News Essentials: 12th March 2022

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

NEWS

HMCTS to switch off 'old' divorce portal on 31 March
Solicitors will not be able to apply for a divorce on behalf of their clients - unless it is urgent - for one week starting at the end of this month, as HM Courts & Tribunals Service prepares to introduce a new regime designed to remove conflict from the legal process of separation. Full story: Law Society Gazette.

A View from The President’s Chambers: March 2022
The latest update from the President, plus the President's Case Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022. Full story: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2022
These Regulations make amendments to primary and secondary legislation consequential on the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. Statutory Instrument.

Baby left brain damaged in ‘almost immeasurable tragedy’ can have ventilator removed - judge
A “much-loved” one-year-old boy who was found face down in the bath after his mother left the room to fetch a towel can have his ventilator removed, a High Court judge has ruled. Full story: Care Appointments.

Pioneering approach in family courts to support domestic abuse victims better
Victims of domestic abuse will receive better support as part of a new approach being piloted in the family courts. Full story: Ministry of Justice.

Adoptions continue to decline with children waiting longer to be placed, latest figures show
Fall in adoptions since 2015 continues despite expanding pool of adopters, as new government investment sparks calls for greater focus on rest of care system. Full story: Community Care.

CASES

H v B [2022] EWHC 526 (Fam) (11 March 2022)
Application by father for summary return of child to France. Mother's Art 13(b) defence made out. Application dismissed. Full report: Bailii.

Swansea CC v 11 Respondents [2022] EWFC 12 (04 March 2022)
Fact-finding judgment in public law proceedings concerning six children of inter-connected families. Full report: Bailii.

ND v LD (financial remedy: needs) [2022] EWFC B15 (10 March 2022)
Final hearing of H's financial remedy application, in small money case in which the main capital assets were the parties’ pensions, determined by reference to needs. Full report: Bailii.

Local Authority v D & E [2021] EWFC 114 (06 July 2021)
Final hearing of care proceedings brought due to concerns at children's care by mother and stepfather, including being regularly disciplined using physical chastisement by way of beatings. Full report: Bailii.

D, Re (Leave to Apply to Revoke Placement Orders) [2022] EWCA Civ 299 (10 March 2022)
Appeal from order refusing a mother leave to apply to revoke placement orders authorising LA to place her two children for adoption. Appeal allowed and leave granted. Full report: Bailii.

A & B (Children) (Contested Adoption) [2022] EWFC 17 (04 March 2022)
Final hearing of adoption application in relation to two children subject to care and adoption orders. Full report: Bailii.

A,B and C (Fact Find: Allegations of Coercive and Controlling Behaviour) [2021] EWFC B103 (01 October 2021)
Judgment following fact-finding hearing in private law proceedings concerning three children. Full report: Bailii.

H (A Child) [2022] EWFC 14 (04 March 2022)
Application by NHS Trust for declarations allowing withdrawal of ventilation from child with profound hypoxic brain injury. Full report: Bailii.

Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15 (04 February 2022)
Judgment on wife's application for maintenance pending suit. Full report: Bailii.

RL v Nottinghamshire CC & Anor [2022] EWFC 13 (Fam) (08 March 2022)
Application by mother for rehearing of fact-finding in care proceedings. Application dismissed. Full report: Bailii.

T (No.2) (Care Proceedings: Fact-Finding: Genital Injuries: Supplemental Judgment for Publication) [2021] EWFC 101 (08 December 2021)
Supplemental judgment re: fact-finding in care proceedings concerning three year-old boy. Full report: Bailii.