In May 2025, the Family Justice Council released updated guidance regarding covert recordings. The guidance defines these as “any recordings made without the express knowledge and permission of the people being recorded whether by video or audio”. Whilst they can be an invaluable source of evidence in the Family Court, such recordings can also have harmful consequences. There has been much debate in the Courts as to what extent the recordings can and should be used, particularly in line with GDPR and data protection laws.

Tozers have built an excellent reputation for representing parents and others in Court proceedings or in pre-proceedings brought by Social Services. Tozers have one of the largest local teams dedicated to working on cases relating to children.

Financial remedy is the process which deals with the division of matrimonial finances. From the time the application is issued, there are three court hearings up to and including the Final Hearing. At any point, parties can reach a voluntary agreement and are encouraged to do so. The middle hearing, the Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR) is where the Judge provides their view on the likely outcome of the case.

When a couple divorce one of the most difficult elements can be the division of assets. Much depends on the types of assets involved and the question of what constitutes a non-matrimonial asset can be an expensive source of contention between divorcing couples.

The Times has reported this week that there are developments afoot on plans to reform the legal position between cohabitees who decided not to get married.

In January, a Labour MP presented a private members’ bill to Parliament proposing to create a right for employees to have up to ten days paid “safe leave” to deal with issues relating to domestic abuse or violence.

From Monday 27th January 2025 the Family Courts opened their reporting provisions across England and Wales. These changes will enable accredited journalists and legal bloggers to apply for a transparency order and, if granted, they can attend hearings and report on them whilst also protecting the anonymity of the families involved.

One parent should not unilaterally change a child’s school without first seeking the consent of the other parent, who holds parental responsibility. However, the time may have come to decide which primary school or secondary school your child should attend, and this can include both state or public schools.

If you are considering moving with your child or children which may impact on the time the other parent spends with their child or children and you both have parental responsibility, then it is advised that you try to reach an agreement and seek the other parent’s consent.

Family lawyers across England and Wales will be wagging their tails this week, after useful guidance was given in the Manchester Family Court about the ownership of family pets. We are often asked by clients what happens to shared pets, particularly dogs who are undoubtedly an important member of the family in modern day life. This can be a tricky and emotive area to advise on.

Today marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25th November – 10th December), a global movement to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Since its inception in 1991, this annual campaign has united people worldwide to challenge harmful attitudes and advocate for better laws and services to eliminate violence against women and girls.

When purchasing a property as a couple, whether that be unmarried or married, you are required to tick a box on the Transfer Deed indicating how you wish to own the property. This is known as the ‘Declaration of Trust’ box. Many couples opt to hold their property as joint tenants. This means they each hold an equal share in the property.