While many people assume that disagreements must result in a case going to court, this is far from always the case.

In fact, non-court dispute resolution has become a central part of modern family law, offering separating couples and families more constructive ways to resolve issues.

AFG Law explains what out of court dispute resolution is, how it works, and why it is so often a preferred alternative to litigation.

What is non-court dispute resolution in family law?

Non-court dispute resolution refers to a range of processes that help people resolve family law disputes without asking a judge to impose a decision.

These methods fall under the wider umbrella of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and are designed to encourage communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Rather than focusing on winning or losing, out-of-court approaches aim to help parties reach an agreement that works for their specific circumstances.

This can be particularly valuable in family law, where ongoing relationships, especially where children are involved, often continue long after legal issues are resolved.

Why consider resolving disputes outside court?

There are several reasons why non-court dispute resolution is encouraged in family law cases.

First, it is less adversarial than court proceedings.

This can reduce stress, protect children from conflict, and help preserve a more functional relationship between parties.

Secondly, non-court processes are often quicker and more cost-effective than litigation, allowing families to move forward sooner.

Courts themselves now expect parties to consider alternative dispute resolution before issuing proceedings in most family law matters.

Choosing not to explore these options without good reason can have cost and procedural consequences.

Common forms of alternative dispute resolution

There are several forms of alternative dispute resolution commonly used in family law.

The most appropriate option will depend on the issues involved, the level of communication between parties, and any safeguarding concerns.

Mediation

Family law mediation involves an independent, neutral mediator, who may be a specially trained solicitor, barrister or other family law professional.

The mediator helps parties discuss issues and explore possible solutions.

Mediation is voluntary and focuses on cooperation rather than blame. It can be used for financial matters, arrangements for children, or both.

Hybrid mediation can include the parties’ solicitors, accountants or independent financial advisers to help deal with specific issues.

Shuttle mediation is where the mediator spends time with each party on their own, providing the opportunity to explore issues and settlement proposals in greater detail.

Solicitor-led negotiation

In some cases, parties prefer their solicitors to negotiate on their behalf.

This can be done through correspondence or meetings and may be suitable where direct communication is difficult, but court proceedings are not yet necessary.

Collaborative law

Collaborative law involves both parties and their solicitors committing to resolving matters without going to court.

Meetings take place face to face, and everyone involved agrees to work towards settlement transparently and constructively.

Each of these options aims to avoid the need to take a case to court, while still providing structure and professional guidance.

Are agreements reached out of court legally binding?

A common concern is whether agreements reached outside court are enforceable. On their own, informal agreements are not automatically legally binding.

However, this does not mean they lack value.

In financial cases, an agreement reached through negotiation or mediation can usually be converted into a court-approved order, making it legally binding and enforceable.

In children matters, agreements can be reflected in formal arrangements or, where appropriate, approved by the court.

Taking legal advice before finalising any agreement is essential to ensure it accurately reflects what has been agreed and provides proper protection for the future.

When is non-court dispute resolution not appropriate?

Although non-court dispute resolution works well in most cases, it is not suitable for everyone. Situations involving domestic abuse, coercive control, or significant power imbalance may make negotiation unsafe or unfair.

Where there are safeguarding concerns, urgent issues, or a lack of willingness to engage constructively, court intervention may be necessary.

In such circumstances, taking a case to court may be the most appropriate and protective option.

Importantly, the suitability of alternative dispute resolution should always be assessed carefully, and no one should feel pressured to participate in a process that does not feel safe.

The role of legal advice in non-court resolution

Even when disputes are resolved without court proceedings, legal advice remains crucial. Solicitors can help you understand your rights, assess whether proposals are fair, and advise on likely court outcomes if agreement cannot be reached.

Having separate legal advice alongside negotiation or mediation can also make discussions more effective, as both parties are better informed and more confident in the process. This often increases the chances of reaching a sustainable agreement.

Does non-court dispute resolution really work?

For many families, non-court dispute resolution is highly effective. It allows parties to retain control over decisions, tailor outcomes to their needs, and avoid the uncertainty of a court-imposed order.

