Read our latest coverage and comment
New guidance around alienating behaviours a significant step forward
New guidance from the Family Justice Council represents a significant step forward when dealing with cases involving allegations of ‘alienating behaviour’. I am pleased to have contributed to this important workstream alongside my respected colleagues on FJC. The...
Sir Andrew MacFarlane congratulates FLANC on innovation award
“Described by Sir Andrew MacFarlane as ‘one of those ideas which is so good you wonder why we hadn’t thought of it sooner’ FLANC has picked up its second award in as many months. Family Advice for the Neurodivergent Community (FLANC) was awarded the Family Law...
Farhana Shahzady joins as consultant solicitor
Beck Fitzgerald is delighted to announce that Farhana Shahzady has joined the firm as a consultant solicitor. Farhana is an exceptional family lawyer and mediator. Farhana is a national expert on the thorny and contemporary issue of spousal maintenance, upon which she...
FLANC wins Resolution innovation award
We are thrilled to announce that Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community (FLANC) has won the Innovation Champion Award at the esteemed Resolution Awards 2024. This award celebrates FLANC’s pioneering efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible...
Remembering Jess
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news of the loss of our dear colleague and friend Jessica Aviss. Jess was a wonderful colleague, a caring and compassionate solicitor and a true friend. We will miss her desperately. Jessica’s funeral will take place on...
Family Lawyers join forces to support neurodivergent community
Family lawyers from different firms and chambers have joined forces to set up a specialist group dedicated to ensuring the neurodivergent community has equal access to justice. FLANC (Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community) has been spearheaded by Duncan...
Beck Fitzgerald team news
We are delighted to announce that we have invited Molly Ashcroft and Rebecca Pantelli to become Directors of Beck Fitzgerald with immediate effect. Both Molly and Rebecca have made an enormous contribution to the smooth running of our growing team and will continue to...
Reluctance, resistance, and refusal – let’s lose the pseudo-science.
Taking a constructive and collaborative approach to problem solving in an area which is complex is always a challenge. The polarising debates surrounding the complex area of alienating behaviours are particularly difficult to navigate because they have become...
Current legal aid regime puts victims at risk
Punched in the face. Strangled. Stalked. Expected to always cook homemade meals. Kicked in front of the children. Over the threshold to qualify for legal aid to protect herself. Had to make an ex parte order on her own (her furious husband turned up at her house the...
Jenny Beck new Chair of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory board
Nuffield Foundation has appointed Jenny Beck as Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory’s board. Jenny Beck is a family lawyer, founding partner and Director of Beck Fitzgerald, committed to accessible and fair justice and the rights of the individual. Jenny...
Domestic abuse awareness…much to be done
Two days ago, we saw the announcement that, under Jade’s law, parental responsibility will now be automatically suspended for parents who have been sentenced for killing someone they shared parental responsibility with. We welcome this announcement and what it...
Transgender and the Family Courts
More than 250,000 people in England and Wales identify as transgender, according to the Census 2021 data which gave us the first true picture of gender identity in Britain. Awareness of transgender issues in the Family Court is gradually increasing however the law of...
Mediation – how can it help you?
We are using this opportunity to shine a light on mediation and how it can help resolve financial disputes or arrangements for children in a cooperative and non-adversarial manner. What is Mediation? Family mediation is a voluntary process in which a professionally...
LASPOA – 10 years on
Ten years have passed since the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPOA) devastated access to justice. A staggering 80% of family law cases were removed from scope leaving tens of thousands of families unsure and insecure about their legal rights...
The Times best law firms
The Times Best Law Firms Beck Fitzgerald are delighted to have been named in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2023’ publication for family law. This is a brilliant achievement for the firm and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the team. We would like to thank...
Until we have a level playing field justice will remain a challenge
‘Until we have a level playing field justice in the family courts will remain a challenge. The system needs proper funding and we need fast action to implement ctitical changes highlighted in the Harm Panels review. This really cannot wait’ Victims of domestic abuse...
Beck Fitzgerald appoints two new Directors and five Associates
We are delighted to announce that we have invited Amy Woolfenden and Sarah Stace to become Directors of Beck Fitzgerald with immediate effect. Sarah will continue to lead and mentor in private client, finance and unmarried family cases and Amy will continue to head up...
The Problem with the nuts and bolts…
How process and procedure mitigate against fairness in cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour in the family courts. I want to take a few moments to give you my thoughts about how process and procedure (often way before cases arrive in court) inadvertently...