Journal

Important Recent Case Developments (Mid-January 2026 to end April 2026)

[2026] 2 FRJ 173. Noteworthy case law developments since the last issue went to press in March 2026. Not all of them are citable as precedent, but they are all informative and a good demonstration of the cases being heard up and down the country.

In Memory of Matthew Brunsdon-Tully, 3.6.1984 – 31.3.2026

In Memory of Matthew Brunsdon-Tully, 3.6.1984 – 31.3.2026

[2026] 2 FRJ 163. Matthew Brunsdon-Tully left us too soon, aged only 41. But people will remember a truly remarkable human being: a first-class lawyer and a proud Welshman and cricketer, with an infectious sense of humour, a contagious laugh and a brilliant, albeit restless, mind.

The Summary of the Summaries (Summer 2026)

[2026] 2 FRJ 175. Summaries of cases including Kars v Brown & Ors [2026] EWHC 31 (Fam), MM v FF (Maintenance: Scope of EU Withdrawal Agreement) [2026] EWFC 1, LP v MP [2026] EWFC 36 and LP v MP [2026] EWFC 36.

Interview with District Judge Lynda Ashworth

Interview with District Judge Lynda Ashworth

[2026] 2 FRJ 177. As March 2026 drew to a close, the only district judge dealing purely with financial remedies in England and Wales, District Judge Lynda Ashworth, chose to retire from full-time judicial work. She was interviewed in late February about her life, practice and judicial career.

Thwaite – The Jury Remains Out

Thwaite – The Jury Remains Out

[2026] 2 FRJ 99. Does the Thwaite jurisdiction still exist? If it does, what is its appropriate scope? The Court of Appeal will be required to decide.

Cross-examination in Financial Remedy Claims

Cross-examination in Financial Remedy Claims

[2026] 2 FRJ 88. Cross-examination can have a material impact on the court’s findings of fact and determination of issues. This article is written for the occasional cross-examiner, as an aide mémoire of the rules, as a guide to doing the job well.