When both parties are willing to engage openly, non-court dispute resolution can help them reach an agreement that is practical, forward-looking, and less damaging emotionally and financially. While it is not the right solution in every case, it plays a vital role in modern family law.

How can AFG Law assist with out-of-court dispute resolution?

At AFG Law, we recognise that every family situation is different, and that resolving disputes outside court can often lead to better, more sustainable outcomes.

Our family law solicitors advise clients at every stage of the non-court dispute resolution process, helping them understand their options and choose the most appropriate approach for their circumstances.

We can support you by:

• Advising on whether alternative dispute resolution is suitable for your case
• Preparing you for negotiations or mediation
• Providing clear legal advice alongside out-of-court discussions
• Reviewing proposed agreements to ensure they are fair and workable
• Converting agreements into legally binding court orders where appropriate

Where non-court resolution is not suitable, such as in cases involving domestic abuse or urgent safeguarding concerns, we can advise you on taking a case to court.

Our focus is always on achieving practical, proportionate solutions that minimise conflict and help you move forward with confidence.

To speak to a solicitor for advice on out-of-court dispute resolution, contact us today via email at familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk or call us on 01204 920105.

West Lothian Council is one of 19 local authorities to receive support through the third round of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

Families in Almond Valley and across West Lothian are set to benefit from new Scottish Government funding aimed at tackling child poverty and helping households with the cost of living.

West Lothian Council is one of 19 local authorities to receive support through the third round of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

Almost £1.9 million will back 21 projects across Scotland between 2025 and 2028, helping councils and local partners strengthen community-based services and improve access to financial support.

The funding is designed to test new approaches, improve benefit take-up and boost household incomes, ensuring families can access the help they are entitled to.

READ MORE: West Lothian Council to impose Council Tax rise of 7.4 percent from April

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, welcomed the announcement.

She said: “Tackling child poverty and supporting families through the ongoing cost of living challenges remains a clear priority.

“I am pleased that Almond Valley will benefit from this investment, which will strengthen local services and help families across Almond Valley access the advice and financial support they need.

“Community-based projects make a real difference.

“They connect families to practical help, improve wellbeing and ensure support is available close to home.

READ MORE: Woman reunites long-lost West Lothian wedding video with owners 40 years later

“Alongside measures such as the Scottish Child Payment, free prescriptions and free bus travel for under-22s, this funding forms part of a wider package designed to put more money into people’s pockets and give every child the best possible start in life.”

The draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 sets out plans to invest £8 billion through the social justice portfolio to tackle the root causes of child poverty, support vulnerable people and ease cost of living pressures.

The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund is now in its third year and continues to support local innovation and share learning on what works best to reduce poverty in communities across Scotland.

READ MORE: West Lothian shopkeeper attacked in violent robbery as police investigate

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.

The British government has rubbished Russia’s claim that Ukraine is trying to obtain a nuclear weapon with British and French help.

Russia‘s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), without providing evidence, claimed that Ukraine’s nuclear allies in Europe were preparing to provide Ukraine with nuclear parts and technology.

A British government spokesperson shot back on Tuesday, saying: “This is a clear attempt by Vladimir Putin to distract from his heinous actions in Ukraine. There is no truth to this.

“You’ll have seen the PM’s words this morning paying tribute to the incredible resilience of the Ukrainians … We will continue with our efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.”

Ukraine also dismissed Russian claims as “absurd”, as it marked four years since the full-scale Russian invasion.

“Russian officials, known for their impressive record of lies, are once again trying to fabricate the old ‘dirty bomb’ nonsense,” said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian foreign ministry.

“For the record: Ukraine has already denied such absurd Russian claims many times before, and we officially deny them again now,” Tykhyi said. “We urge the international community to reject and condemn Russia’s dirty information bombs.”

Advertisement

Four killed in drone attack on Russia’s Smolensk region, says governor

Four people have been killed and 10 injured after a Ukrainian drone attack on a fertiliser factory on the Smolensk region of western Russia, according to the local governor.

Vasily Anokhin said that the people were employees of a fertiliser factory in a statement on Telegram on Wednesday.

