Corker Binning has partnered with family law membership organisation Resolution to produce a guide on criminal law for family lawyers. The guide, entitled What family lawyers need to know about criminal law, is designed to give family lawyers an understanding of criminal law, in order to react positively when trouble arises and guide their clients to the next step.
The guide will help family lawyers recognise when to seek the help of a criminal law specialist and how best to assist their clients in obtaining the appropriate advice as quickly as possible.
What the guide covers
- Complainants – Things to consider if a family law client is considering making a criminal complaint.
- Suspects – Advice on what to do if a client is being investigated by the police.
- Offences – Information on a range of criminal offences including assaults and related offences, harassment, stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour.
- Restraint and confiscation – Although outside the jurisdiction, restraint and confiscation orders make reasonably frequent appearances in family court proceedings. This section explains how they work and how they relate to family law.
“We’re delighted to team up with Corker Binning to make this essential guide available to our members, for free, and we’re really grateful to them for putting it together,” said Resolution’s National Chair Juliet Harvey.
“Sadly there is all too often a close link between criminal and family proceedings and, for many family practitioners, the world of criminal law can be a minefield. This guide will provide members with an understanding of criminal law, giving them the confidence and ability to guide their clients to the next step should it be necessary.
“I would urge all family practitioners to read this guide and keep it bookmarked, as part of the suite of essential resources provided through Resolution membership.”
Resolution members can download the guide here.