No-fault divorce law introduced in England and Wales
Divorce laws have changed this month for the first time in 50 years, putting an end to the blame game for couples that want to break up harmoniously. What has changed? Previously, one spouse had to allege adultery, desertion, or unreasonable behaviour to begin proceedings immediately. That decision could also be contested which meant the…
Outdoor weddings and civil partnerships here to stay
Under UK laws, legal weddings or civil partnership ceremonies previously had to take place in approved premises, such as a hotel, and an approved room or permanent structure for the couple to say their vows or outdoors within a permanent structure such as a bandstand. But during the coronavirus pandemic, temporary measures were introduced to make outdoor…
When can the police stop and search you?
The Met Police has apologised after a disturbing and unjustified strip-search of a black schoolgirl that was wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis. The search has raised questions on what people’s rights are when being searched by the police. Here is some important information regarding your rights if you are stopped and searched: The police can only search…
Funding boosted for the family mediation scheme
The Government announced that it is boosting its landmark family mediation voucher scheme with an additional £1.3 million. With over 4,400 vouchers already being used to resolve family arrangement disputes, this announcement is important for families wishing to avoid family courts. Families will be able to resolve disputes away from court for arrangements involving financial or contact…
Ending a relationship when you are unmarried: your family home
Regardless of the growing number of unmarried couples in England and Wales, unmarried couples still have very little protection and legal rights under English law. Nowadays, many couples don’t view marriage as a necessity and live together without getting married. Couples might have shared bank accounts, bills, and properties, but in the eyes of the…
When does a will need to be changed?
We always recommend that our customers review their will every five years, as well as when certain circumstances change or when major life events occur. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, and the death of a family member or executor can change your finances, estate, and even…
Video-witnessing wills legislation extended to 2024
The legislation for video and remote witnessing of wills has been extended for two more years until the 31st of January 2024, giving vulnerable people peace of mind that their wills will be legally recognised. The initial change had been brought in at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for those who had to isolate either…
New legislations and changes coming into force in 2022
With the new year just around the corner, there are some new legislation and law changes that are worth mentioning and preparing for. Read the most important changes: New homes must have electric car chargers by law from 2022 All new homes and buildings in England will be required by law to have electric vehicle…
Looking back at 2021: Reviews that made us smile
2021 was a unique year, to say the least, with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing we might have not had the happiest news at times, but we have seen businesses and societies come together to protect each other and deal with the outbreak as best as possible. This year, even though our team was operating differently…
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order is a legally binding order that prohibits someone, typically a parent, to stop another parent from making decisions about their children/child. A Prohibited Steps Order can stop a parent from exercising their parental responsibility. What can a Prohibited Steps Order prevent from happening? As mentioned above, Prohibited Steps Orders can be…