Love and the Law: the unbreakable bond

We know that the law, and all things legal, are not very romantic topics, but most relationships will encounter the law at some point, and most will be underpinned by it. Whether you are just getting together, moving in with your partner, getting married or, sadly, divorcing or dying, our love lives are forever linked…

No-fault divorce was introduced to the House of Lords

2020 is going to be a big year for divorce laws as neither side of divorcing couple will need to accept blame for the breakdown of their marriage.  This law is one of the biggest changes of divorce law in the last 50 years and it aims to reduce the impact of unnecessary family conflict….

We are divorcing: who gets the family home?

The family home is typically considered to be one of the most important assets in many divorces. Although the family home is a special and sensitive matter, any negotiations in relation to the family home depend on each case. Questions about a jointly-owned property are some of the most common questions that our lawyers get asked…

Your rights as Grandparents

We have seen a rising number of court cases with grandparents trying to win the right to see their grandchildren when they have been denied contact. MPs have called on the government to change the law and give grandparents the right to see their grandchildren after a divorce. An amendment to the Children Act has been suggested, with supporters…

UK legislation to allow no-fault divorce

The UK government will introduce legislation to overhaul the divorce system after more than 40 years. Currently, for a couple to divorce in the UK, one spouse must give reasoning such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour for divorce proceedings to start. A no-fault divorce will allow a couple to separate without requiring evidence or showing of…

How to get a divorce in England: the basic steps

Sometimes things just don’t work out and divorce really might be the best thing for your family and personal health. Getting a divorce in England isn’t as complicated as you think, but it’s a process that needs to be carefully completed, step-by-step, and we recommend you do this with the assistance of a solicitor that…

Separation agreements: the basics

If you are intending to get a divorce or to dissolve a civil partnership, but for whatever reason don’t want to go ahead with the divorce immediately, then you can get a separation agreement drawn up. A separation agreement can help you deal with bills, mortgage, your children and other aspects of life that that…

Do I need a prenuptial agreement?

Many couples dislike the idea of prenuptial agreements – or ‘prenups’ – because they require the couple to put romantic feelings aside plan for an unpleasant event that nobody is hoping will actually happen. Some worry that even talking about a prenup could undermine the imminent wedding. However, in some cases, they are a very…

How can I have a smooth divorce?

The decision to divorce is a life change that will affect you and the people around you especially when the divorce is filled with despair and pain.  So, what about making the decision to have a smooth divorce? Here are some points to consider if you want a smooth divorce process: Decide what post-divorce relationship…

Will High Court appeal secure improved rights for unmarried couples?

In England and Wales, unmarried couples’ rights are very different from the law that applies to a married couple. An unmarried couple that lives together have different rights in respect of wills or pension sharing, for example. An unmarried couple has none of the inheritance tax advantages of a married couple. A couple that lives…