No fault divorce…here at last…a more collaborative approach
From 6th April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will reform the law on divorce, dissolution and separation from 6th April 2022. This is a welcome piece of legislation long campaigned for over many years by Family Lawyers to reduce conflict and hostility in what can be very complex, difficult and emotional circumstances. […]
Family Mediation Week 18 – 22 January 2021
Online mediation in a global pandemic. It is an obvious comment but the events of the Covid-19 have dramatically changed the way that we are all working and living. It is a time of huge stress and uncertainty and as I have seen said on countless tweets and posts on social media “we may be […]
Family Mediation Week 18 – 22 January 2021
Mediation awareness. Family mediation week is a great initiative designed to increase and spread awareness of a very powerful tool for families faced with issues that can arise from separation and divorce. It’s a time to reflect on why mediation is a suitable process – it is not for everyone but I am a firm […]
Making a Christmas bubble – how does this work for separated parents?
Many of us have been eagerly awaiting the government to announce the rules for celebrating Christmas with loved ones and on 24 November 2020 those arrangements were finally confirmed. So, what are the rules? Between 23 and 27 December 2020 only: You should also travel to meet those in your Christmas bubble and return home […]
Covid-19 and Child Arrangements
As we enter deeper into the second wave and the government introduces a new 3-tier system of restrictions to respond, inevitably questions have been raised about contact with children who regularly move between households due to their parents being separated. Can children move between the homes of separated parents? In England, local COVID alert levels […]
Always on your side
Earlier this year our world changed considerably – lockdown, school closures and the worry for health and safety of loved ones and others have all had a massive impact on everyone’s lives albeit likely in different ways. We know a world wide pandemic does not mean that the family law issues people were facing have […]
Family Mediation week
This week is family mediation week. This is a welcome week to promote and support what remains an overlooked, or misunderstood, process for couples experiencing separation with the issues and disputes that often arise. To many (and sadly I include some family law advisors in this) mediation is seen as just a “tick box” excercise […]
What will a ‘no deal’ Brexit mean for divorce?
With the 29th March 2019 fast approaching, it is looking increasingly likely that the UK will be leaving the EU with ‘no deal’. So what will happen to divorce law in England and Wales after ‘exit day’? Perhaps the biggest, and arguably best, change following a ‘no deal’ Brexit will be in relation to divorces […]
Not married – death benefit unfairness?
The issues faced by cohabitants upon the end of their relationship is a topic that I have covered many times, but the decision of the Supreme Court in the appeal of Siobhan McLaughlin in August has highlighted yet another area where cohabitants may find themselves in difficulty. Ms McLaughlin was in a relationship with her […]
Arbitration… A better way?
When going through divorce or separation, the different routes to a resolution regarding financial or children matters can seem overwhelming and the differences between them insignificant. However, there are a number of different ways in which family law disputes can be resolved, each with its unique benefits and it is worth considering them properly as […]