A group of divorce finance barristers from Albion Chambers in Bristol are readying themselves for taking cases online, in response to the UK’s current lockdown. The move comes as recent guidance from the top divorce money judge, Mr Justice Mostyn, indicates that all cases should be done remotely if possible.

They have produced a video of a mock financial dispute resolution hearing, using online meeting software, to show exactly how it can be done .

The new video shows how a judge and the lawyers and clients can all participate remotely and how the parties can go to their own separate virtual rooms to have further discussions. It also provides an insight into how divorce cases in the UK are run.

Divorce finance barrister, David Chidgey, commented:

“People regularly tell me that the waiting is one of the worst parts of getting divorced. We need to do what we can to try and bring things to an end for people.”

“We are lucky that the financial remedies lawyers and indeed the judges are enthusiastically embracing the technology. In fact, the judges are helping to lead the process. The way everyone seems to be pulling together is the most inspiring thing I have come across in my years as a barrister.”

The video will be hosted on David on Divorce, run by Chidgey, which provides free video illustrations of how the divorce process in England and Wales works. He has also previously produced a book to answer common questions about divorce finance: “Fair Share: How the divorce courts in England & Wales deal with your money”.

Chidgey added:

“Having run David on Divorce for the last three years, I know that videos are the best way to resonate – allowing you to explain things clearly and quickly.”