Expert Comments

Opinion

family-law
mediation-and-arbitration
prenuptial-and-cohabitation-agreement

Prenuptial Agreements and Mediation: An Expert Overview from Vanessa Friend

Negotiating a prenuptial agreement can feel daunting, but mediation offers a calm and confidential way to discuss the terms openly. Vanessa Friend, Head of Mediation, explains how mediation works in...

January 27, 2026

Opinion

Alternative Dispute Resolution
family-law
mediation-and-arbitration

How To Resolve A Family Law Dispute Without Court

A recent news story revealed an IT bug in the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which caused evidence to go missing. As a result, it is likely cases were…

September 1, 2025

Blog

family-law
separation

Travelling Abroad with Children When Separated: Legal Tips for the Summer Holidays

The school year is almost over, meaning the summer holidays are around the corner. It is an exciting time for school-aged children. However, the summer break can be a point…

July 16, 2025

Opinion

child-law
family-law

So You Think You Can Hide Assets In Children Act Proceedings?

One father certainly thought so but was scuppered in the recent case of Re P (A Child) (Financial Provision s 423 Insolvency Act 1986) 2025 EWHC 1460 (Fam). The parents…

July 10, 2025

Blog

family-law
Law Commission
Wills

Law Commission Recommends The Law Be Changed To Not Revoke A Will On Marriage

The Law Commission has today (16 May 2025) published its long-awaited report for the modernisation of Wills law and recommendations for reform. Wills law has remained largely unchanged for almost…

May 16, 2025

Blog

child-law
family-law
Gender Identity

Was Prioritising A Child’s Chosen Gender The Wrong Thing To Do?

This is precisely the question recently before the Court of Appeal in the case of Re C (Re C (a child) (Change of Given Name) [2024] EWCA Civ 1582). C,…

May 8, 2025

Blog

court
family-law

Increase To Court Fees – Higher Costs For Divorce And Family Law Applications

In April 2025 there will be a round of fee increases in relation to the HMCTS court fees. The extra funding will help improve service delivery and subsiding the cost…

March 5, 2025

Opinion

divorce
family-law
financial-provision
separation

What Are Pension Sharing Orders And When Are They Ordered By The Court?

A Pension Sharing Order is a legal order made by the Family courts that redistributes a pension between two parties. These orders are made within the financial remedy proceedings that…

March 3, 2025

Lauren Viegas

Opinion

divorce
family-law

Pets in Divorce: Are Courts Finally Considering Their Welfare?

Pets are integral part of family life and as such, disputes about their future living arrangements in the wake of a divorce are often hotly contested. Previously the position in…

February 27, 2025

Opinion

civil-partnership
family-law
prenuptial-and-cohabitation-agreement

How To Formalise Your Relationship Without Getting Married

Many people do not feel comfortable with the idea of marriage, but they still want to formalise their relationship. Vanessa Friend, Head of the Family Team at Hodge Jones &…

February 21, 2025

Opinion

family-law

Valentine’s Day: Five Legal Points To Consider Before Popping The Question!

Valentine’s Day is often associated with love, romance, and grand gestures, but for many, it is also a time of reflection on relationships—both their strengths and their struggles. For couples…

February 13, 2025

Opinion

divorce
family-law
separation

First Steps To Take After Separation: What Do I Do Now And Who Do I Need To Speak To?

Divorce can seem incredibly overwhelming, daunting and, at times, lonely. It is widely considered the second most stressful life event. If you have not been through the process before it…

February 11, 2025

Opinion

civil-partnership
divorce

How Will My Pension Be Assessed After Divorce Or Dissolution Of A Civil Partnership?

Pension funds often form the second largest asset after the family home. It is, therefore, very important to seek legal advice to understand your pension rights following the breakdown of…

February 11, 2025

Opinion

civil-partnership
family-law

Does A Civil Partnership Give Me The Same Rights As A Marriage?

Yes, a civil partnership can create the same legal rights for both same sex couples and opposite sex couples in England and Wales as a marriage. It should be noted…

January 30, 2025

Opinion

divorce
family-law
separation

What Can You Do If Your Partner Won’t Leave the House After Separation?

You have separated but are still living together, what are your options? Firstly, this is a very difficult situation and we fully understand the stress involved when you want to…

January 2, 2025

Phoebe Hill

Opinion

family-law

Your First Steps to Meeting a Family Lawyer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Contacting a family solicitor can feel like a daunting step. Many people who are experiencing relationship difficulties or challenges with co-parenting, may benefit from taking legal advice but are unsure…

December 19, 2024

Jessica Wells

Opinion

divorce
mediation-and-arbitration
separation

Navigating The First Christmas After Separation

We all know that whilst Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be extremely stressful managing the family dynamics. This is particularly true if you…

December 18, 2024

Blog

family-law
prenuptial-and-cohabitation-agreement

The Power Of Trusts And Prenuptial Agreements To Protect Wealth In Divorce

Divorce can have a profound impact on personal and family finances, particularly for those with significant assets. Whilst the court’s main aim is fairness, this often results in wide-ranging redistributions…

December 6, 2024