Published on: 06 March 2026
Published by a LexisNexis Family expert
The ruling of HHJ Farquhar in Re XX v GH (Legal Services Act 2007 Exemption) [2026] EWFC 51 (B) underscores that, while the Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP (The Solicitors Regulation and The Law Society of England and Wales, intervening) [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) (Mazur) is awaited, family courts will not regard exemptions under LSA 2007, Sch 3—by which a court may permit a non-authorised person to conduct litigation or hold a right of audience in particular proceedings—as a convenient default. Following Mr Justice Sheldon’s judgment in Mazur, mere oversight by a solicitor no longer suffices, and absent litigation rights, a chartered legal executive cannot conduct litigation; dispensations will be reserved for truly exceptional situations only (see paras [36] to [38]). Factors such as a client’s preference, issues of expense, potential delay, or disturbance to ongoing matters are inadequate grounds (see para [38]). Sch 3 is not a backdoor to regularise unauthorised conduct in specific proceedings...
When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...