Maira Butt25 February 2026 09:19

Advertisement

Musk cutting Starlink to Russia’s drones has delivered ‘enormous’ boost to Ukraine, says army chief

“After the blocking of Starlink for the Russians, the level of their efficiency compared to ours has sharply decreased because Starlink is practically irreplaceable as a combat communication system,” the brigadier general tells The Independent.

The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:

Maira Butt25 February 2026 08:46

Advertisement

UK has much to learn from Ukraine, says British ambassador

Reflecting on the fourth anniversary of the war, the British Ambassador to Ukraine said the UK has much to learn from Kyiv’s resilience.

Neil Crompton said in a statement on Tuesday that the war is “the issue of our lifetime”, describing it as “existential, in that the outcome will shape the future of Europe”.

“I can’t but marvel at the fortitude Ukrainians have shown,” he added. “Back in 2022, analysts predicted Kyiv would be captured within days.

“Who can forget President Zelenskyy’s immortal line’“I don’t need a ride. I need ammunition,’ when offered the chance to be evacuated?

“Four years on, the Ukrainians are still fighting, having revolutionised warfare through innovative use of drones and technology to bridge the numerical advantages Russia enjoys. The UK and NATO have much to learn from them.”

Advertisement

James Reynolds25 February 2026 08:15

Recap: Another round of talks expected tomorrow

US and Ukrainian officials are expected to hold another round of talks in Geneva on Thursday, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff announced yesterday.

He said that he and Trump’s son in law, Jared Kushner, would travel to Geneva tomorrow to hold talks with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s lead negotiator, and separately with Iran.

Advertisement

Witkoff said he spoke with Umerov over the phone to seek permission for the meeting from Zelensky.

He said he and Umerov talk on an almost daily basis.

James Reynolds25 February 2026 07:55

How have the frontlines changed in four years of war?

Ukraine’s front line today is “not like a coherent line, where there’s like a clear control, with two trench lines with a little bit of no man’s land in between,” military analyst Emil Kastehelmi told The Independent as the war entered its fifth year.

Advertisement

“Drones have made it so that front lines are blurry and troops may be intermingled in a certain area of presence.”

This “drone-dominated battlefield” has “demechanised” the front lines, making huge advances difficult. The threat from the sky has made tanks unviable, leading Russia to fall back on trying to overwhelm Ukraine with infantry-heavy tactics.

Even with plans to increase the size of the army to 1.5 million people, this has come at a huge cost for Russia.

On the fourth anniversary of the war, The Independent looked at how technology and tactics have changed the frontlines:

Advertisement

James Reynolds25 February 2026 07:33

Ukraine says it will never agree to territorial concessions to Russia

Ukraine will never agree to concede territory, as being forcibly asked by Russia, in concessions during peace talks, the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister Mariana Betsa said at a UN security council meeting today.

“We will never recognise the occupation and will never accept territorial concessions. We will never compromise our freedom,” she said.

Advertisement

The Ukrainian official added that Russia and its accomplices will not stop. “Moscow feels a sense of impunity, as it has not yet faced proper consequences for its crimes,” she said.

The official emphasised Moscow’s totalitarian goals towards Ukraine which require a complete takeover of the war-hit nation’s territory and how it continues to use negotiations as a cover for its war.

“The Kremlin’s position remains unchanged. It wants Ukraine to withdraw from our own sovereign territory to ensure that Russia can occupy it. And this is not a matter of negotiating red lines. Sovereignty and territorial integrity is a key founding principle of the UN charter,” Betsa said.

Arpan Rai25 February 2026 07:13

Advertisement

Putin’s special envoy calls for Starmer to resign

Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev called for prime minister Keir Starmer to resign in a social media post that claimed the UK is supplying Ukraine with nuclear weapons.

“Starmer needs to resign before trying to cover up his shame by provoking a nuclear war,” Dmitriev said in a post on X.

The prime minister’s spokesperson said there was no truth to the comments.

Advertisement

Arpan Rai25 February 2026 07:05

Zelensky: Only by visiting Ukraine can Trump understand who must be pressured

In his address earlier today to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky called for Donald Trump to visit Ukraine.

