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Expert Comments
Opinion
Divorce reform: should I wait to get divorced?
With the government currently consulting on plans to change the way couples divorce in England & Wales by proposing to bring in “no-fault divorces”, many people are asking if they...
January 7, 2019
Blog
financial-provision
Can I claim ongoing financial maintenance from a partner if we were not married?
The false notion of a ‘common law marriage’ existing in UK law is a widespread one. According to a poll conducted this time last year by Resolution, a national organisation...
December 14, 2018
Blog
What is the family mediation process?
The breakdown of a relationship is rarely easy but, in my experience, most separating couples welcome the chance to reach an amicable agreement through dialogue, though they often need some…
December 11, 2018
Blog
What am I entitled to in a divorce settlement?
I am normally asked this question straight away. Unfortunately a definite answer cannot be given without receiving detailed financial information from both parties to a marriage. The courts approach in...
December 5, 2018
Opinion
Good Divorce Week: Avoiding the Bad and the Ugly
26-30 November is Resolution’s Good Divorce Week. Head of the Family Law at Hodge Jones & Allen Jacqueline Major talks through how to achieve a Good Divorce. Divorce has a...
November 26, 2018
Blog
child-law
The Welfare Checklist – How the Family Court determines contact
Proceedings under the Children Act 1989 can be, and often are, an emotionally difficult time for those involved. Indeed, the mere fact that a court has become involved in adjudicating…
October 31, 2018
Blog
Can I take my child on holiday abroad without the other parent’s permission?
With Christmas holidays around the corner, some people will be thinking of travelling away for the holiday season, whether it’s to get away from all the hustle and bustle or...
October 26, 2018
Blog
Can I get divorced in the first year of marriage?
The question to ask is when can petitions for divorce be issued? There is a bar on all divorce petitions in the first year of the marriage - to restrain...
October 26, 2018
Blog
Can I get help with the court fee for a divorce?
The answer will always depend on the overall finances of the spouse starting the divorce application - the Petitioner. The current court fee is £550 for an undefended divorce. This...
October 2, 2018
Blog
A Quick Guide to Premarital Agreements
A Premarital Agreement (PMA) is a written agreement entered into by a couple prior to their marriage or civil partnership. The agreement establishes what the couple would like to happen...
September 19, 2018
Opinion
There is no such thing as a “Quickie” Divorce
The popular press love to coin the phrase “quickie divorce” when reporting the divorces of celebrities. Myleene Klass received a “quickie divorce”. Cheryl’s marriage to Jean Fernandez-Versini was “over in…
September 7, 2018
Opinion
Divorce could turn into soap opera if Tini Owens loses her appeal
As the call for no-fault divorce intensifies, the next ruling on the Supreme Court agenda on Wednesday is the case of Owens vs Owens, arising from Mrs Owens’ appeal against…
July 23, 2018
Blog
What are the Legal Grounds on which people can get divorced? – The “Basics”
The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 governs the current law on divorce in England and Wales. The law states that the petitioner of the divorce, i.e. the person who starts proceedings,...
July 23, 2018
Opinion
Surrogacy and the Law- changes need to be made
Surrogacy is a situation that many people may only encounter in a TV storyline, a high-profile celebrity announcement or a dramatic news story about surrogacy gone wrong. Indeed, it is…
June 15, 2018
Blog
What is an occupation order?
You can obtain an occupation order under the Family Law Act 1996. It confers, declares, restricts or regulates rights of occupation in the family home. There are five different sections...
June 13, 2018
Opinion
Why does outdated divorce law need to change?
Yesterday, the matter of Owen v Owen [2017] EWCA Civ 182 was heard before the Supreme Court. Mrs Owen issued a divorce petition citing that the marriage had irretrievably broken...
May 18, 2018
Blog
Why a Divorce can be the same as a bereavement and the importance of listening to your solicitor
When you go through a divorce it is commonly acknowledged that the stages can mirror that of a bereavement. People can go through similar stages which such as: denial, anger,...
May 11, 2018
Blog
When an enforced sale following a divorce may actually benefit both parties
For various personal and practical reasons, the family home is generally the central and most sought after asset in matrimonial disputes. In some circumstances, the best and only solution is...
April 25, 2018
Opinion
Legal Aid “Process Made better” for Victims of Domestic Violence
Legal Aid was established to assist individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford legal presentation and access to the court system. However, there has been a few reforms which...
April 24, 2018
Opinion
Changing Practices – the future starts now
The legal world is changing – to survive, family lawyers will need to consider new and innovative ways to provide services to their clients. On a freezing cold afternoon at...
