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Family%20and%20Divorce Articles
Is Mediation the right approach for me?
Relationship breakdown can be very difficult for all parties concerned, not just the partners, but for children and wider family. These days people are looking to resolve things quickly with as little acrimony as possible in these difficult times, inexpensively. Couples hope to make things as easy as possible for themselves and their children, seeking […]Read More >
Pensions on Divorce
With the economy as it is and rising costs generally, understandably, more and more couples are choosing to sort things out between themselves when they separate, rather than taking legal advice. However, although the divorce process itself is now much simpler than it used to be, meaning that couples can usually deal with it without […]Read More >
Technology and Domestic Violence
You may be aware that domestic abuse comes in many different forms and whilst this may manifest as threatened or actual violence whether physical or sexual, there are many other patterns of behaviour that constitute abuse including coercive and economic control, and psychological abuse. The Government has defined domestic abuse as “any incident of controlling, […]Read More >
Does my Divorce give me a financial clean break?
It’s a commonly held misconception that the divorce resolves all issues between the parties. However, this is not the case. Please note that the new terminology of the Court which refers to the Final Order of Divorce (which used to be called the Decree Absolute) is not also a Final Order in relation to the […]Read More >
No-fault Divorce – what we now know
In March 2022 we wrote an article about the introduction of the new ‘no-fault’ divorce process, set to come into force on 6th April 2022. Prior to its introduction it was not entirely clear how the new process would work in practice and what issues might arise as a result of this change. However, four […]Read More >
The New ‘No fault’ Divorce
Currently, in order to obtain a divorce in England, it is necessary to prove that the marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’ and unless the couple has been separated for at least two years, it must be proved that the breakdown resulted from either the respondent’s adultery or “unreasonable behaviour”. Unsurprisingly, the requirement to cite adultery […]Read More >
Arrangements for children following separation
Parents are often confused about the effects of a divorce or separation on their responsibilities for their children. Hopefully it will be possible for parents to agree on arrangements for their children, but if this is not possible, generally, it is advisable to take legal advice on the issues in dispute. In many cases, parents […]Read More >
How to choose your divorce lawyer
Although statistics tell us that almost half of marriages end in divorce, the knowledge that thousands of other couples are going through the same thing is little consolation when your own marriage is breaking down. For most people, divorce is unknown and often frightening territory. Important decisions in relation to arrangements for children or finances […]Read More >
How to share Christmas
Whilst there will always be those who complain about the commercialisation of Christmas, no one can doubt that it remains a time of magic and excitement for children of all ages. As parents, we do all we can to ensure that our children have a wonderful time and that the magic is protected for as […]Read More >
“I do”…until I don’t!
Despite pre-nuptial agreements still not technically being binding in English law, their popularity continues to rise, which is in part due to today’s fascination with everything “celebrity”, but are they for the rest of us? The answer is yes – sometimes! Couples for whom they may be helpful, include professional couples without children who choose […]Read More >
Celebrity Divorces
News of a celebrity divorce can become viral within seconds, but how much truth is there behind those eye-catching headlines? Let’s look at a few examples: “The Quickie Divorce” In 2018, it was reported that Jamie and Louise Redknapp’s 19-year marriage was ended in 25 seconds. This led many to question why their own divorce […]Read More >
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
The plight of Mrs Owens being forced to remain in a loveless marriage has garnered much media attention and strengthened the “no fault” divorce movement, but, pending a change in the law, can such a destructive impasse be avoided? YES, by choosing collaborative law.Read More >
Divorce law – welcome to the 21st century
At long last, the government has finally announced that it intends to introduce the “no fault divorce”, bringing family law into the 21st century. Currently, in this country, unless a couple has been living apart for a period in excess of five years (reduced to two if both parties consent), a divorce can only be […]Read More >
Minimising distress in divorce
Currently, unless a couple have been separated for five years or more (reduced to two years if they agree), they can only get divorced if the Petitioner can establish that the Respondent has either committed adultery or has behaved in such a way that the Petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with him/her. This […]Read More >
Online divorce applications but what about the financial settlement?
