Partners, Parents, and Plus-Ones: Who Qualifies as an ‘Associated Person’ in the Family Law Act 1996?
Introduction: In the realm of family law, few issues are as complex and emotionally charged as the relationships that fall within the scope of domestic violence and family protection. The Family Law Act 1996 (FLA 1996) seeks to address these concerns by providing legal remedies to individuals who find themselves at risk from those they […]
Can zonal restrictions act as an occupation order in disguise?
Domestic abuse continues to be a pervasive issue, costing society an estimated £84.4 billion annually. The scale of this issue became more apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the country faced lockdown and reports of domestic abuse surged during this period, reaching an all-time high. These levels have remained relatively consistent, with the National Police […]
DS v AC [2023] EWFC 46: A Helpful Reminder on the Legal Test for Non-Molestation Orders and Without Notice Applications
One of the fundamental questions when applying for a Non-Molestation Order (NMO) will always inevitably be whether the order will be granted on a without notice basis. In simple terms, “Will the order be put in place to protect me before my ex-partner knows that I am making this application?” Whilst never guaranteed, the answer […]
Standish – the “Sharing Principle” and Matrimonialisation of Assets
On 2 July 2025, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom handed down their landmark judgment in the case of Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26 which refines the boundaries of the sharing principle and reinforces the conceptual integrity of non-matrimonial property within financial remedy proceedings. The decision has significant implications for the treatment of […]
More About the Recorder than the Recorded? Covert Recordings in Family Proceedings Involving Children
With high-quality recording devices now built into almost every smartphone, it’s hardly surprising that parties in family proceedings are increasingly tempted to press “record” in secret. As Peter Jackson J aptly observed in M v F (Covert Recordings of Children) [2016] EWFC 29 at [1]: “Advances in technology empower anyone with a mobile phone or a tablet to […]
The Highs and Lows within the First Year of Tenancy
The transition from second six pupil to tenant may seem like a subtle one on paper, but in reality it brings a profound shift in responsibility, independence and identity. While the relief of officially becoming a tenant is real, so are the challenges that follow. Now that I have completed my first year of tenancy, […]