Divorce law came a step closer to its first reform in fifty years last month, after draft legislation was published asking Parliament to consider the idea of ‘no-fault divorce’ Experts realised that the current laws about divorce can lead to extra conflict and make break ups more painful than they need to be, so after […]
Supreme Court decision on payment of extra rental costs
The Supreme Court recently heard an appeal against an order made in the Court of Appeal, which had increased the amount of money paid as periodical payments to his ex-partner. The case, Mills v Mills [2018] UKSC 38 involved a couple who had divorced in 2002 following a 15 -year marriage. Originally the finances had been agreed […]
New Supreme Court judgment
A recent judgement may open the door to civil partnership agreements being an option for people of opposite sexes. In June 2018, the Supreme Court heard an appeal against different-sex couples being unable to legally enter into a civil partnership. The appeal looked at whether the ban on different-sex couples entering into civil partnerships breached […]
Dobson – vs – Griffey and why you need a cohabitation agreement
A recent court judgement has underlined just how important it is for unmarried couples who live together to put a cohabitation agreement in place covering their finances. What you think is ‘fair’ when it comes to property you own as a couple may not be supported by the law. The case of Jacqueline Dobson and […]
UK Surrogacy laws under review
The number of children born via a surrogate is thought to be as much as 10 times higher than it was just a decade ago. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently chose to use a surrogate to carry their third child, leading to more awareness of surrogacy as an option, and a review […]
Court of Appeal ruling may impact maintenance agreements
A recent high-profile divorce ruling may have far reaching implications for future payments under maintenance agreements in divorce proceedings. Waggott -vs Waggott, which has been called the ‘meal ticket for life’ case, reached the Court of Appeal recently, where it was decided that the annual maintenance payments Kim Waggott had been awarded for life from […]
Grounds for divorce
If you want to get divorced, legally you need to come up with a reason – this is called your ‘grounds’ for divorce. It’s important to think carefully about which reason applies to you and your partner before you start proceedings or talk to a family law solicitor who can give you advice if you’re […]
Domestic Abuse – New Measures to Protect Victims
New measures have been proposed to prevent domestic abuse and protect victims. A consultation has been launched by Prime Minister Theresa May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Gauke, asking for views on what should be included in a brand new Domestic Abuse Bill, which is currently in draft. Although the government recognises […]
Support for the ‘Early Intervention Project’
A McKenzie Friend is someone who accompanies a litigant in person to court proceedings, sits with them in court and offers advice and support as well as taking notes. There has recently been a consultation on their role in the litigation process. The Judicial Executive Board (JEBs) response to the consultation has recommended that Practice Guidance […]
Shared Parenting – Tightening up the Law
When parents split, their children are expected to be at the forefront of their parents’ minds – will they live with one parent or share their time with both? When will they see the other parent? Who has the final say on major decisions, if anyone? It can be a difficult time for parents and […]