News Essentials: 21st May 2022

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

NEWS

Judge sets date to decide on future of Southend boy in coma
A High Court judge has set a timetable for decisions on the future of a boy at the centre of a treatment dispute after suffering brain damage. Full story: BBC News.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2022
These Regulations bring into force sections 62 (for specified purposes) and 67 on 19th May 2022, section 70 and Schedule 2 on 7th June 2022, and section 64 on 14th June 2022. Statutory Instrument.

Family Justice Council Bridget Lindley Memorial Lecture (online): Is it Time for Climate Change in the Family Justice System?
This online event was hosted as part of the Family Justice Council’s annual interdisciplinary conference, which was held in Bristol on Wednesday 6 April 2022. This year’s topic was ‘Private Law - a proportionate and safe approach’. Full story: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

The Civil and Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) Order 2022
This Order amends the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 and the Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008. Articles 2 and 3 provide an exemption from paying specified fees in relation to applications for orders or directions relating to cross examination in person. Statutory Instrument.

Herefordshire Council social services separated twins despite expert warnings
Twins were wrongly split up for adoption after social workers altered an expert report warning of the harm of separation. Full story: BBC News.

CASES

LOIRY v. ROMANIA - 20425/20 (Judgment : Article 8 - Right to respect for private and family life : Fourth Section Committee) [2022] ECHR 373 (17 May 2022)
Application by father concerning the non-enforcement of a final court decision ordering the return of the applicant’s children to the place of their habitual residence, in France. Held that there had been a violation of Article 8. Full report: Bailii.

VV v VV [2022] EWFC 46 (17 May 2022)
Costs judgment, following financial remedies order. W ordered to pay £100,000, as "a consequence of her litigation conduct." Full report: Bailii.

Bradford MDC v A Mother [2022] EWFC 48 (12 May 2022)
Fact-finding hearing in care proceedings, concerning allegations of sexual abuse. Full report: National Archives.

Re Ms L & Anor [2022] EWFC 38 (6 May 2022)
Hearing of 2 separate applications for a declaration of parentage, raising issue of whether an adult person, who had been adopted as a child can subsequently obtain a declaration of parentage in relation to the identity of their biological father. Full report: National Archives.

Re A & B [2022] EWFC 44 (3 May 2022)
Final hearing of care proceedings concerning two children. Judgment includes schedule as to the legal differences between a special guardianship order and an adoption order. Full report: National Archives.