News Essentials: 11th September 2021

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

NEWS

Digital divorce portal to become mandatory
Getting a divorce will move a significant step closer to becoming a paper-free process when HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s digital portal becomes mandatory for new applications next week. Full story: Law Society Gazette.

Art collection expected to fetch at least $600m to help settle divorce
Macklowe collection includes works by artists including Picasso, Rothko and Giacometti. Full story: The Guardian.

Spotlight on domestic homicides as independent reviewer appointed
A leading criminal defence barrister has been appointed to conduct an independent review of the law around domestic homicides. Full story: Ministry of Justice.

Change to family legal advice via the Civil Legal Advice helpline
Callers to the Civil Legal Advice helpline with family issues will no longer be referred to specialist telephone advice. Full story: Family Law Week.

Call for evidence on dispute resolution extended to 31 October 2021
The call by the Ministry of Justice for evidence on dispute resolution has been extended to 31 October 2021. Full story: Family Law Week.

CASES

A and B (Rescission of Order Change of Circumstances) [2021] EWFC 76 (08 September 2021)
Application by children for rescission of order for their return from Spain. Full report: Bailii. See also my post, here.

C (A Child) (Abduction: Article 13(b)) [2021] EWCA Civ 1354 (10 September 2021)
Appeal by father from dismissal of application for summary return of child to Poland. Appeal allowed. Full report: Bailii. See also my brief note, here.

Warrington Borough Council v W (Care Proceedings: Jurisdiction) [2021] EWFC 68 (31 August 2021)
Care proceedings in relation to 7 year old child from Gabon. Judgment dealing with issue of jurisdiction. Full report: Bailii.

MBC v AM & Ors (DOL Orders for Children Under 16) [2021] EWHC 2472 (Fam) (08 September 2021)
Judgment in 4 cases, considering whether it remains open to the High Court to authorise the deprivation of liberty of a child under the age of 16, where the placement in which the restrictions that are the subject of that authorisation will be applied is prohibited by the terms of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. Full report: Bailii.