Benefits of joint applications for no-fault divorce
The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 completely reformed the process of divorcing and brought an end to fault-based divorce, allowing couples to end their marriage jointly. The act also establishes 20 weeks between the start of proceedings and the application for the conditional order, which offers couples with a meaningful period of reflection and the chance…
Ensure peace of mind for your loved ones: Create a will
Planning legal steps for the future can make a huge difference to safeguard your family, whatever tomorrow brings. In an upsetting time, you can ensure your family doesn’t also have to deal with the stress of the legal issues that arise when you die without a will. In very simple words, a carefully planned will…
Ending a relationship when you are unmarried: Children
The law surrounding unmarried couples can be very puzzling because, in the eyes of the law, unmarried couples are just two unrelated individuals – even when you have children. In a series of blogs, we are going to look at the most important topics of a relationship breakdown. In this blog, we are looking at…
How can we help with adoption?
Adoption can completely transform both the child’s and prospective parents’ lives and it is a process that requires expert legal assistance, emotional support, dedication, and trust. Our Family Law team has years of experience dealing with all family matters including adoption cases and will always be available to advise you with compassion and understanding. If…
Can I get married on a beach?
As the law stands currently, couples can only get married in a registered building of worship and civil weddings in a register office or on approved premises. During the Covid-19 pandemic, some rules for civil partnerships were relaxed to legal outdoor ceremonies but they also came with restrictions. Thankfully, couples will soon be able to…
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…
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…