“Only by coming to Ukraine, and seeing with one’s own eyes our life and our struggle, feeling our people and the enormity of this pain – only then can one understand what this war is really about. And because of whom. Who the aggressor is here and who must be pressured,” the Ukrainian president said in the address, as he stressed the importance of a visit by Trump.

Advertisement

He said Ukraine is defending life, adding that it is “not a street fight” but an “attack by a sick state on a sovereign one”.

Zelensky added: “Putin is this war. He is the cause of its beginning and the obstacle to its end. And it is Russia that must be put in its place. So that there can be real peace.”

Arpan Rai25 February 2026 06:48

Trump’s former Ukraine envoy condemns US abstention on UN resolution: ‘Not a business deal’

US president Donald Trump’s former special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who left his role last month has bashed the administration for not backing the UN resolution on peace in Ukraine.

Advertisement

“A UN vote on a lasting peace in Ukraine and we abstained. Go figure. The Russian Federation was against the proclamation. Is not four years of war enough? Is not missing children, shelling of cities and the killing of innocents enough? It is not a business deal-it is war,” he said in a post on X.

Arpan Rai25 February 2026 06:23

US abstains from UN ceasefire resolution on Ukraine, blames China instead

Tammy Bruce, the US deputy UN envoy, explained the US abstention, saying that while Washington welcomed the call for an immediate ceasefire, the resolution included language likely to distract from ongoing negotiations, “rather than support discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to that durable peace”.

Advertisement

The 15-member UN Security Council has been deadlocked throughout the war and unable to take action on Ukraine because Russia holds a veto.

The council session saw a clash between the US and China over Washington’s charge that Beijing’s imports of Russian oil and Chinese sales of materials with military uses to Russia have helped sustain Moscow’s operations in Ukraine.

“China remains a decisive enabler of Russia’s war machine,” Bruce told the council.

“If China truly wants peace, it should immediately end exports of dual-use goods and stop purchasing Russian oil.”

Advertisement

Fu Cong, China’s UN ambassador, responded by accusing the US of fabricating “all sorts of excuses and lies” about China intended “to create division and conflict.”

Washington, he said, should “stop shifting blame and creating conflicts and wars around the world”.

Arpan Rai25 February 2026 06:13

Mexico’s president has insisted there is “no risk” to fans coming to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the killing of a cartel boss sparked days of violence.

Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that “all the guarantees” for safety were in place for the tournament, which will see Mexico host 13 of 104 World Cup matches.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the head and founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in the state of Jalisco on Sunday by Mexico’s military as they tried to detain him.

His death led to widespread retaliatory violence by Oseguera Cervantes loyalists, especially in Jalisco state, where the group is based and derives its name.

Some 70 people died in the operation and violence that erupted after it, which led to multiple airlines suspending flights to parts of the country.

Guadalajara, the state’s capital, is due to host four of the 2026 World Cup matches, with Mexico City and Monterrey hosting the others.

Jalisco’s governor Pablo Lemus said: “There is absolutely no intention on FIFA’s part to remove any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely firm.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters on Tuesday he was feeling “very calm” about Mexico’s hosting this summer’s tournament.

“Everything is going to be spectacular,” he said.

A spokesperson for FIFA said the organisation was closely monitoring the situation and was in close contact with the authorities.

Mexico’s leader said during her daily morning press conference that the situation was normalising, with security forces working to safeguard the public.

Advertisement

Share

Stuart Ramsay: Mexico’s new generation cartel ‘a nasty bunch’

Advertisement

Read more from Sky News:
Trump’s three options for Iran
Family of Nancy Guthrie offer $1m reward

Ms Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, is widely seen as the political protege of former Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Until now, she has largely followed his so-called “hugs not bullets” non-confrontational security strategy, which prioritises alleviating poverty and other root causes of violence.

Asked whether the killing of Oseguera Cervantes marked a break from that policy, Sheinbaum said this would never be the case.

“The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war,” she said.

The arrests of other top cartel figures in Sinaloa state have, in recent years, also triggered cartel retaliation, including shootouts and vehicles set on fire.

