News Essentials: 23rd July 2022

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

NEWS

Domestic Abuse Commissioner reappointed for a second term
Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, will continue in her role for a further 3 years. Full story: Home Office.

Domestic abusers barred from cross-examining victims in family and civil courts
Victims of domestic abuse can be spared from being cross-examined by their alleged attackers in family and civil courts under measures coming into force today (21 July 2022). Full story: Ministry of Justice.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022
These Regulations are the fifth commencement regulations made under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. They bring into force sections 65 and 66 of the Act on 21st July 2022. Statutory Instrument.

Children in care are being illegally placed in caravans and boats
Children in care are still being illegally placed in unregulated homes in England, including on narrowboats and in caravans, BBC News has learned. Full story: BBC News.

Wedding laws need biggest shake-up since 19th Century - report
The biggest shake-up to wedding laws since the 19th Century would give couples more choice, a government commissioned report has said. Full story: BBC News.

The Family Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2022
These Rules amend the Family Procedure Rules 2010. For details, see the explanatory note. Statutory Instrument.

Appeal court kicks out judge’s ban on police investigation
Veto on Met interviews into child abuse allegations ‘overreached powers’. Full story: The Observer.

CASES

A Local Authority V X & Ors (Rev2) [2021] EWFC 91 (05 November 2021)
Fact-finding in care proceedings, concerning serious allegations of abuse made by the mother against the grandparents. Full report: Bailii.

K, Re and Re R (Unregulated Placement : Authorisation Pursuant to the Court's Inherent Jurisdiction : Prohibition) [2022] EWHC 1890 (Fam) (08 July 2022)
Hearing of two cases in which the local authority applied to the court to sanction placing of the mothers together with their young child in an unregulated residential family placement. Full report: Bailii.

Wirral Borough Council v RT & Anor [2022] EWHC 1869 (Fam) (30 June 2022)
Application by local authority for a declaration that it is in best interests of 6 day old child to undergo surgery to investigate, and if necessary repair, a suspected obstructed bowel. Full report: Bailii.

A (A Child), Re [2022] EWHC 1873 (Fam) (13 July 2022)
Application by NHS Trust for declaration that 3 month old child had suffered brain stem death and that, accordingly, it was lawful to cease ventilation and medication. Application adjourned, following hospital rescinding clinical ascertainment of death. Full report: Bailii.

X v C [2022] EWFC 79 (12 July 2022)
Final hearing of wife's financial remedies application, in case involving limited capital assets. Full report: Bailii.

Da Silva v Pereira Jr (Abduction: Article 13B and child's objections) [2022] EWHC 1193 (Fam) (11 May 2022)
Application by mother for summary return of child to Portugal. Return ordered. Full report: Bailii.