Adoption
Re X and Y (Children: Adoption Order: Setting Aside) [2025] EWCA Civ 2
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and held that there is no jurisdiction at first instance for the High Court to revoke validly made adoption orders, even in exceptional circumstances or on welfare grounds. Adoption orders are ‘transformative’ and intended to be permanent and irrevocable for life, as if the child had been born to the adopter. The only way to challenge an adoption order is through an appeal or in exceptional circumstances amounting to a fundamental breach of natural justice.
Arbitration
Collins and others v Wind Energy Holding Ltd [2025] EWHC 40 (Comm)
This is a claim to set aside a final award. The court held that the arbitrator had not breached her duties under s 33 of the Arbitration Act 1996 by refusing to adjourn the evidential hearing to accommodate issues regarding legal representation and health concerns of the claimants, where the claimants had failed to take proper steps to enable legal representation; admitting and evaluating evidence from the claimants in accordance with the tribunal’s
