Source: http://becket-chambers.co.uk/2018/
Timestamp: 2019-02-21 17:54:39
Document Index: 134333584

Matched Legal Cases: ['EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'UKSC ']

2018 - Becket Chambers
Becket Chambers › 2018
Regency Villas v Diamond Resorts: A Modern Easement for Modern Times
Added in Property & Land Law by Rachel Baker
I suspect that for many, the perception of land law is that it involves hours of delving into musty files and poring over aged documents. Whilst this can sometimes be the case, it is an area of law which will often cast an interesting light on societal change. A recent Supreme Court decision is an … Continue reading →
Exercising the Discretion Under the Mitchell/Denton Principles
Added in Civil by Dean Thistle
Following consideration having been given and the determination made that the Mitchell/Denton principles apply in a given situation the mind must turn to the manner in which those principles are likely to be applied in the relevant circumstances. Given the nature of the discretion afforded to the court in an application for relief from sanctions … Continue reading →
Fact Finding Hearings and Cross Examination by Litigants in Person.
Added in Children - Private Law (CAP) by Ronald Edginton
Since the ending of legal aid in private law proceedings, it has become more frequent for cross examination to be conducted by litigants in person, including in cases where the court has deemed that there should be a fact finding hearing, before determining what if any contact should be ordered. The recent case of PS … Continue reading →
Using powers to prevent anti-social behaviour to protect, not punish
Added in Property & Land Law by Cara Radford
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 brought with it new powers in order to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). It introduced, amongst other things, the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), the civil injunction and the closure order. Local Authorities and Police Forces, amongst other organisations can apply for these; but when thinking about these powers, … Continue reading →
Appealing Findings of Fact in private children proceedings
Added in Children - Private Law (CAP) by Louisa Adamson
A recent appeal decision Re A and R (Children) [2018] EWHC 2771 (Fam) acts as a useful reminder of the question of appeals arising from fact finding hearings but also raises other issues routinely encountered in private law cases. The case concerned two boys aged 7 and 6 in respect of whom bitterly contested s8 … Continue reading →
Consideration of the Application of the Mitchell/Denton Principles and What Constitutes an Abuse of Process
Added in Contract and Commercial by Dean Thistle
Following the implementation of the Mitchell/Denton principles compliance with rules and practice directions has become far more important than it previously had been. Whilst the additional clarification given in Denton has provided a greater understanding of what is expected when seeking to apply for relief from sanctions there remain many examples of misunderstandings and misinterpretations. … Continue reading →
Assistance Given to Litigants in Person: Can A Judge Go Too Far in Trying to Strike a Balance?
The presence of Litigants in Person (LiP) in court proceedings is now commonplace. The proportion of cases that involve a LiP on both sides of a dispute continues to rise as do those cases where at least one party is a LiP. In the former, whilst of course not ideal as the assistance of a … Continue reading →
Open All Hours? Flexible Operating Hours for Family and Civil Courts
Added in Civil,Divorce & Matrimonial Finance,Family Injunctions,Children - Private Law (CAP) by Clive Styles
On the 16th November 2018 the Flexible Operating Hours (“FOH”) Pilots: Prospectus for Civil and Family Court Pilots was published. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) announced that early and late sittings will now be trialled over six months in civil and family courts in Manchester Civil Justice Centre and Brentford County Court, commencing in … Continue reading →
Public Law Update – November 2018
CHILDREN & SOCIAL WORK ACT 2017 This Act received Royal Assent on 27.04.17 and, although most of it is not yet in force (except section 10 and Schedule 1, which deals with placement in secure accommodation outside England and Wales) Chapter 1, section 1 of the Act is a helpful reminder of the following “corporate … Continue reading →
Added on 8th November 2018 by Becket Chambers
We are pleased to welcome Charlotte Eastman who has recently joined the Clerking team.
