Family

Dentist, Norman Martin, failed to divorce his estranged wife despite having lived with his new partner, Joy Williams, in Dorchester of 18 years. On his death there was no provision for Joy, as Martin had failed to update his will to reflect his relationship...

Courts are to reconsider settlements made in divorce proceedings. In the above two cases both wives were able to satisfy the court that they had been misled by their ex-husbands in that both husbands had hidden their true worth from the court.  Andrew...

As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. No-fault divorce is now law. Therefore, the information in this article may be outdated. Please refer to our dedicated divorce page ...

As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. No-fault divorce is now law. Therefore, the information in this article may be outdated. Please refer to our dedicated divorce page ...

As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. No-fault divorce is now law. Therefore, the information in this article may be outdated. Please refer to our dedicated divorce page ...

As Family Lawyers this is a question we are often asked by clients. It is not as simple as a yes or no. A simple answer would, unhelpfully, be “it depends”. As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce,...

As Family Lawyers this is a question we are often asked by clients, it is, not as simple as a yes or no. A simple answer would, unhelpfully, be “it depends”. As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed drastically, thanks to the Divorce,...

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into force in December 2014 allowing couples in a civil partnership to get married. The most high profile of these marriages being Elton John and his partner David Furnish. As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has...

It seems to be the season for celebrity weddings and it is more than likely that many have made pre-nuptial agreements. Despite all the high hopes, best wishes and optimism on the wedding day, we are all aware that some marriages will, in time, breakdown. ...

Going through a divorce is an emotional and upsetting time often fraught with confusion about legal terms and courts. It can be a costly process for both parties. Not many people are familiar with collaborative divorce but this process and also divorce...

Surrogacy is where a child is carried through pregnancy by a woman, not necessarily the genetic mother, who has entered into an arrangement that sets out who is intended to be the legal parent of the child once it is born. As of 6th April...

The breakdown of a marriage or long term relationship is extremely upsetting for all involved. For grandparents it can be devastating if they are denied contact with their grandchildren. Unfortunately grandparents do not have an automatic right to contact...

“We want a divorce but don’t want to go to Court.” This is something that we, as family lawyers hear with increasing frequency. A Divorce can only be granted by a Court. However, frequently this is not a contentious issue and is often...

Currently, Pre-Nuptial Agreements are not strictly binding in English law. In other countries such as USA and most of Europe Pre-Nups are common enforceable contracts. There have been a number of cases which have improved the position of a Pre-Nup so they...

As part of the family justice system reforms, a new combined Family Court has been created and comes into force in England and Wales today, 22nd April 2014. Simon Hughes, the Justice Minister, said it was a “hugely important change” to what had...

At the end of July 2013, new rules were introduced for calculating child maintenance and all new applications in respect of child maintenance made after this date, are dealt with by Child Maintenance Options. As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed...

Unlike divorce, a legal separation does not put an end to the marriage, it enables you to live separately but remain married. During the time that you are living apart, you have a court order that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each spouse. You...

The Supreme Court unanimously allowed an appeal in June this year by Mrs Prest, in the case  Prest v Petrodel , allowing her to obtain a share in assets held by her husband in numerous companies in his name. As of 6th April 2022 divorce...

It is not uncommon for husbands and wives or civil partners to work together in a family business and a question often asked is “What happens to the business when the relationship breaks down?” As of 6th April 2022 divorce law has changed...

During divorce or separation finances can take a long time to sort out and things cannot be resolved overnight, but ignoring joint finances during this difficult time and hoping things will ‘sort out’ is not the way to go. Research has revealed...