Family law, relationships, separation & divorce: thoughts & comment
How prenuptial agreements are viewed varies across the globe. In many countries, they are a common step taken ahead of marriage, in others they are almost unheard of. Some EU countries enable a couple to elect a specific “matrimonial property” regime, which governs how their assets will be divided on divorce. For international couples who... Continue Reading →
It is more difficult than ever for young people to get a foot on the housing ladder. With rising property prices, growing inflation and the cost-of-living crisis increasing outgoings, young people are relying on their parents more than ever for financial assistance. To get a foot on the property ladder, many young adults are buying... Continue Reading →
One of the most exciting decisions in a new relationship is when to pool resources and buy a home together. Whatever your age, this is a huge decision and not only a mutual sign of commitment to the relationship but also the undertaking of a serious financial obligation, which should be given thought and planning.... Continue Reading →
Mothers’ details will be included on marriage certificates for the first time from May 2021. The Government is set to reform the law around the information to be contained within marriage certificates. A new system of marriage registration will form part of the reforms to the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths Act 2019 which... 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 →
Getting around to doing some “life admin” easily falls to the bottom of any to do list when competing with the demands work and family life, but taking some time out to make sure that you are protecting yourself, whatever your relationship status, can reap benefits should things not pan out as expected. Wills Making... Continue Reading →
Chances are your client or a family member are going through a major life event when you are next in touch, be it a new child in the family, a wedding on the horizon, a separation, starting or selling a business, or, most probably, planning for the twilight years of their life. It’s not always easy... 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 →
Ending a long term relationship or marriage is one of the most stressful things that you will go through in life. Holidays, time at home, family and Christmas pressure can cause the cracks in a relationship to show, or one or both of you may decide that a new year is the time to move... Continue Reading →
In October, together with two YRes colleagues, I made the keynote speech at Resolution's annual Dispute Resolution conference. The article below summarises the key points of our speech, based around the changing needs of families of the future and how family lawyers can best support them. The family law landscape is in near-total flux. The... Continue Reading →
Picking up the pieces 