Specialist Court to be established for financial remedies – President of the Family Division says

Nigel Smith, Divorce & Family Solicitor and Collaborative Lawyer at Astle Paterson, discusses a pilot scheme for a new Court which will determine issues of financial relief upon divorce.

Following the ambition of the Law Society to make a clear separation between the administration of divorce and the financial consequences stemming from it, a new Specialist Court is to be piloted at the beginning of 2018. It will be tasked with determining the financial remedies on divorce proceedings.

The new Courts will be in London, the West Midlands and South-East Wales from February. The expectations are that more pilots will follow in other areas.

Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, stated that each circuit will have two regional hubs, headed by a Lead Judge who is an expert in financial remedy work.

Mr Justice Mostyn has agreed to be the National Lead Judge and His Honour Judge Edward Hess will take on the role of Deputy Lead Judge. It is believed that current district and circuit judges who currently deal with financial remedy work will continue with cases within the new Court system.

Should you need assistance or advice on divorce, financial relief, or should you wish to discuss the matter at an initial fixed fee interview, please contact Astle Paterson’s Divorce and Family Law Team on 01283 531366 or by way of email at nsmith@astlepaterson.co.uk.