As the word suggests this is a responsibility – not a badge or award! In respect of parental responsibility I would suggest that this is about duty and trust. A duty for a parent to take responsibility for their parenting and instil trust in how that is done in a consistent and balanced manner. How […]

In 2024, International Women’s Day campaign theme, “Inspire Inclusion” emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion […]

Parents who refuse to financially support their children face quicker penalties under government plans, it has been announced. Government Ministers state that enforcement times will be cut from six months to six weeks. The government confirmed a £20 application fee for parents seeking intervention when maintenance is not paid will come into force from 26 […]

If you’re facing economic abuse or living with its effects, your bank could be a key source of support. Please look through the Banking Support Directory to learn more about the support offered by major banks and building societies in the UK as provided by the wonderful organisation – “Surviving Economic Abuse”.   This directory […]

Economic and Financial abuse is endemic within abusive relationships and a potent tool for perpetrators of abuse to underpin their power and control. It serves to ensure survivors of abuse and their children remain vulnerable, dependent, TRAPPED!!!! Legal proceedings are essential for victim-survivors to leave abusive partners and rebuild their lives independently.   There is real […]

Preparing for and attending Basingstoke County and Family Court can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially if you are a survivor of domestic abuse, coercive control, post separation control, harassment and stalking. Women’s McKenzie Friend specialises in assisting women in child arrangements orders where there are safeguarding concerns. We understand risk, the dynamics of […]

McKenzie Friend – specialists at supporting women affected by domestic abuse at Swindon Family Court A devastating study involving 45 women who accused their partners of domestic abuse has highlighted serious health problems they have suffered as a result, they say, of biased family court proceedings. The research was led by Manchester university researches in […]

This is the conclusion of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales who has published a report about family courts. This conclusion will not be a surprising one for many women who have gone through the family courts and experienced utter anxiety, intimidation and feeling overwhelmed by the whole system that underpins continued abuse of […]

Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the Family Division of the High Court and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, said everyone working in “family justice” is operating at the “extent of their capacity”. I would suggest the family courts are in free fall! My experience of women’s attempts to navigate […]

Section 11J of the Children Act 1989. Where a Child Arrangements Order is in place and a party has failed to comply with one of its provisions, without a reasonable excuse, the court can make an order imposing on that party an unpaid work requirement. The burden is on the party alleged to have breached […]