Disclosure, Transparency & Covert Recordings in Family Proceedings

Introduction

Clients often want to share documents from one set of proceedings (children or finance) in other cases, or with schools, therapists or the CMS. However, strict and differing rules apply, and getting this wrong can have serious consequences.

This virtual classroom seminar explores the transparency framework that governs these issues. What can the press report? What happens when journalists ask to attend hearings remotely? How should you respond, and how can you reassure clients that they, and their children, remain protected? It will also consider whether bloggers can attend and report on cases where clients feel the outcome is unfair.

This live session will also address the sharp rise in covert recordings, including recordings of children, parties or experts. New guidance has significantly changed how these recordings are treated. It will examine issues of authenticity, the procedure for seeking to admit such evidence, how to oppose it, and the arguments available on both sides.

These issues arise frequently, often unexpectedly, and are easily overlooked. This live session provides a clear, practical overview of the relevant FPR rules, statutory provisions, case law and recent guidance to help practitioners respond with confidence.

The live session is aimed at financial remedy practitioners and private children law practitioners.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• What can and cannot be disclosed out of children and financial proceedings into other proceedings and to the wider world
• How to advise clients who want to ‘bring in the press’ and have a good grounding in what to do if you get to court and the other side has called in press, or a blogger
• The arguments for and against the production of covertly recorded evidence from an expert meeting, or more usually of the child, or where a party has recorded the other on the ‘phone’ or in person
• What the procedure is to follow and the issues the Court will want addressed, so you can best present your client’s case

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.