Life as a Pupil Barrister
Added in Civil by Cara Radford
Whilst only 3 weeks into Pupillage, I can tell you that I both thoroughly enjoy being a Pupil barrister and that it is unlike any job I have ever done. Becket Chambers has been immensely welcoming to me and every member of Chambers has made an effort to chat, say hello and help me with … Continue reading →
Chambers & Partners Ranking, 2019
Added on 5th November 2018 by Becket Chambers
We are pleased to be ranked in the Chambers & Partners 2019 Bar guide. Both Christopher Wall and Louisa Adamson have been individually ranked for Family/Matrimonial. Louisa Adamson A highly experienced family lawyer and mediator who is particularly esteemed for her work in public law children cases, including care and adoption proceedings. She acts for a … Continue reading →
Added in Divorce & Matrimonial Finance by Christopher Wall
Some time ago now I wrote an article about the Supreme Court case of Wyatt and Vince. That case explored the issue of whether a party to a marriage can make a claim many years after the marriage has ended; to which in short, the answer was, Yes. The recent High Court case of A … Continue reading →
Added in Family by Christopher Wall
We are pleased to announce that we have been recommended as a leading regional set in the Legal 500, 2018 guide. “Family law is the keystone area of expertise at Becket Chambers; members represent local authorities, children, guardians and parents in TOLATA cases, family finance matters and public and private children law, with an increase … Continue reading →
Annie are you OK, are you OK Annie? [at this precise moment in time whilst completing your last will and testament]
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (“MCA”) introduced a framework for assessing mental capacity, enabling the court to assist persons who lack capacity to manage their affairs by taking decisions or by appointing decision-makers to act on their behalf. MCA is not retrospective and not relevant in considering the validity of wills made prior to 1 April … Continue reading →
Jane Carter joins Chambers
Added on 18th October 2018 by Becket Chambers
We are delighted to announce Jane Carter has accepted an invitation to join Chambers, Jane is an experienced family barrister specialising in Family Finance and Private Law children matters.
Tattersall v Tattersall – periodical payments, enforcement before variation?
Added in Divorce & Matrimonial Finance by Sophie Gray
This case involved two parties who had married in 2000 and subsequently separated in 2010. The marriage produced one child who continued to reside with the wife. On 10th December 2012, a final financial remedy order was made dividing the capital unequally in the wife’s favour in order to enable her to purchase accommodation for … Continue reading →
Added on 2nd October 2018 by Becket Chambers
We are delighted to announce that Samuel Davis has accepted an offer to join Chambers following the successful completion of his pupillage. Samuel will accept instructions in all of Chambers core practice areas. To book Samuel or for more information about his practice, please contact the Clerks on 01227 786331.
Cara Radford – New Pupil
We are pleased to announce that Cara Radford has started her 12 month pupillage with Chambers.
Holly Coates – Maternity Leave
Holly Coates is now on maternity leave until October 2019. Please contact the clerks on 01227 786331 with any queries you may have.
