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.

Whilst it may not be possible to have a ‘good’ divorce, it is certainly possible to have a bad one. Fortunately, there are steps that both parties can take to make the divorce and separation process as painless and as amicable as possible.

The transgender community face many unique legal challenges. One challenge that you may face as a transgender person is ensuring that your financial and personal affairs are properly managed, taking into consideration your gender identity, in the event that you become unable to make decisions for yourself. A Lasting Power of Attorney can be essential to ensure that your interests are protected, and your wishes heard.

With marriage rates dropping to the lowest levels on record, society is seeing more couples than ever residing together, sharing assets, building a life together, but not taking the traditional step of marrying or entering a civil partnership.

It’s often said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes but, while taxes may be a certainty, the amount of tax you pay isn’t set in stone. Effective tax planning can be used to ensure that your tax liability is minimised.

If gifting a buy-to-let to let property, shares or investments is something that you are considering you might want to make that gift sooner rather than later!

A gift of a property shares or investments is considered a disposal for Capital Gains tax purposes which means that even though you don’t receive any money from the person receiving the property, Capital Gains tax can still arise.

If you are a business owner or director considering what might happen to your business if you were unexpectedly away or unable to make decisions, it may seem like an unlikely eventuality. In today’s climate, there could be a number of situations which mean you are not able to run your business as you would normally.

The majority of family lawyers can safely say that they entered the profession in order to help unhappy people out of unhealthy situations. Family Law involves assisting people when they feel at their most vulnerable. When you feel stressed, upset and aggrieved, sensible decision making may not be at the forefront of your mind and this is why it is really important that you are properly supported from the outset.

With a change in the modern day family dynamic, devoted step-parents are recognised as an integral part of a child's life, providing love, support, and care every step of the way. Introducing: step-parent adoption. Step-parent adoption offers the opportunity for this nurturing relationship to be legally recognised, granting you the legal status of parent.

It is not unusual for clients to tell us that, since separating from their spouse, they have met someone else and have started a new relationship. Parties cannot put their life on hold while the divorce process is underway, but it is important that the implications of being in a new relationship are understood.

Any Britney fan and especially one who is a family lawyer, will have seen the news of her marriage breakdown and hoped that she had a Pre-Nuptial Agreement.

The law relating to Nuptial Agreements in America is different from that in England & Wales but the popularity of Nuptial Agreements in this jurisdiction continues to rise.