Online divorce applications are available from today at the government website (www.gov.uk). This provides the opportunity to start the straightforward part of the divorce process. Read More >
Divorce Mythbusters
There are many myths about who has what rights when a marriage breaks down. In our experience, a belief in those myths can lead people to make decisions they otherwise wouldn’t or shouldn’t make. Here are some common examples: My divorce has been finalised, so my ex cannot make a financial claim against me. Unless […]Read More >
5 Tips for a cheaper divorce
Many people find themselves reluctant to take legal advice for fear of the costs, but what if that fear is the very thing that leads you to accept an outcome which ultimately costs you more. Below are some tips for how you can both obtain legal advice and keep costs down. 1. Get expert advice […]Read More >
Does divorce inevitably mean war? The simple answer is no!
It is a commonly held belief that when a relationship breaks down, there must be a winner and therefore there must be a loser.Read More >
Cohabitation Awareness
Be aware – there is no such thing as common law husband and wife!Read More >
Don’t Ignore Pensions on Divorce
People who are getting divorced overlook pensions at their peril Read More >
Putting Children First: Should their views be heard in Court?
The reaction from most people to “Should children be heard in English family court cases?”, would probably be surprise that the question even needs to be asked!Read More >
“Dr Foster” – How NOT to separate!
I suspect that couples going through a separation may be reeling from last night’s conclusion of "Dr. Foster" and fearing for their children's future wellbeing.Read More >
Summer holidays – the last straw?
Holidays can put pressure on even the most stable relationship, but if a relationship is already under strain, sadly they can sometimes be the last straw.Read More >
Finances on divorce – Is “special contribution” a justified argument or an outmoded concept?
The breakdown of Ryan Giggs’ marriage has been widely publicised, for a number of reasons, but most recently because he apparently intends to claim “special contribution”. Whilst most people would readily accept that he has made a special contribution to football, can the same be argued for his marriage?Read More >
Don’t get blindsided if your relationship breaks down
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has just released figures showing that, for the first time, the number of unmarried couples with children breaking up has exceeded married couples with children.Read More >
“Cheap” legal solutions can prove costly
The BBC has recently reported the case of a mother who, feeling that she was unable to afford solicitors, lost thousands of pounds to an organisation promising to help with her court case.Read More >
Judge’s controversial decision to keep wife locked into marriage
A Judge has recently decided to refuse a wife’s petition for divorce on the basis that her allegations regarding her husband’s unreasonable behaviour were “minor altercations of a kind to be expected in a marriage”. Read More >
Spousal maintenance – a right or a need?
Spousal maintenance is inevitably a controversial topic as the simple truth is that there will always be some who believe that they are entitled to it and others who believe equally strongly that they shouldn’t have to pay it.Read More >
Amicable Divorce App
Only 30 years ago, virtually no one owned a mobile phone and yet now a mobile app promises to help you to divorce and save thousands of pounds in legal fees. But will this app really change the way the world divorces, or is it too good to be true? If all couples who separate […]Read More >
First baby showers and now divorce parties are coming to the UK!
Although many people may see divorce as an opportunity for a fresh start, few have seen it as a cause for celebration.Read More >
Transgender father denied the right to see his children
The case of a transgender father who has been prevented from having a direct relationship with his children due to the risk of them being ostracised by their mother’s orthodox Jewish community, raises some interesting and disturbing issues. Read More >
Is there such a thing as a ‘good divorce’?
Today marks the first day of ‘Good Divorce Week’ a campaign by Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers that aims at providing a constructive resolution to family disputes) to promote ‘no fault divorce’ and improve rights for cohabiting couples. On Wednesday 30th November, over 150 members of Resolution will travel to Westminster to lobby for these two important changes to family law. The campaign also coincides with the launch of their new Code of Practice.Read More >
Family Law, the Next Steps …
I am going through a divorce and the finances are now going through the court process as we were unable to agree, what happens?Read More >
Family Law, the Next Steps – What to do When it’s Time to Divorce
Family Law, the next steps...Read More >
Family Law, the Next Steps…Mediation, Collaborative Law and the Court Process
Family Law, the next steps...Mediation, collaborative law and going to court - how to choose what is right for you.Read More >
Family Law and Arrangements for Children
Family Law and Arrangements for ChildrenRead More >
Collaborative Divorce
Can there really be such a thing as a good divorce?Read More >
How to Find a Good Divorce Lawyer
With the papers full of the latest “celebrity” divorces and statistics showing that 42% of UK marriages end in divorce, it might be assumed that divorce is no longer a significant life event. However, the knowledge that thousands of other couples are going through the same thing, makes it no less difficult when your own marriage is breaking down.Read More >