Family law, relationships, separation & divorce: thoughts & comment
The Family team at Michelmores has led what is understood to be the first case in the country where an application has been made to speed up the divorce process, since the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales. The launch of the new no-fault divorce system in April 2022 saw the introduction of... Continue Reading →
Pressures on court time and the increasing use of remote courts over the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the increasing popularity and success of Private FDRs within (and instead of) financial remedy proceedings within the last 5 years. A Private FDR is a ‘without prejudice’ hearing which can be used for financial remedy cases on... Continue Reading →
The Spring Budget announced on 15 March 2023 has provided confirmation of changes which will be made to simplify the tax rules for married couples on separation, as of 6 April 2023. What has happened historically? Married couples and civil partners may make transfers of assets between themselves without having to pay Capital Gains Tax... Continue Reading →
Why has the law been reformed? Under the previous law those wanting to separate in the UK had to rely on one or more facts to prove that their relationship had irretrievably broken down: unreasonable behaviour, adultery (not available for civil partnership dissolution), desertion for at least 2 years, separation for at least 2 years... Continue Reading →
The courts have been under increasing pressure for years, and this has come to a head as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In finance cases on divorce where the parties can’t agree how to split their assets, resulting in one party making an application to court, delays continue to increase. The... Continue Reading →
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 →
Once your finances are sorted, your order is in place and Decree Absolute has been made, it can be difficult to know what to do next. After a few months of intense discussions and legal processes, coming to the end of a separation can feel like a huge anti-climax. Points to consider before applying for... 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 →
In arguably one of the highest-profile family law cases for decades, the Supreme Court has today ruled that a wife must remain married after her husband objected to a divorce. Mr and Mrs Owens' case hit the headlines when Mrs Owens appealed the court's decision not to allow her divorce to proceed, when it was... Continue Reading →
Recently, I spoke at a seminar for female business professionals in Bristol about personal legal well-being. I am sharing my presentation in the hope that some of the tips and pointers may be of use to my business contacts and their clients, friends, family and professional contacts. Most of us only think of needing legal... Continue Reading →
Picking up the pieces 