Family law, relationships & divorce: thoughts & comment
When a couple with dependent children divorce or separate they will be very aware of the impact this will have on their children, and this will normally be a major consideration in the decision about whether and when to separate. However, often less thought is given to the impact that a separation can have upon... Continue Reading →
Earlier this week, I wrote about parents' concerns surrounding Covid-19 and what the Government’s lockdown plan would mean for their child arrangements. However what has become clear from speaking to clients old, existing and new is that for many, matters have not been quite as straight forward as simply keeping arrangements going as usual (on... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple of weeks, I have many clients getting in touch with concerns regarding the arrangements for their children in the current climate. The fight against Covid-19 has seen the Government bring in unprecedented measures which are having serious implications on our ability to live our normal lives and are disrupting family arrangements... Continue Reading →
According to the media, we are in the middle of divorce season. The truth is there isn’t one set time of year when people split up. Yes, some times of year are busier than others, but any solicitor worth their salt will tell you that “divorce day” is a myth. Having said that, if you... Continue Reading →
The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of year in a family lawyer’s calendar. Christmas often becomes a focal point for clients wanting to have their divorce and financial settlement done and dusted or a house purchase completed. One of the most contentious issues can be arrangements for children over the festive... Continue Reading →
A Bristol judge has decided to publish his decision in an exceptional case of parental alienation. The Designated Family Judge for the Western Circuit, HHJ Wildblood QC, wanted the public to be aware how badly wrong things can go for a family when one parent chooses to alienate the children from the other parent. What... Continue Reading →
Last week saw the High Court decide that a transgender man who gave birth with the help of fertility treatment cannot be legally registered as the father (or parent) of his child. The case has also provided the first legal definition of a mother. This case highlighted just one of the difficulties faced by... Continue Reading →
Parenting apart from birth – how to make it work Becoming a new parent is an emotional, physical and practical rollercoaster, an all-consuming challenge like no other you have experienced before. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I have recently learnt how vital support of family and friends is at... Continue Reading →
As the current sunny spell is coming to an end, with storms and rain forecast, our thoughts naturally turn to summer holidays – when and where we are next going to get our fix of vitamin D. Increasingly, we are seeking out more interesting destinations, guaranteed sunshine and a trip that offers an unforgettable experience,... Continue Reading →
Facing a separation is never easy and you can find yourself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. It is often difficult to find the headspace to think about what should happen next, let alone communicate about this and start taking steps to move your life forward. Managing the impact of your separation on any children... Continue Reading →
Picking up the pieces 