Barrell applications ==================== The Barrell jurisdiction refer to a judge's ability to change their mind and reverse their judgement before their order has been "perfected"(i.e. prior to the sealing of the order). Of note is the case of [*Re L & B (Children)* \[2013\] UKSC 8](https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/2013/8.html), where the judge initially held that a father was responsible for unexplained injuries to his baby. Two months later, and before the judgment had been sealed, the judge changed their mind and determined that either parent could have been responsible. At the Supreme Court, Lady Hale confirmed that the judge was able to change their mind before the judgment was sealed and held that the power of judges to reverse their decisions is not limited to exceptional circumstances. She emphasised that the overriding objective is fairness, and where children are involved, their welfare will be paramount. Whether a party has already relied on the order to their detriment should also be considered. However, given the need for judicial certainty, Barrell applications are rare, and their use was discouraged in [*AR v ML* \[2019\] EWFC 56](https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2019/56.html), where the court emphasised that they would rarely be acceptable. **If you are unhappy with your financial settlement and believe the court's judgment should be revisited, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... 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Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. 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The Telegraph [### Stephen Bence Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." Lewis Marks KC [### David Lister Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team) [Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)