Family

Is it true that the number of divorce applications spike in January? Or is this an urban myth? Simon Immins, Family Partner, comments "Sadly, it is true to say that we see an increase in enquiries into our Family Team after Christmas about...

This week is Cohabitation Awareness week. This is promoted by Resolution, and organisation which our Family Team are a part of. What is Resolution? Resolution ’s 6,500 members are family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive...

A pre-nuptial agreement (or ‘pre-nup’ as they are often called) can be made between a couple before they marry, and it deals with how their assets and resources would be treated if they were to divorce or ...

If you are thinking about getting divorced , or dissolving your civil partnership , but haven’t yet filed the papers, you can get a separation agreement drawn up. This sets out who will pay the rent or mortgage and bills, until you decide whether to...

If parents are no longer living together due to separation or divorce , there are legal issues to consider if one parent wishes to take a child on holiday abroad – or even to relocate to another area. It is always preferable to obtain written...

When a couple decides to split, there is never an easy way or time to tell the children. It can sometimes be just as much of a blow when the children are grown up themselves. But are there any tactics that would make breaking the news to them less painful,...

In divorce (for a married couple) or dissolution (for a civil partnership), the pension can often be the second biggest asset – usually the family home is the biggest. You can split pensions several ways, so it’s worth understanding the options...

Head of our Family Team Andrew Stynes looks at the legality of an engagement; and the consequences of separating in relation to gifts and property ownership.

Often one of the first questions that clients ask our Family Team is how long does a divorce take? Update:  As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. No-fault divorce is now...

A case has been in the news this week where a heterosexual couple have lost their case made to the Court of Appeal to have a civil partnership. Since the legislation of same-sex marriage came into force in March 2014, same-sex couples have had the choice of...

Separated women (who took their husband's surname upon marriage) often believe they have to wait until their divorce is finalised before they can revert to their maiden name. This is not correct. Any adult has the right to change their surname at any...

Being appointed as a child’s ‘Special Guardian’ gives parental responsibility for the Special Guardian for the child until the child reaches the age of 18 and exclusive responsibility for the day to day care, long term care and upbringing...

This week is Good Divorce Week. This is a week about seeking the best solutions to what can be the most difficult period that clients can go through. Resolution is a National Organisation of Family Lawyers keen to promote resolution of family separation...

Legendary darts player Phil Taylor has recently been in the press due to his divorce which has been referred to in the press as a clean break divorce. What does this mean, and is it an unusual type of settlement? Simon Immins in our Family Team offers some...

Although the main holiday season is over, half term and Christmas are looming. For families that have remarried and their children’s surname is now different to theirs this can be a problem at airports. It may be that step-parents are travelling with...

Are you separating or divorcing but your spouse or civil partner won’t agree to sell the matrimonial home?

Family solicitor Simon Immins looks at selling the matrimonial home after separation or divorce.

Thinking about separating or divorcing from your spouse or civil partner but the matrimonial home is in their sole name? As family lawyers, we are often asked by clients “I am not registered on the title deeds of the matrimonial home and my spouse or...

Theresa May, the Home Secretary, recently said that the police are still not taking domestic abuse seriously enough as a crime. In 2015 a new criminal offence of ‘coercive control’ was put on the statute books. Domestic abuse is not limited to...

I trust my spouse…we are in the process of divorcing but do I really need a clean break consent order? Family Solicitors often get asked if there is a real need for divorcing parties to enter into a clean break consent order if they are all...

Despite years of campaigning by organisations and individuals, there are few laws to protect the rights of cohabitees and bring them into line with married couples and civil partners. Under current law there is no legal protection for people who live...