The Scots-founded business has been trading since 1985.

Another retailer from the Scottish high street has collapsed into administration. All nine employees currently working at the firm’s two sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow are set to be made redundant.

Bespoke jewellery firm The Ringmaker has collapsed into liquidation after 40-years of trading. It has been reported that the move comes after the firm has racked up debts and left creditors our of pocket.

The Scots-founded company, which first opened in 1985, specialised in designing and hand-making engagement and wedding rings. It employed a specialist team of designers across its Ingram Street showroom in Glasgow and the firm’s other base at Dundas Street in Edinburgh.

As reported by the National, suppliers and customers claim they have been met with no response from bosses at the firm for weeks when trying to chase information about bills and invoices.

The company is said to have been inactive on its social media channels, with its last posts being published in January. Based off its final social media posts, it seems the firm was trading over the Christmas period, offering deals of up to 50 percent off.

However, customers and suppliers have since received no communication regarding invoices and bills. On Facebook, some shoppers say they have been contacted directly by liquidators following the news.

There had been reports that the retailer had been struggling for a while, with both suppliers and customers receiving no response to queries. This was before a formal liquidation notice appeared on the Companies House website.

A source told the Glasgow Times: “Rumours had circulated for a while that the business was in trouble. I’d heard suppliers say that when they tried to get in touch, no calls were being returned and no emails were being answered.

“It was just mounting bills by the looks of it. The jewellery business in Glasgow is so competitive, customers just don’t have the money to spend like they did in previous years. It’s really sad to see such a respected firm go bust like this.”

Azets in Renfrew were named as liquidators for the jewellery firm’s parent firm Holkar Ltd and Ninety Four Ltd. It has also been confirmed that all nine staff members were “regrettably” let go following the announcement.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Blair Milne, restructuring and insolvency partner at Azets and the joint provisional liquidator, said: “Holkar Ltd and Ninety Four Ltd, which traded in Glasgow and Edinburgh as The Ringmaker, experienced a difficult trading period in recent months and a downturn in trade in the run up to Christmas. This continued into the start of this year and led to the company being unable to pay its debts.

“Having sought professional advice, the directors took the difficult decision to cease trading on 13 January and seek the appointment of a liquidator. We were subsequently appointed as provisional liquidators to both businesses on 21 January.”

He added: “The two companies employed a total of nine people, all of whom have regrettably had to be made redundant, and this process was instigated prior to our appointment. We will help employees with their entitlement claims to the Redundancy Payments Service and shall safeguard the assets of the companies while we arrange their sale in an effort to provide a return to the company’s creditors.

“We have returned the majority of jewellery belonging to customers of both businesses and encourage anyone who has any queries relating to this case to contact the provisional liquidators via the Azets website.”

The Ringmaker is just the latest retailer to collapse into administration recently. The Scottish high street has suffered some major blows since 2025, with many companies closing down several stores or collapsing completely.

Quiz Clothing, another Scots-founded brand, confirmed it had appointed administrators at Interpath in February. The move has made all 109 head office and warehouse staff redundant, while the future of its 40 stores are at risk of closure.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have started a two-day international trip to focus on their charitable endeavours, while the Royal Family continue with the fallout of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kicked off a pseudo royal tour in Jordan, while in Harry’s home country, the Royal Family continue to grapple with the fallout of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex started their whirlwind trip by sitting down with key figures working to support the humanitarian needs of refugees in the country. Meghan and Harry joined a roundtable discussion hosted by the World Health Organisation with individuals from major leading bodies like the United Nations. The couple travelled to Jordan at the invitation of the WHO’s director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

READ MORE: Duchess Sophie leaves the country amid Prince Edward pulling out of major eventREAD MORE: Royals’ secret Andrew torment – ‘nervous breakdowns, tears and crisis talks’

While their trip is not an official royal visit, given that the Sussexes took a step back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to America, they will spend their trip engaging with various charities and philanthropic efforts in the region.

During their two-day visit, Harry and Meghan will meet Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, engage with WHO teams, visit frontline health and mental health programmes and meet World Central Kitchen staff co-ordinating food relief for Gaza from the capital city of Jordan, Amman.

