Here at Higgins Miller we specialise in family law cases, and that often means working with clients as they go through some of the most stressful things life is likely to throw at them. This can include, divorce, dealing with a will after the death of a loved one or handling an adoption claim. All […]
Last week the BBC’s Panorama investigated the issue of so called “DIY Justice” in family law. This refers to the situation many parents now find themselves in whereby if they wish to make an application to the family courts they have to do so without the assistance of a solicitor. This problem has been made […]
More than 1,300 people have learnt the abusive past of their partners via disclosures from police under Clare’s law which allows police to disclose information about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, 36, from Salford, who was strangled and set on fire in 2009 […]
Welsh rugby star Ian Gough has been found guilty of assaulting his ex-partner and the mother of his son. Sophie Cahill who is a former Miss Wales alleged that Mr Gough assaulted her during a handover of their son. At Higgins Miller we often encounter clients who have difficulties at handovers. This is of course […]
There has been a massive increase in the numbers of people representing themselves in court in cases concerning children. Between April and December 2013 the courts saw a 57% increase in the number of those without lawyers compared with the previous year. This increase is likely to be partly due to the removal of legal […]
Police in England and Wales have issued warnings to those with histories of domestic violence ahead of the World Cup, due to start this week. Evidence from past competitions shows that rates of domestic violence increase dramatically during and after games regardless of the result. In one area of the UK violence rose by 38% […]
Prosecutors are to be issued with new guidelines for dealing with cases of domestic abuse concerning younger and older victims. In relation to younger victims the guidelines will direct prosecutors to consider the impact of social networking and aspects of gang culture. It will be noted that “some teenagers may not even consider themselves victims […]
Home Secretary, Theresa May commented upon the report undertaken by HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) in respect of the response by Police in domestic abuse matters. The HMIC states … “not all police leaders are ensuring that domestic abuse is a priority in their forces – it is often a poor relation to other […]
MPs from all parties are backing a tough US-style law that would make domestic abuse a specific offence carrying a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. This is something that will hopefully help increased conviction rates; as it is recognised that at present conviction rates are low and often the perpetrator is convicted […]
Clare’s Law, which allows people to check the police records of their partners has been running in Manchester and two other areas since September 2012. The scheme is named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her partner who had a history of violence in relationships. Clare’s law is now to be expanded throughout the […]