Family law, relationships, separation & divorce: thoughts & comment
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 →
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 →
Moving abroad is a huge decision which can often challenge even the most stable of relationships. If things don’t work out, facing a separation whilst away from everything that is familiar to you can be extremely daunting. The emotional and psychological impact of separation can be very difficult to deal with without this support network.... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Picking up the pieces 