The Duke and Duchess will also visit Questscope at the Za’atari Refugee Camp, home to displaced Syrians, with the aim to further highlight the importance of mental health services, physical rehabilitation, and community-based support for individuals and families affected by war, displacement, and serious illness.

Around the table for the WHO meeting sat senior figures from UN agencies like UNRWA, UNHCR, World Food Programme, Unicef and diplomatic attendees from countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Canada and the EU.

Philip Hall, British Ambassador to Jordan, thanked the Sussexes for travelling to the Middle East, saying: “So I would simply say thank you very much indeed for coming. Your visit, your support, your appreciation of the efforts that the United Nations, including of course, the World Health Organisation, the government of Jordan and others, are making here is enormously appreciated. So thank you for coming.”

A major element of Harry and Meghan’s trip will focus on efforts to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement, as they will also visit initiatives they have helped fund to medically evacuate children from the war in Gaza to the Middle East nation.

Jordan has received wave after wave of refugees beginning with Palestinians more than 80 years ago, who now number around 2.5 million people, and Syrians who fled conflict in their country until recently ruled by President Bashar al-Assad.

The visit builds on a long-standing partnership with the WHO and follows a joint engagement in London last September, where Dr Tedros and The Duke of Sussex highlighted pioneering research at Imperial College London’s Centre for Blast Injury Studies.

Harry and Meghan’s pseudo royal tour comes just days after Harry’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested at his temporary home of Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.

Andrew was arrested on Thursday morning, spending 11 hours in custody in a Norfolk police station on his 66th birthday. The former prince was released that evening, with Thames Valley Police confirming he is now under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

Advertisement

On Tuesday evening, Thames Valley Police further confirmed that police searches at Royal Lodge, which had been underway since Andrew’s arrest, have come to an end. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case and our investigation remains ongoing. It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work. We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.” Andrew had vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The Radford family faced an anxious wait as 16-year-old Max prepares for a milestone in the upcoming episode of the Channel 5 show

The Radfords face an “unbearable” wait as Max prepares to receive his GCSE results in the upcoming episode of TV favourite 22 Kids and Counting. Mum and dad Noel and Sue share their lives and the lives of their 22 children in the hit Channel 5 show, and the instalment set to air on Sunday (March 1) will document a huge milestone as 16-year-old son Max waits to see if he has passed his exams.

A teaser clip has been posted on Instagram showed the family’s anxious wait. With no idea how it is going to go, the Radfords prepare for a possible celebration, reports the Mirror.

Noel admits: “Maths and science, I think he’ll do OK, it’s just the English. If I’m honest, I’m not convinced he’s going to pass his English. He did put some effort in towards the end, but he’s had a lot of struggles along the way. The odds are properly stacked against him.”

Max is said to be “on tenterhooks” as he waits to hear how he’s done. “You always want the best for your kids, but sometimes some things really tie you in knots,” said Sue.

“And the thing is, if Max doesn’t get his English resƒult that he needs, I don’t know what he’s going to do,” said Noel. “This is unbearable,” Sue added, as Noel agreed: “I don’t know who it’s worse for, Max or us.”

Max is then seen announcing that he has received the email containing his results. He then goes off to read his message privately before sharing the news with his parents and siblings.

As time passes and Max still fails to appear, they start to look worried and Sue grows concerned that it’s “not looking good.” The family even discuss whether they ought to take the decorations down.

Noel says: “If he hasn’t, I think we all need to be there for him. I think there’s a bit of support, because it obviously means a lot.”

However, the teenager then strides into the room and announces: “I passed!” He reveals that he achieved impressive marks, with particularly strong results in science and maths.

“As parents, we are extremely proud of Max,” said mum Sue, who declared it was “absolutely amazing” news. “Now it’s the sky’s the limit,” agreed dad Noel.

22 Kids and Counting airs at 8pm on Channel 5 on Sunday, March 1

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.** Click here to activate**** or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.**

Donald Trump delivered the longest-ever State of the Union address to the American public last night, rambling for 108 minutes.

