16/11/20
Although this area of law is still uncertain as the UK government is yet to either secure a deal for the UK or to leave the EU without a deal, it is thought that Brexit may impact divorce where one spouse is living in the EU and one spouse is living in the UK. Currently there are around 3.8 million…
13/11/20
Lockdown 2 is well underway and understandably, for some parents, this has caused some confusion. To clear things up, here are 6 need to knows for parents, whether you're a new parent or co-parenting during the pandemic: · Babies and toddlers don't count for the outdoor 2 person…
02/11/20
Parental alienation has recently been discussed by the Law Society Gazette. It is a process, the result of which is a psychological manipulation of a child into showing unwarranted fear, disrespect or hostility towards a parent. Sadly, this term has been increasingly used in many family law cases…
10/08/20
The need to plan for succession and providing for the next generation has undoubtedly accelerated for many families due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainties that it brings. Families are now wanting to review their financial affairs with particular importance being placed on preserving and…
06/08/20
Thousands of married women, widows and divorcees are being short-changed on their state pension. The basic pension pays £134.25 per week, anyone on less than £80.45 could be missing out. It is not always widely known that married women, widows and divorcees can receive a pension rate…
01/07/20
The end is now very much in sight for those who have been calling for reform to our fault-based divorce process. On 25 June 2020, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill received Royal Assent. Resolution have been campaigning for a modernisation to the law of divorce for decades and their…
09/06/20
Quite a few Family Lawyers have recently been predicting that once the lockdown starts to ease that there will be a surge in applications for divorce. Certainly I believe that this is going to be the case. A lot of people have put their own relationship difficulties on hold, particularly given the…
27/05/20
Although there has been a lot of talk about a no-fault divorce, spouses who have been separated for less than 2 years still have to "blame" the other. They must satisfy the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably using either their spouse's adultery or their spouse's…
06/05/20
A recent Manchester case, which was determined in January 2020, by His Honour Judge Booth, and reported on the 27th April has underlined the importance of obtaining independent and expert Family Legal Advice before entering into a pre-nuptial agreement. In this particular case, the parties had a 6-…
04/05/20
There have been changes to Family Law which have recently come in to force which include The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/445) effective from the 24th April 2020. They provide temporary changes to local authority duties in relation to children's services…
27/04/20
On the 25th February 2020 Forbes reported that the Government advice for couples who were currently living in separate households should either move in together or stay apart during the coronavirus lockdown. This was confirmed by the UK's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jenny Harries who stated that…
22/04/20
Divorce itself is very stressful. Emotional and financial pressure can take its toll but if you then throw into the mix the ongoing pandemic with all its uncertainties, this simply adds to stress levels. At the moment, whilst Solicitors are still taking instructions to commence divorce proceedings…
21/04/20
A recent study has reported that in the three weeks between 23 March 2020 and 12 April 2020, 13 women and 3 children have been murdered at the hands of their partner, ex-partner or father. The current statistics show that this has more than doubled, from two victims murdered each week by their abusive…
31/03/20
Following advice from the Prime Minister, the UK is in a state of lockdown which has left many families and couples feeling uncertain and has placed extra strain on their relationships and an increased financial burden. This only adds to the difficulty that many people already feel who are at risk of…
25/03/20
As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, the Government has now provided advice for couples that do not cohabit. In essence, the advice is that couples are banned from visiting and staying at each other's houses whilst the country remains in lock-down. The Prime Minister…
24/03/20
There is a huge amount of uncertainty facing people during these unprecedented times as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and cause concern across the country and indeed worldwide. The knock-on effect to society and daily life is increasing day by day as more and more people are either…
20/03/20
Despite current assertions that Courts are continuing to operate normally so far as possible, a family Judge imposed emergency measures in Berkshire and Oxfordshire on 17 March 2020 with a view to reducing the number of people required to attend hearings. Measures imposed HHJ Moradifar…
19/03/20
The present circumstances On 18 March 2020, the Lord Chancellor affirmed that "the rule of law is vital to a functioning democracy and even at times like these, it is essential that our independent courts are able to administer justice." Whilst many public places have either been…
19/03/20
Leading family lawyer, Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia, has claimed in the House of Lords that she expects the Coronavirus to lead to a rise in people issuing divorce proceedings. Lady Shackleton went on to say that "the prediction amongst divorce lawyers is that following self-imposed…
05/03/20
In a recent ruling, Mr Justice Moore awarded a woman compensation in the sum of £400,000 following the breakdown of her marriage. The couple were married for almost 10-years and had two children. When the parties met, she was a Cambridge University Graduate and a trainee solicitor at the same…
27/02/20
There has recently been media coverage of a case before the Family Court in respect of the validity of a religious marriage, which had not been registered in England and Wales. The wife had applied for a divorce from her husband. They were married some 22 years ago in an Islamic marriage ceremony (…
12/02/20
The Queen's eldest grandson Peter Philips and his Canadian wife Autumn have announced that they are separating after 12 years of marriage. The couple have two daughters together, namely Savannah (9) and Isla (7) and have stated that their decision is "the best course of action for their two…
16/01/20
It has been reported in the papers today that I'm a Celebrity's Ant McPartlin has reached a divorce settlement with his estranged Wife, Lisa Armstrong, following a long and quite heavily publicised legal battle. The couple married in July 2006 and subsequently announced their plans to…
09/01/20
In May of last year Forbes reported on the Governments response to a Consultation that would radically change the current, out of date, divorce procedure (Read article here ). At the time of reporting the legislation was to be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time allowed". The…
08/01/20
Most people will now be aware from the newspapers, reporting every January, that there is now apparently a "Divorce Day". This is usually on or around the 7th or 8th January every year when the press reports that there will be a spike in Solicitors receiving enquiries from couples who are…
07/01/20
Relationships break down, and when they do parties may be looking at how they can navigate the separation amicably. One option is mediation. Medication has a long history in society. The assistance of an independent third party is the principle of mediation. The Government has increased its…
