News Essentials: 15th August 2020

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week: 

NEWS

Firm sees enquiries about child arrangements almost double in a month
An increase in disputes over co-parenting arrangements is set to hit the courts due to parents withholding contact because of the lockdown, a law firm is warning. Full story: Family Law Week.

Family judge steps down from 'thankless' leadership role
A designated family judge who was criticised this year for employing ‘obsolescent concepts' on consent in a family case has confirmed he will step down from his leadership role next week. Full story: Law Society Gazette.

‘MoJ must take action to prevent the collapse of legal services providers’
Select committee highlights risks to high street firms, law centres and newly qualified barristers. Full story: Family Law Week.

UK’s women’s refuges turn away victims who speak no English
BAME sufferers of domestic abuse refused sanctuary despite available places at many sites. Full story: The Observer.

CASES

N (Children: Interim Order/ Stay), Re [2020] EWCA Civ 1070 (12 August 2020)
Appeal against order approving the removal of three children from their mother and their placement in local authority foster care under pre-existing interim care orders, and refusal of stay pending appeal. Appeal allowed. Practice in relation to the granting of short term stays restated. Full report: Bailii.

B (A Child : Abduction: Article 13(B)) [2020] EWCA Civ 1057 (11 August 2020)
Appeal by mother against refusal to set aside order that child be returned to Bosnia. Appeal allowed. Consideration given to the correct approach on applications to set aside return orders under the 1980 Convention. Full report: Bailii.

X (A Child : child arrangements order) [2020] EWFC 49 (16 July 2020)
Application by biological father for child arrangements order in relation to child born following artificial insemination, using his sperm. Application refused. Full report: Bailii.

Z (A Child : Hague Convention application) [2020] EWHC 1901 (Fam) (30 June 2020)
Application by father for summary return of child to Australia. Return refused, as child found to be habitually resident in England at the time of any retention. Full report: Bailii.