Bragging about the ‘many wars’ he settled, his historic tariffs and heckling Democrats, the US leader made many far-fetched claims in his almost two hours at the podium.

Describing the US as ‘bigger, better, richer than ever before’, he said: ‘This is the golden age of America.’

Metro has fact-checked many of the claims Trump made during his address, from Somali fraud to stopping drug flow into America.

The US has ‘virtually stopped’ sea drug trafficking

This is false.

Trump claimed that illegal drugs being trafficked into the US by sea have been ‘virtually stopped’ through Operation Southern Spear.

He appears to be referencing the campaign, which saw dozens of boats struck in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Despite this claim, there is no solid evidence that the amount of drugs entering the US has dropped.

Customs and Border Protection stats from July to November 2025 show that there’s been a 98% drop in pounds of drugs seized through marine operations.

One point these statistics don’t include is the amount of drugs still entering the US – with Carnegie Mellon drug policy researcher Jonathan Caulkins telling Politifact: ‘Trump is making a claim about something that is unknowable.’

‘The Somali community has pillaged $19 billion from taxpayers’

Trump was called a liar by a Congresswoman as he told the country that members of the Somali community have ‘pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer’.

He added: ‘The Somali pirates who ransack Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.’

Investigations into alleged money fraud in Somali communities in Minnesota are still underway, but the numbers Trump cited have no basis in fact.

Politifact reports that Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said in December that state-run Medicaid programs being audited had billed $18 billion since 2019.

Of these, ‘half or more’ were possibly fraudulent, but not all $18 billion.

‘More people are working today than ever before’

This is not true. Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labour Statistics show that job growth under Trump in the past year was smaller than in any year since 2020.

181,000 jobs were created in the past year, compared to more than 1.5 million each under Joe Biden’s four years as President from 2020 to 2024.

Iryna Zarutska’s killer was an immigrant

The murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, in August last year has been a major talking point when it comes to crime under Trump’s administration.

Trump falsely claimed that the man who killed her, DeCarlos Brown Jr, was a ‘a hardened criminal set free to kill in America came in through open borders’.

This is false.

Brown was a US citizen, who had an extensive criminal record, but he was not an immigrant.

Gas prices are ‘below $2.30 a gallon in most states’

This is false.

The only state that has gas at $2.30 a gallon is Oklahoma – the latest numbers show that in some states, prices are still above $4.30.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Donald Trump heckled during speech that lasted one hour and 48 minutes

MORE: Trump’s call to the USA Olympic team shows exactly how men keep failing women

MORE: Trump says he ‘might not have long left’ and has ‘people gunning for me’

SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, will begin flights on May 19.

The daily overnight departures will leave Manchester at 12.45 am, and land in Dalaman at 7 am local time, allowing passengers to soak up every last drop of sun in Turkey.

Evening return flights depart Dalaman at 9.05 pm, landing back in Manchester at 11.45 pm local time.

Dalaman offers a mix of adrenaline, nature, and relaxation, serving as a gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

Activities for holidaymakers include white-water rafting on the Dalaman River, paragliding over Ölüdeniz, and taking boat tours to the Dalyan Delta to see Lycian tombs and Iztuzu Beach.

Both the night and late evening services are available to book now, with fares starting at £84.99 one-way.

SunExpress is also running a packed summer schedule from Manchester, with up to 24 weekly flights to Antalya, 19 to Izmir, 15 to Dalaman, and twice-weekly services to Bodrum.

The third of our Untold World Cup Stories series, looking back at the behind the scenes stories from our journalists covering the 2010 tournament in South Africa

With the countdown on to this summer’s World Cup, we’ve launched a new series going behind the scenes of some of the big moments and untold stories of recent tournaments, from 2002 to 2022.

How Terry news conference exploded England camp

John Cross: It was a glorious sunny day at the Royal Bafokeng training ground in South Africa. No-one expected storm clouds to be gathering an hour later after one of the most memorable and remarkable press conferences in England’s World Cup history.

John Terry started his round of press duties in front of the TV cameras on Sunday, June 20, putting on the tried-and-trusted united front of a senior player backing the under-fire manager after a poor start to the 2010 World Cup.

