If you have an FDR hearing coming up, you may be wondering what actually happens on the day. Although it is a court hearing, it works very differently from other court hearings. The goal of an FDR is to help both parties reach a financial settlement, and much of the...
For many people, the thought of going to family court is daunting enough. But when you learn that you will need to speak in front of a judge and answer questions about your case, the nerves can really set in. Whether your case involves finances, children, or both,...
Going to court can feel daunting and you might be nervous about seeing your ex. Here are 10 practical steps to take to help prepare: Stay Calm and Composed Court proceedings can be emotional but try to remain calm and avoid reacting to any provocations. Courts value...
In the legal system of England and Wales, the roles of solicitors and barristers are distinct yet complementary. These legal professionals play crucial roles in representing clients, providing legal advice, and advocating in court. Understanding their differences and...
Court hearings can be emotionally charged and legally intricate affairs. For clients navigating these proceedings, preparation is key, especially when it comes to presenting their oral testimony effectively as a witness. As a family law solicitor, you understand the...
Effective witness familiarisation can make all the difference in a case's outcome. As a family law solicitor, your role extends beyond legal counsel; you are often the guiding hand for clients navigating emotionally charged situations. Witness familiarisation training...
Private law child proceedings in England encompass a spectrum of legal processes aimed at resolving disputes related to child arrangements, parental responsibilities, and other familial matters. Central to this process is the choice of venue where these proceedings...
A Child Arrangements Order is a legally binding document issued by the family court that determines arrangements for a child or children following the separation or divorce of their parents. They were formerly known as residence and contact orders. Essentially, a...
A McKenzie Friend accompanies a litigant in person to court to offer support, guidance, and assistance. A litigant in person is someone who does not have legal representation at court and is running their own legal case. They are usually someone who unfortunately...
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a preliminary meeting designed to provide the parties involved in family law disputes with essential information about family mediation as an alternative means of resolving their issues. It aims to...
Traditionally, individuals seeking legal advice or representation would first engage a solicitor, who would then instruct a barrister if necessary. Direct access barristers, however, offer a more streamlined approach by allowing clients to engage directly with a...
The client was the applicant's husband in financial court proceedings, relating to his divorce. The hearing was a Final Hearing at court. The client was introduced to me for witness familiarisation training, via his solicitor. There had already been protracted legal...
The outcome of a Final Hearing in family law court proceedings hinges not only on legal expertise but also on effective witness presentation. Family law solicitors are well aware of the pivotal role witnesses play in shaping the outcome of cases. However, what often...
When you are asked to answer questions yourself at family court or arbitration hearings, it is known as providing oral evidence about your case and is commonly referred to as “giving evidence." When might you have to provide oral evidence? You are usually only...
Witness Familiarisation Training, also known as Witness Preparation Training, is a process that prepares individuals for their testimony in court. It is NOT about coaching witnesses to change their testimony but rather assisting them in delivering accurate and...
If you are coming up to a final hearing in your family court case, you will be familiar with the inside of a courtroom. But (unless you are representing yourself), it is unlikely you have been asked to speak in court. Your barrister or solicitor will have spoken on...
The second court hearing in the financial proceedings court process is called the Financial Dispute Resolution hearing, or FDR for short. Unfortunately, the court system has a bad reputation for being expensive and lengthy. Once in the court process, there can be...
What is a FDR hearing in a divorce case? An FDR is a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing. It is the second hearing in the financial court process, as part of divorce proceedings. It involves a day of negotiations between the couple, with the aim of reaching a...