With the added pressures following the impact of COVID19 on divorcing parties’ assets, there are various concerns over the economic impact of COVID19 on the value of assets either through depreciation or by spouses wishing to protect assets during the pandemic. Where there are concerns over one party potentially concealing assets within divorce proceedings, then [...]
In the current economic climate of the covid pandemic and the inevitable rise in bankruptcies and divorce petitions being presented, it is imperative solicitors and clients know what they are facing when insolvency and divorce proceedings meet. The impact on an individual being made bankrupt whilst divorce proceedings are in existence can cause some confusion [...]
As a family lawyer, it is essential to consider each client’s case with a fresh perspective; each case brings a unique set of facts that demands a tailored approach. For example, after speaking to a client in the initial meeting, it may become clear that the most proportionate and appropriate way of dealing with the [...]
Following the announcement of stricter stay at home (lockdown) rules earlier this week, government guidelines have confirmed that children can continue to move between their parents’ homes. Cafcass guidelines are also available and can be found in this link: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/parents-and-carers/covid-19-guidance-for-children-and-families/ The Cafcass guidelines encourage consistency for children and state that if there is a Child [...]
If you haven’t already seen it, Marriage Story is Noah Baumbach’s new film starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. The film takes a refreshing approach to portraying the breakdown of a marriage and the child arrangement and financial issues that follow. It succeeds at showing these issues without resorting to overdramatization and importantly, the ending [...]
From New Year’s Eve this year (2019), the first heterosexual civil partnerships will be formed. Opposite-sex couples have been able to give notice of their intention to form a civil partnership since 2 December; there is a 28-day notice period. The change in the law introduced by the Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 followed [...]
Legal parenthood creates a life-long connection between the parents and the child. It can only be held by two individuals as it is intended to be held by the parents of the child. It carries its own responsibilities and rights such as the parents’ duty to financially maintain the child, inheritance rights for the child [...]
In financial cases between separating spouses, most couples agree to exchange information openly and honestly however there are exceptions to this rule. We are sometimes asked by our clients if their spouse’s confidential documents relating to their ex-partner's personal life, finances, business dealings and assets can be used in proceedings. This is a difficult issue [...]
Last week I read a few news articles referring to Paul Hollywood, a judge from Channel 4’s the Great British Bake Off, and his estranged wife choosing to use family arbitration to resolve their financial issues following separation rather seeking a decision from the family court. So, what is arbitration and how does it work [...]
With the current justice system strained, huge pressure is being imposed on family lawyers, court staff and the judiciary to meet the needs of individuals seeking assistance and a resolution to their family law disputes. As a result, the topic "wellbeing" is being discussed by many in the profession at this moment. The Central Family [...]
