News release

TAYLOR&EMMET BACKS NEW LAW ON FORCED MARRIAGE

A leading family law specialist from Sheffield solicitors, Taylor&Emmet, is welcoming the introduction of stricter laws on forced marriage, due to take effect from tomorrow.

Senior matrimonial solicitor, Michaela Heathcote, is hoping the new laws will significantly lower the number cases of violence against women in forced marriages reported in the UK.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 becomes law on November 25. It aims to prevent marriages taking place without the consent of both parties and help victims in existing forced marriages remove themselves from the situation.

Michaela Heathcote said: “This new act is a significant step forward for family law. It will give specialists like me power to address some of the current issues we face and provide a raft of measures to support and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society, who are often tricked into taking trips overseas to marry against their will.”

The new laws, which are being added to the Family Law Act, define ‘force’ as including coercion by threats or other psychological means and relate to conduct in the UK and overseas. The act will provide victims with public funding, irrespective of their immigration status and offer legal aid on the same criteria as domestic violence cases.

Michaela added: “Taylor&Emmet is one of the few law firms in South Yorkshire still making a commitment to legal aid work and we now have one of the largest family departments in the region. It is incredibly important that victims of forced marriage know that the law is on their side and that help is available locally. We would urge anyone who feels they may have a case to seek legal advice as soon as possible.”

For further information about the Forced Marriage Act, contact Taylor&Emmet’s family department on (0114) 218 4000 or visit www.tayloremmet.co.uk

Issued: 24.11.2008

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