The Ministry of Justice has announced changes to Court fees scheduled for May this year.  172 Court fees are going to increase, but how will this affect the fee for the application for divorce?

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for all, even moreso when you own a home. Understandably, one of the main questions faced by Family lawyers is ‘Can I stay in my home once we have divorced?’ This is particularly the case if you have young children living with you.

The simple answer is that it depends on individual circumstances. Unfortunately, what feels like an innocent holiday could be considered a criminal offence and so it is very important to understand the law before booking a holiday abroad.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re starting with Eleanor Barber, who heads up our Family Team.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Chelsea McVicker, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family team.

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Rhianna Greenley, a Solicitor in our Family team.

In 2022, we saw an overhaul of the divorce process, which saw the end of “fault-based” divorces, so that neither party could blame the other for the end of the marriage. It was hoped the new terms would remove outdated phrases and simplify the different stages and the process.

Separating from your partner can be a difficult time, filled with emotional and logistical challenges, especially when children are involved. Navigating the complexities of child arrangements can be daunting, making it difficult to find common ground.

The breakdown of a relationship is invariably a challenging time for all involved, particularly when there are children involved. This is where a well-considered Parenting Plan comes into play, providing a structured approach to addressing any issues that may arise and facilitating a collaborative co-parenting environment.

It is a common misconception that when you divorce, the financial links you have with your spouse come to an end. Until you have a Financial Order, either by consent or at the end of Court proceedings, you remain financially linked to your former spouse. You do not have to have a lawyer to assist you but not using one could mean that you end up with unresolved financial claims or a Financial Order that does not do what you thought.

The short answer is no, you do not. It has never been a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor to be divorced and many people do complete the process without a lawyer.

Buddy and Holly were settling into their new home well; their home was filled with couple (s)elfies and Buddy didn’t object to the garish Christmas prints filling their home. It wasn’t long after they moved in that Holly approached Buddy about protecting their individual assets.

Frequently I am asked whether a parent has rights in respect of their child and what this means for them as a parent. Simply, there will be a question about whether the parent has Parental Responsibility and if they don’t, how they can get it.

Are you dreading making arrangements for Christmas contact with your former partner? As the festive spirit approaches, Gemma Stevens shares how making plans early can help reduce the risk of conflict ruining the holiday periods.

Domestic abuse can take many forms and it is not always physical. Various different forms of abuse can be in the form of emotional, psychological, financial or sexual abuse. There are different charitable organisations who are able to support victims of domestic abuse, one organisation being Refuge, who offer a free 24/7 helpline to those who need support.

Following a committed relationship, the next stage for a couple is usually to move in with one another. Whilst they have not yet tied the knot, it is important to ensure that their assets and future are protected should the worst happen, and the relationship ends. This is where cohabitation agreements come into play.

The majority of family lawyers can safely say that they entered the profession in order to help unhappy people out of unhealthy situations. Family Law involves assisting people when they feel at their most vulnerable. When you feel stressed, upset and aggrieved, sensible decision making may not be at the forefront of your mind and this is why it is really important that you are properly supported from the outset.

With a change in the modern day family dynamic, devoted step-parents are recognised as an integral part of a child's life, providing love, support, and care every step of the way. Introducing: step-parent adoption. Step-parent adoption offers the opportunity for this nurturing relationship to be legally recognised, granting you the legal status of parent.

It is not unusual for clients to tell us that, since separating from their spouse, they have met someone else and have started a new relationship. Parties cannot put their life on hold while the divorce process is underway, but it is important that the implications of being in a new relationship are understood.

Any Britney fan and especially one who is a family lawyer, will have seen the news of her marriage breakdown and hoped that she had a Pre-Nuptial Agreement.

The law relating to Nuptial Agreements in America is different from that in England & Wales but the popularity of Nuptial Agreements in this jurisdiction continues to rise.