There is often a lot of confusion around what happens to the family home when a couple separates. 

Often, it is assumed that what applies to a married couple will also apply to an unmarried couple, but this is not the case.

We all know that Euro 2024 is well underway and there has already been excitement (and upset) along the way for all the nations, not least England. Sadly, the harsh reality is the beautiful game does not always mean excitement for all and particularly those in a high risk or abusive relationship.

The court system in England and Wales is an adversarial system, meaning that parties become two opposing sides, presenting their case to a judge for a decision. This approach can, unfortunately, create or amplify conflict, lead to expensive legal costs on both sides, as well as heavy emotional cost.  

Divorce is a concept almost everyone is familiar with but we are commonly asked ‘what is divorce’ and ‘how do I get divorced?’.

The Ministry of Justice has announced changes to Court fees scheduled for May this year.  172 Court fees are going to increase, but how will this affect the fee for the application for divorce?

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for all, even moreso when you own a home. Understandably, one of the main questions faced by Family lawyers is ‘Can I stay in my home once we have divorced?’ This is particularly the case if you have young children living with you.

The simple answer is that it depends on individual circumstances. Unfortunately, what feels like an innocent holiday could be considered a criminal offence and so it is very important to understand the law before booking a holiday abroad.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re starting with Eleanor Barber, who heads up our Family Team.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Chelsea McVicker, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family team.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Rhianna Greenley, a Solicitor in our Family team.

In 2022, we saw an overhaul of the divorce process, which saw the end of “fault-based” divorces, so that neither party could blame the other for the end of the marriage. It was hoped the new terms would remove outdated phrases and simplify the different stages and the process.

Separating from your partner can be a difficult time, filled with emotional and logistical challenges, especially when children are involved. Navigating the complexities of child arrangements can be daunting, making it difficult to find common ground.

The breakdown of a relationship is invariably a challenging time for all involved, particularly when there are children involved. This is where a well-considered Parenting Plan comes into play, providing a structured approach to addressing any issues that may arise and facilitating a collaborative co-parenting environment.

It is a common misconception that when you divorce, the financial links you have with your spouse come to an end. Until you have a Financial Order, either by consent or at the end of Court proceedings, you remain financially linked to your former spouse. You do not have to have a lawyer to assist you but not using one could mean that you end up with unresolved financial claims or a Financial Order that does not do what you thought.

The short answer is no, you do not. It has never been a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor to be divorced and many people do complete the process without a lawyer.

Buddy and Holly were settling into their new home well; their home was filled with couple (s)elfies and Buddy didn’t object to the garish Christmas prints filling their home. It wasn’t long after they moved in that Holly approached Buddy about protecting their individual assets.

Frequently I am asked whether a parent has rights in respect of their child and what this means for them as a parent. Simply, there will be a question about whether the parent has Parental Responsibility and if they don’t, how they can get it.

Are you dreading making arrangements for Christmas contact with your former partner? As the festive spirit approaches, Gemma Stevens shares how making plans early can help reduce the risk of conflict ruining the holiday periods.

Domestic abuse can take many forms and it is not always physical. Various different forms of abuse can be in the form of emotional, psychological, financial or sexual abuse. There are different charitable organisations who are able to support victims of domestic abuse, one organisation being Refuge, who offer a free 24/7 helpline to those who need support.

Following a committed relationship, the next stage for a couple is usually to move in with one another. Whilst they have not yet tied the knot, it is important to ensure that their assets and future are protected should the worst happen, and the relationship ends. This is where cohabitation agreements come into play.