Coercive control can have a significant impact on financial remedy proceedings, affecting finances, evidence and a client’s ability to engage effectively in the process. Georgina Pearson explores how practitioners can recognise and evidence patterns of coercive and economic abuse, take a trauma-informed approach, and consider how financial orders can be drafted to minimise opportunities for ongoing control and further dispute.
A trauma-informed approach to family law does not mean stepping outside the lawyer’s role. Emily-Jo Moore considers the small, practical changes practitioners can make to reduce unnecessary distress and better support clients, from thoughtful communication and checking special measures are in place to recognising the value of wider support and listening carefully to what individual clients need.
Family practitioners face the combination of a highly stressful job and highly stressed clients. An awareness of trauma – and vicarious trauma – can help manage cases and reduce the personal burden