On 1 July 2020, the Supreme Court handed down judgment in the matter of Villiers. The appeal, which was brought by the husband, centered on whether the English court has jurisdiction to make a maintenance order under section 27 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in circumstances where the divorce between the parties took place in Scotland. We unpack the nature of the judgment and its wider ramifications in this article.

Partner Lucy Greenwood & trainee Solicitor Feriha Tayfur look at Jewish divorces ('Get') and potential solutions to family law practitioners and clients who need to ensure that a Jewish client obtains both a civil and religious divorce.

Partners Lucy Loizou and Michael Allum consider the ever-increasing international movement of people and families, a significant portion of financial cases in the family courts of England and Wales now involved assets located overseas. 

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill concluded its route through the House of Commons yesterday and now returns to the House of Lords to consider an amendment.

However it is not expected to be implemented upon Royal Assent. The current estimated timeframe for implementation is Autumn 2021.

Cryptocurrency, though used by only a small part of the general population, is increasingly subject to litigation as its use becomes more widespread and it starts to figure in disputes, both commercial and personal. 

An increasing number of divorce cases feature cryptocurrency so it is more important than ever for the couple divorcing and their lawyers to be clear on the status of cryptocurrency and how it should be treated within a divorce case. 

David Hodson was interviewed this morning live on talkRADIO by Mike Graham and gave his support on the topical issue of 'No Fault Divorce'.

David called for changes to make the new law fairer and non discriminatory, for all spouses to have the full 26 weeks notice and for final divorces to wait until the final settlement, to incorporate if there may be any hardship to either spouse.

Partner Lucy Greenwood offers practical advice and guidance in this article, for those looking for legal relationship advice as we ease out of lockdown.

iFLG partner Michael Allum reviews the English family court’s power to make financial orders following foreign divorces (Part III) and asks whether it is time for the leave/permission filter mechanism to be reformed.   

The court is usually unwilling to adjust financial settlements in light of conduct despite a great many clients asking it to do so.  This article takes a look at how this position has come about and how other similar countries tackle conduct issues. 

By: David Hodson OBE MCIArb with Stuart Clark and Emma Chowdhury

Overview