Added in Public Law Children by Kevin Jackson
Fact-Finding: Ground Rules Re M-Y (Children) [2018] EWCA Civ 1306 McCombe and King LJs P was the eldest of 4 children. P alleged that she had been physically chastised by her mother (M) including punching and kicking and sexually assaulted by M’s partner (S), after moving from Romania to live with them in the UK. … Continue reading →
Thy Will Be Done. Maybe…
Those readers who follow legal stories in the press will not have failed to notice a spate of cases concerning end of life decisions. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that an application may no longer be needed for an order to withdraw life-sustaining treatment for a person with a ‘prolonged disorder of consciousness’. “An … Continue reading →
Prohibited Steps Order- when breaches don’t always lead to action
Added in Children - Private Law (CAP) by Sophie Gray
Prohibited Steps Orders are often regarded as a protective means available to a parent who has concerns about another party involved with their child. Whether the issue be the removal of a child from the jurisdiction or simply an order preventing an individual from undertaking a certain act, perhaps naively, Prohibited Steps Orders are used … Continue reading →
Order for Sale: Purchase by a Co-Owner or Sale on the Open Market – Stuck Between a Rock House and a Hard Place
Added in Civil Partnership & Cohabitation Dispute by Dean Thistle
Many claims under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (“the Act”) seek an order for sale of the property in question, however it may be the case that the claimant does not want the property to be sold, but instead to retain it as a sole owner, effectively removing a co-owner … Continue reading →
Divorce Petition Jurisdiction: Never Thum Your Nose at the Rules
Added in Divorce & Matrimonial Finance by Dean Thistle
The stress and cost of financial remedy proceedings are often overwhelming for couples unfortunate enough to have to endure them. However spare a thought for those for whom jurisdiction is in issue; the parties effectively have to fight over the correct jurisdiction in which to have the fight. The Court of Appeal recently considered when … Continue reading →
Disability discrimination and possession proceedings
Added in Civil by Lavinia Glover
Background Paragon Asra Housing Limited (“the Appellant”) is a provider of social housing. Mr Neville (“the Respondent”) was an assured tenant of the Appellant. Under Clause 3 of the Respondent’s tenancy agreement there were a number of- quite standard – obligations. These included: – barring him from using the flat for illegal or immoral purposes; … Continue reading →
Is Guidance Needed in Covert Recordings in the Family Court?
Frequently in this modern age, clients in private law proceedings, will have covertly record either their children or the other party to proceedings saying something that they think that the court ought to hear at some stage during the proceedings. The usual test as to whether it should be introduced into evidence is whether the … Continue reading →
In February 2017 I wrote an article on the case of Mills v. Mills [2017] EWCA Civ 129 (http://becket-chambers.co.uk/2017/02/28/upward-variation-periodical-payments-recipients-financial-recklessness-political-hot-potato/) which considered whether capital needs could, in effect, be revisited in a future application to vary periodical payments. The case has now been reconsidered by the Supreme Court; here I provide a reminder of the original … Continue reading →
Is the family justice system in crisis? Yes says Sir Andrew McFarlane, the new president of the Family Division of the High Court, who took over that role in July 2018. Sir Andrew was speaking at the launch of a Care Crisis review, an independent study by senior lawyers, social workers, charities & academics into … Continue reading →
Added in Personal Injury by Lavinia Glover
Introduction This article explores the recent case of Clay v TUI Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 1177. Mr Philip Clay brought a claim for damages for personal injury against TUI UK Limited. Mr Clay sustained injuries when he fell from a balcony at a hotel in Tenerife, where he and his family had gone on a … Continue reading →
re M (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 2356 Introduction In a lead judgment from Jackson LJ the Court of Appeal have reiterated the guidance in Re F (A Child) (International Relocation Cases) [2015] EWCA Civ 882 that “an analysis of some sophistication and complexity” is required before granting an application for relocation. This case makes it … Continue reading →
When conducting a family law case, chattels are normally dealt with in one of two ways. In some cases, clients will argue tooth and nail over all chattels involved and the arguments themselves will form a large part of proceedings. However, in other cases, chattels are an afterthought, discussed at the door of the Court. … Continue reading →
Housing reform- tackling the “rogue landlord”
Added in Property & Land Law by Lavinia Glover
Introduction This article explores the recent legislative changes that came into play in April 2018. From 6th April 2018, parts of the Housing and Planning Act 2016　”The Act” commence introducing banning orders and a database of rogue landlords and property agents in England. This article focuses on those two main areas of change. In the … Continue reading →
