Students from the University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter came together to explore the evolving field of family law at a day of expert-led workshops at the University of Bristol Law School.
The event, held 26 February 2025, was organised by the GW4 Network on Family Regulation and Society (GW4 FRS Network), a group of academics from across the three universities, all of whom research and teach in diverse areas of family and child law.
As part of the joint-teaching event, participating students had the opportunity to attend a range of research-led workshops, and to benefit from the renowned family law expertise that exists within the GW4 FRS Network.
They also had the chance to meet and network with other students from across Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.
Dr Peter Dunne, Senior Lecturer in Family Law, said:
“It was a real pleasure to host students from Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter at our law school!
“Family law is such a dynamic area of study in England and Wales at the moment, and we’re very lucky to have some of the country’s leading family law researchers in our GW4 FRS Network. We always try to bring that research into the classroom, and I was delighted that, throughout the day, our students could benefit from the expertise across all three law schools.
“The feedback from participants was very positive!”
Among the topics explored were financial remedies on the breakdown of marriage, surrogacy and transgender families – where University of Bristol academics are currently involved in cutting-edge research.
Students also learned about important research on the status of religious marriages in English and Welsh law.
The day concluded with the Annual Lecture of the GW4 FRS Network, delivered by Professor Anne Barlow (Emeritus Professor, University of Exeter).
Professor Barlow, who for many years was a driving force behind the GW4 FRS Network, spoke on the topic of W(h)ither Family Law? – asking whether (and, if so, why?) there is a continuing need for family regulation and how it might adapt to the needs of the modern family.
Thanks to all those who participated in the event!