Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Platforms definition

What does Platforms mean? In legal and advisory practice, platforms are online investment administration systems used by advisers and clients to manage portfolios across multiple tax wrappers and products from a single interface. The term is descriptive (not statutory), though the FCA Glossary defines the related concept of a “platform service.” Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; in Ireland, similar services are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Typical legal features include: custody via a nominee company (legal title held by the nominee; beneficial ownership with the client), dealing and settlement, consolidated reporting, rebalancing, model portfolios...

Remote and Hybrid Hearings in the Family Court (England and Wales): Suitability, Technology Platforms (CVP/VHS), Judicial Guidance, FPR 2010 Provisions and Key Case Law

Published by a LexisNexis Family expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note

This Practice Note offers direction on conducting remote and hybrid hearings in the Family Court by video link and telephone. It explains what amounts to a remote or hybrid hearing, when a hearing may proceed remotely, and highlights the platforms available:

BTMeetMe
Microsoft Teams
Skype
Cloud Video Platform (CVP)
Video Hearings Service (VHS)

It also sets out the relevant provisions of the family procedure rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955, alongside judicial guidance and consultations on remote and hybrid hearings.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated the intended shift towards greater use of technology, remote hearings and online document management in the Family Court. Audio and video tools have long featured, but reliance increased in response to the pandemic. While some cases suit remote determination, others do not. Guidance evolved swiftly and a full return to every hearing taking place in person is unlikely. On 16 October 2021, during a speech to the Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) National Conference, ...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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