An Introduction to Family Law Practice & Procedure - A Box Set of 6 Essential Modules

Introduction

This box set of 6 online modules presented by Stuart Barlow, is aimed at trainees and paralegals, all of whom play an important role within a family department of a law firm.

These modules deal with the first contact with a client right through to the end of the case.

Module 1 Conducting Interviews in Family Cases

Interviewing clients is a vital part of taking instructions from clients. This module deals with the purpose of interviews, different styles, how to take instructions and what to cover during the interview.

This module will include the following:

• How to conduct an interview and what to look out for
• Information gathering and the use of a pro-forma
• How to advise a client
• Follow up work including communications and diary entries
• Fee charging including fixed fee interviews

Module 2 File Management

Good file management is vital whilst running a family case. This model will address good file management of correspondence, court papers, confidentiality, billing and time recording and will include the following:

• Communicating well with clients and others
• How to deal with telephone calls and emails
• The importance of diary keeping
• Paper light, paper free
• Attendance notes
• Accounts rules
• Funding a family case
• Managing clients and complaints
• Closing the file

Module 3 Drafting Court Applications and Statements in Family Proceedings

There are multiple forms and applications in family law proceedings. This module will deal with the most commonly used forms in divorce, finance, children (private and public) and injunctions and will also cover the preparation of witness statements in court proceedings.

This module will include the following:

• What application forms to use, completing the forms and content
• The court rules governing the applications
• Drafting statements and the use of exhibits
• Templates
• Affidavits

Module 4 Preparation of Court Bundles

Court Bundles are an important part of family court proceedings. This module will deal with the reasons for court bundles and how they should be put together.

This module will include:

• The responsibility for preparation of court bundles
• Content of a court bundle
• E-bundles
• Updating bundles
• Witness bundles
• The rules and authorities governing court bundles
• How the bundles are used in a court hearing

Module 5 How the Family Court Works

This module will explain how the Family Court is structured, and which court hears which cases.

This module will include the following:

• Judges and Lay Magistrates
• The layout of the court room
• Where to sit and when to stand
• How to address the court
• Who can go into court
• Witnesses and interpreters
• Litigants in Person and McKenzie Friends

Module 6 Common Questions Asked by Clients in Family Cases

This module will deal with the most common questions asked by family law clients at the beginning of proceedings and how these can be answered.

The questions will be limited to the following proceedings:

• Divorce
• Cohabitation
• Finances
• Children (private and public)
• Domestic Abuse

This webinar was recorded on 15th February 2022

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