Family Law - Practice Paper 1

Anna and Ben are divorcing after 20 years of marriage. Anna is 52 and has not worked since their first child was born. Ben earns £150,000 per year as a partner in an accounting firm. They have three children aged 14, 17, and 19. The family home is worth £900,000 with a £200,000 mortgage. Ben has a pension valued at £600,000 and Anna has a small pension worth £30,000. Ben also inherited £200,000 from his mother during the marriage, which he kept in a separate investment account. Advise on the likely approach to financial remedies.

Critically assess the legal framework for protecting children from domestic abuse, with reference to the Children Act 1989, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and Practice Direction 12J. How effectively do the courts balance the right to family life with the need to protect children from harm?

Carlos and Dina are separating. They have a daughter, Eva, aged 5. Carlos wants Eva to live with him, arguing that Dina works long hours and Eva is primarily cared for by a nanny. Dina argues that she has always been Eva's primary attachment figure despite her work commitments, and that Carlos has anger management issues — Eva once witnessed Carlos throwing objects during an argument. Carlos wants Eva to attend a Catholic school; Dina, who is not religious, wants a secular school. How should the court approach these competing applications?

Evaluate the law relating to financial provision for cohabitants upon separation. To what extent is the current legal framework inadequate, and what reforms have been proposed?

The local authority has received reports that Zack, aged 3, has been found home alone on multiple occasions, has unexplained bruises, and appears malnourished. His mother, Grace, has a history of substance abuse and has recently been arrested for drug possession. Grace's partner, who is not Zack's father, has a previous conviction for child cruelty. Zack's father, Leo, lives abroad and has had no contact for two years. The local authority is considering what steps to take to protect Zack. Advise on the legal options available.