Withers Worldwide

Divorce, the associated financial arrangements and proceedings regarding children involve the disclosure of highly sensitive and private information.

The Ministry of Justice's decision to open up the family courts to the press from April 2009 gives the potential for greater intrusion into the circumstances of relationship breakdown. Our specialist reputation management team is on hand to assist us with applications to exclude the media or restrict what they are able to report.

We try to ensure that the media does not publish private information, if necessary by obtaining emergency injunctive relief, which the English courts are now more ready to grant even for public figures and celebrities. In the age of electronic communication where information has never travelled faster nor to so many, a rapid response is critical. Our media team is able work quickly with other members of our client's team. Their knowledge of and relationships with lawyers in the media can also prove invaluable in obtaining a swift and sensible result for our clients.

If private and/or defamatory material is published, we advise on the appropriate action to take to reduce any damage. This could involve swift demands for corrections, apologies and damages, or seeking relief via the media regulators or High Court proceedings.