An Introduction to Family Law Practice & Procedure - 6 Essential Modules

Introduction

Presented by Stuart Barlow, this box set of 6 online modules 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 including assisting the vulnerable client
• Taking instructions and the use of a pro-forma
• How to advise a client and managing expectations
• Follow up work including methods of communication
• Fee charging for initial 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 time recording and diary keeping
• Paper light, paper free
• The need for accurate attendance notes
• Accounts rules
• Funding a family case including Legal Aid
• Managing clients and complaints
• Closing the file

Module 3: Drafting Court Applications, Orders 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 court orders and 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
• Drafting court orders

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 reasons for court bundles
• 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
• Remote hearings

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 and during 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 pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 16th January 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,900+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.