Added in Children - Private Law (CAP) by Gayle Ashley
Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, has announced that a final approved draft of the revised Practice Direction 27A (which awaits only formal signature by the relevant Minister) is due to come into force on 23 July 2018. The basic PD27A remains as before but with some minor changes. The three main changes … Continue reading →
Costs against Public Authorities in Non-CPR Civil Proceedings in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts – Heads They Win, Tails You Lose
Added in Civil by Samuel Davis
R (on the application of Perinpanathan) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and Another [2010] EWCA Civ 40 is the current leading authority on the question of costs in civil matters brought in the Crown or Magistrates’ Court by a public authority. It applies and extends the principles in City of Bradford Metropolitan DC v … Continue reading →
(Assured) Landlord and Tenant in Potential Agreement? Sweet Surrender
Added in Property & Land Law by Samuel Davis
Once there has been a breakdown in the landlord and tenant relationship, and the landlord wants to seek possession, the default route is the instigation of formal possession proceedings. A problem that assured and assured-shorthold landlords are starting to encounter more frequently, however, is the Section 21 debarment that results from a failure to comply … Continue reading →
The Succession Loophole (Assured Tenancies)
When a social tenancy has been in place for decades, establishing what has previously occurred, and how it might impact a legal dispute today, can prove a complex matter. One generally accepted rule, though, is that whether it is governed by the Housing Act 1985 (“HA 1985”) or the Housing Act 1988 (“HA 1988”) only … Continue reading →
A variation to the law of variations: The Supreme Court gives judgment in Rock Advertising Ltd v MWB Business Exchange Centres Ltd
Added in Contract and Commercial by Rachel Baker
Summary: In a case of potential relevance to anyone entering into a written contract, the Supreme Court has recently held that oral variations to such a contract may well be invalid. The case has wide reaching implications and changes the approach previously adopted by the courts. In its Judgment in Rock Advertising Ltd v MWB … Continue reading →
Conferences in Probate. Send for the barrister!
Probate (and for the purposes of this article I include Inheritance Act claims, which some would argue are family cases rather than probate) are one of the areas of law where there can be a plethora of parties represented by the one legal adviser. To those of us working in this area of law, it … Continue reading →
s. 20 The Children Act 1989 – Misuse and Abuse
An interesting case has arisen where ‘misuse and abuse’ of the use of a s. 20 agreement has occurred. Let’s first remind ourselves of the main case on this subject with which we are now familiar, Re N (Adoption:Jurisdiction) [2015] EWCA Civ 1112, [2016] 1 FLR 621, in which the President described the delay in … Continue reading →
Inheritance Act: Reasonable Financial Provision
Following the recent decision in Ilott v The Blue Cross and others [2017] UKSC the High Court has recently had the opportunity to consider the issue of reasonable financial provision in Thompson v Ragget and others [2018] EWHC 688 (Ch), this time from the point of view of a cohabitee. The Facts The claimant, aged … Continue reading →
A roundup of the President’s lecture on a unified, re-vamped family court
It is a familiar problem. A divorce is being endured. It is, by definition, fractious and, most importantly, still fractious in respect of the children. Or, put in lawyer’s tongue, there are ongoing matrimonial finance proceedings, in which the children are the first consideration (section 25 (1) Matrimonial Causes Act 1973) but the “child arrangements” … Continue reading →
Introduction Hot on the heels of The Association of British Insurers (ABI) (in response to an apparent increase in whiplash claims) The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has campaigned for reform in package holiday gastric illness claims. Personal Injury reform is a topic that I have previously explored under “Personal Injury Claims- further reform … Continue reading →
The recently-reported case of Dobson v Griffey [2018] EWHC 1117 (Ch) provides a helpful reminder of the difficulties in cohabitation cases when seeking a share of a property that is held in another party’s sole name. The decision is that of HHJ Matthews sitting as a High Court Judge. The judgment considers the standard of … Continue reading →
Added in Public Law Children by Marie Crawford
The President has issued further guidance on cases involving parents with learning difficulties: President’s Guidance Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability, 10th April 2018: He refers to the leading cases: Re D (A Child) (No 3) (2016) EWFC 1: http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed158421 and Re Guardian and A (Care Order: Freeing Order: Parents with a Learning Disability) … Continue reading →