children, ‘renewed focus on children whose needs are not met by the current system’ will be welcomed.

New phase of online divorce pilot launched

Family Law Week – 5 August

Four solicitor’s firms have been selected to begin beta testing the new online divorce pilot. The pilot is planned to be launched to the legal profession in the autumn and is intended to pave the way for all applications across the Family Court become digital.

English Court recognises an Islamic marriage that took place in England for the first time in a landmark ruling

Marilyn Stowe Blog – 3 August

Sarah Jane Lenihan discusses the recent landmark ruling from the High Court than ‘an Islamic faith marriage falls within the scope of English matrimonial law.’ Despite the marriage being performed under Sharia law, Mr Justice Williams ruled it can be recognised under the Matrimonial Clauses Act 1973, potentially setting precedent for other faith weddings and non-legal commitment ceremonies.

Guidance regarding legal aid for unaccompanied and separated children

Family Law Week – 3 August

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has released interim guidance under section 4 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, whilst they are working on the necessary legislation concerning immigration legal aid for unaccompanied and separated children. Family Law Week provides a link to the full guidance.