Y (Leave to Oppose Adoption), Re [2020] EWCA Civ 1287

This was an appeal made by a local authority against a decision of HHJ Wicks in adoption proceedings concerning a child, Y (aged 2 years and 8 months). HHJ Wicks had granted Y’s parents leave to oppose the making of an adoption order. The appeal was dismissed. Of wider interest is the fact that this was the first remote hearing before the Court of Appeal involving litigants with hearing difficulties. The court referred the matter to the President and MacDonald J to consider whether the guidance on the conduct of remote and hybrid hearings needs amendment to address the difficulties faced by disabled litigants in general and those with hearing loss in particular.