Blogs

When should I apply for a financial remedy order in my divorce?

Going through a divorce is never easy.  However, despite the strain you and your family will be under, you do need to come to a viable agreement regarding your property and finances.  To do this you will need to apply for a financial remedy order.  We are often asked at what stage of the proceedings […]

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A new non-fatal strangulation offence has come into force

From the 7th of June 2022 anyone who strangles their partners in a bid to control or intimidate them will face up to 5 years behind bars for committing the UK’s new non-fatal strangulation offence. The new non-fatal strangulation offence will also apply to British nationals abroad so there is no escape for abusers even if […]

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The ICO has called for excessive data collection from rape victims to stop

John Edwards, the commissioner of Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has called for excessive data collection from rape victims to stop now.  He believes the current practices seriously breach data protection laws. In a strongly worded statement Mr Edwards said he expects excessive data collection from rape victims to stop immediately saying: “Our investigation reveals an […]

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Is the Justice system putting ‘trans rights ahead of women’?

A new report claims women are being failed by the criminal justice system because it is too focused on transgender rights which is putting “trans rights ahead of women.” The report, titled Transgenderism and Policy Capture in the Criminal Justice System, was authored by the Policy Exchange think tank.  While researching the paper they found the police, the […]

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New legislation will put victims firmly at heart of the justice system

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has announced he is publishing draft legislation that will put the “needs and voices” of victims “firmly at heart of the justice system”.  The Bill has been designed to provide  better support for victims, increase conviction rates and, many expect, pave the way for the first victims’ law. The reforms to the support for victims […]

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What is the new economic crime bill and what has it been passed to do?

The UK’s new economic crime bill – the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act  or ECA – was recently rushed through because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but what is the economic crime bill and what has it been passed to do? What is the new economic crime bill? In very broad terms, the ECA has been […]

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How does a pupil find life at Westgate Chambers?

Pupillage at The Bar is notoriously challenging and demanding so it’s easy to let work overtake its primary objective – to produce excellent new barristers and to make sure these barristers careers begin with a flourish. We’ve asked our pupil’s to provide an honest and open appraisal of their pupillage and how, as a pupil, they found life […]

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How does a pupil find life at Westgate Chambers?

Pupillage at The Bar is notoriously challenging and demanding so it’s easy to let work overtake its primary objective – to produce excellent new barristers and to make sure these barristers careers begin with a flourish. We’ve asked our pupil’s to provide an honest and open appraisal of their pupillage and how, as a pupil, they found life […]

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How will no fault divorce affect financial settlements?

No fault divorce came into effect in England and Wales on the 6th of April.  As it has widely been accepted this will be the biggest change to UK divorce law in our lifetimes, it’s important to consider how no fault divorce will affect financial settlements. Under the new Bill, one party will be able to file […]

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Why have divorce applications soared by 50% after no fault divorce was introduced?

As soon as no fault divorce was introduced on the 6th April 2022 more than 3000 couples petitioned to end their marriage within days.  This is opposed to the 1500 that would usually apply for a divorce in an average week which left us asking why divorce applications have soared by 50% after no fault divorce […]

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