HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 22 August 2022

Next week’s update will be issued on Friday 26 August 2022.

• Reminder: We published a blog post to outline how we ensured the magistrates’ and the Crown Courts were prepared for the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 changes.

Crime

• Reminder: Defence professionals can find step-by-step instructions on how to use Common Platform on GOV.UK. You can also watch our demonstration video to see how it works.
• Reminder: We’re hosting a number of drop-in support sessions for defence professionals. The sessions will aim to answer defence solicitors and barristers queries who use Common Platform. Registration is now open for sessions taking place between 9am and 10am on Monday 22 August 2022, Wednesday 14 September 2022 and Monday 19 September 2022.
• Reminder: Criminal defence representatives should include the words “BAR ACTION” in the subject line of any email to the court about affected cases, so we can make the relevant judge aware as quickly as possible.

Family

• Reminder: Applying for financial remedy applications on MyHMCTS has recently been improved. Legal professionals can now add themselves and replace existing representatives whenever necessary, making it easier to cover periods of annual leave. Improvements have also been made to the way documents are managed and Form C has been updated to include the efficiency statement and references to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. More information on how to use the financial remedy service check our guidance on MyHMCTS. For detailed guidance on submitting an application watch our demonstration on YouTube.

Civil

• Reminder: The government has announced plans to help resolve civil legal disputes away from court through free mediation.

Judicial guidance and announcements

• For the latest practice directions, advice, and guidance please visit the Judicial Office website.