Latest updates
- The parties had been in dispute about the beneficial ownership of a valuable property. The former husband sought permission to appeal from findings of fact made in contempt of court proceedings. He contended that despite being an unrepresented litigant he had given evidence without being informed of his right to silence. Peter Jackson LJ found that the court could not be satisfied that no injustice had occurred. If the husband had been informed that he was not obliged to give evidence, he might not have done so. This was a procedural irregularity serious enough to justify the granting of permission to appeal, and the appeal should be allowed. Popplewell LJ agreed. Judgment, 17/03/2020, free
- Seven summonses were before Cohen J. One was the wife's judgment summons, claiming the husband had not paid the sums due under the order and requesting committal. The husband admitted that he was in arrears, but argued that he was unable to pay. Looking at his expenditure, Cohen J was satisfied that that was not the case, and found him to be in contempt of court. Consideration of what punishment to impose was adjourned to a later hearing, and the husband was directed to file information and evidence regarding the claimed changes in his circumstances. Judgment, 12/11/2019, free
- Sentencing of husband for contempt of court was adjourned until after the financial remedy hearing, at which the husband's ability to pay might emerge. Judgment, 22/11/2018, free
- Appeal against a 7 month prison sentence for contempt of court, which was given to a relative of the father of 3 abducted children, was dismissed. Judgment, 19/11/2018, free
- The sister of the husband was imprisoned for failing to comply with 2 court orders in this long running financial remedy dispute. Judgment, 07/11/2018, free
Latest know-how
- In a tweet: Immediate prison sentence for breaches of orders in FR proceedings Case note, 11/04/2018, members only
- Standard family order as approved by the President 30 November 2017 Order, 19/01/2018, members only
- In a tweet: M committed to prison for breaching orders relating to information sharing Case note, 28/07/2017, members only
- In a tweet: High Court refuses F’s application to discontinue wardship proceedings Case note, 02/02/2017, members only
- In a tweet: Father not guilty of criminal contempts for breaching orders relating to wards of court Case note, 02/02/2017, members only
Latest training
- Recording of webinar first broadcast on 21st March 2019 Webcast, 26/03/2019, members only
Latest sources
- New Practice Direction, issued by the Lord Chief Justice, applies to all proceedings including family and supersedes existing Practice Directions. Practice direction, 27/03/2015, free