Working from home, COVID-19, & Podcasts: our round-up of news for March 2020

If you missed what we’ve been sharing last month, here’s a round up of our blogs and some of the news posts on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

From our blog:

The Modern Family Lawyer – our new podcast!

Our latest family law initiative - "The Modern Family Lawyer" podcast! Listen and learn more about family law anytime, anywhere, with LGFL Director Rita Gupta.

All change? Holiday child arrangements and COVID-19

Child Arrangement Agreements: how a formal letter can save a lot of time and worry for separated parents amid corona virus concerns.

COVID-19: self-isolation, working from home and domestic abuse

If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic violence when self-isolating or working from home, download our new leaflet detailing organisations who can help.

From our social media:

Domestic abuse victims missing vital health checks due to partners intercepting post

Oh this is so sad! Four in 10 survivors had experienced the terror of having their new address revealed to an abusive former partner: this is predominantly done by local authorities or a child’s school.

Blackstone barristers team up with education charity to create ‘Women in Law’ children’s book

This book celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, which received Royal Assent on December 23 1919, and removed the barriers for women to enter the legal profession.

Wife awarded £400k for sacrificing her solicitor career

Woman who says she sacrificed prospects of becoming law firm partner to start family with solicitor-husband awarded £400,000 by family court:

Domestic abuse: Lie-detector tests planned for offenders

Those deemed at high risk of re-offending will be given regular polygraph tests to find out if they have breached release conditions.

Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed abducted daughters and threatened wife - UK court

The High Court publishes a Fact Finding Judgement (FFJ) in favour of Princess Haya. Sheikh Mohammed insisted that the case was “a private matter”.

Family leave reform aims to improve the wellbeing of families and to increase gender equality

Finland grants equal pay parental leave.

"Back in January Finland’s prime minister, Sanna Marin said too few fathers were taking time off to spend with their new children, and that reform was needed."

Divorce bill must not overlook pensions

The Law Society calls for long-awaited legislation reforming divorce to be amended to ensure ex-spouses are not left financially vulnerable as result of pension orders:

The coronavirus may be driving up divorce rates in a Chinese city, officials say

The Global Times reported that the Chinese city of Xi'an has seen a record-high number of divorce requests in recent weeks, with some districts even maxing out the number of appointments available at local government offices.

Here's the problem with telling women in abusive relationships to self-isolate

I agree this is a difficult situation but not just for women, but for men and children too who may not speak out. Here's the problem with telling women in abusive relationships to self-isolate

Welcome to Marriage During the Coronavirus

Yes, dealing with living together 24/7 will be a new experience for many.

Staying home alone

For many parents this is understandably such a worry. My son’s school have been amazing at sharing information.

COVID-19 guidance for children and families

Another great publication by Cafcass guiding parents through this difficult time.

Coronavirus Crisis: Guidance on Compliance with Family Court Child Arrangement Orders

Pretty much what we’ve been saying but here it is officially.