By the end of the session, Terry had questioned Fabio Capello’s leadership, revealed he had gone to the Italian’s backroom staff to demand the players be allowed a beer and also called for Joe Cole to be put into the starting line-up.

It was as close to a player revolt that you could imagine. And probably as close as England have ever come to a complete meltdown during a tournament.

Terry ended up having to make a public apology, other players were left furious and Capello publicly condemned the former Chelsea player.

It was an amazing episode in England World Cup history. As someone who was there, there was absolutely no sense when Terry started talking that it was going to end so badly.

In fact, Terry started in front of the TV cameras by backing his manager to the hilt despite the fact England had begun their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the United States and then shared a dismal goalless draw with Algeria.

But Terry then went on to reveal there was a players’ meeting that evening with Capello and his staff – and he was ready to lead the call to challenge the manager’s tactics.

Terry also slammed England’s performance against Algeria when they were booed off but it felt pretty clear that he was also challenging Capello’s management and the mood in the camp.

Chelsea legend Terry said they needed Joe Cole’s creativity as he latched on to a question about his teammate – and went too far. Managers do not like players picking their team.

By the end, Terry was insisting that they should be able to relax with a beer which also went against Capello’s whole managerial outlook.

Parts of the TV interview are out there on the internet with Terry, looking a little flushed with the sun beating down outside and making the media tent rather humid, giving what felt like a run-of-the-mill interview.

England had been dull, laboured and short of ideas with Rooney turning on fans at the end of the Algeria game. He ranted into a TV camera after England were booed off.

There was dissent in the air – but it was Terry who misjudged the mood.

When asked about Cole, Terry said: “If he’s called on, Joe will do a great job… I personally think he and Wayne Rooney are the only two in the side who can really open up things.”

It was obvious that Terry had points to make – but scored a spectacular own goal.

This, do not forget, was the World Cup where the France squad revolted – and forced Raymond Domenech out of a job after a tournament of strikes, rows and recriminations.

Even though Terry had a message, I do not believe that he realised the gravity of what he was saying. He wanted to have his say – but misread the situation.

To be honest, a few of us did not realise just how big this story was until our phones started blowing up on the way back to our media accommodation which was a short coach ride away.

It was quickly evident that Terry was a lone voice. Other players – largely through their agents and contacts – were genuinely staggered at what had been said.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

The betrayal of a private meeting. Terry painting the picture of him speaking on behalf of the players. It really was not like that.

He was a great Chelsea captain. But Terry was a divisive figure for England at times even though he was unquestionably a world class defender.

Later, Terry even issued a public apology. “I went into yesterday’s press conference with the intention of being honest,” he said.

“I was asked a question about Joe Cole and maybe I went too far. But it was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and, if I did upset anyone, I apologise.

“I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress that I don’t believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp.

“I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England. All I was trying to do was to say how important it is to me to try to win the World Cup.”

Clearly, Terry still thought his big mistake was about Cole (who was only a substitute in the next game against Slovenia) and it was not quite a full apology… more of an “if I upset anyone” cop out.

The reality was that England players WERE bored in that camp. They definitely underperformed and underachieved under Capello and the players were very divided on him. By the end, most were happy to see him go.

Advertisement

But the real lesson here was that you cannot have a revolt mid-tournament and also they do not like it when a player speaks on behalf of everyone – especially if they did not agree.

It all played out badly. England qualified for the knock-out, got thrashed by Germany 4-1 in the next round and went home.

Capello, meanwhile, was sitting pretty with a new contract signed on the eve of the 2010 World Cup. Stories linking him with a return to club management appeared before the tournament, the FA panicked and regretted it.

And it was another chapter in Terry’s colourful and controversial career because, just four months earlier, he had been stripped of the captaincy after revelations about an affair with former teammate Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend.

Incredibly, 18 months later, Capello – who had reinstated Terry as captain in March 2011 – quit because he was angry that the FA wanted to remove the armband from Terry pending the outcome of a court case over allegations he racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

Terry was later cleared in court but banned and fined by the FA.