Is it true that divorces peak in September?
This September poses new challenges for separating couples. We as family lawyers often experience a busy period in September. Sadly,…
Coronavirus: will I have to wear a face mask at court?
It has been announced that from 27th July Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will ask everyone going to…
Coronavirus: weddings can now take place, but should you also consider a pre-nuptial agreement?
The Government recently announced that from 4th July couples can now get married in England with up to 30 guests…
Divorce in Scotland and England – how different are the rules?
The recent case of Mr and Mrs Villiers (Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30) is a reminder that divorce law…
How to cope with separation and divorce anxiety during Covid-19
The trials of family life are different for everyone but in this crisis situation that we are experiencing now thanks to…
Farming divorces
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
How can I resolve things with my ex in self-isolation?
It is a very unsettling and difficult time for us all at the moment, but none more so than for…
Have you taken the cohabitation plunge due to lockdown?
Many couples have taken the romantic or maybe the practical decision to live together during the lockdown so they can…
Covid-19: Finally clarity for separated families
Michael Gove had to apologise this morning on BBC Radio 4 for creating confusion over his comments on Good Morning…
Covid-19: Reality-checking your separation
We are living in unprecedented times. The next 3- 6 months are going to be really challenging for us all.…
Coronavirus – how are child arrangements impacted following a separation or divorce?
What should you do if you and your household are self isolating, but your child[ren] are due to spend time…
A family lawyer’s take on The Split
Like many of us who enjoy a gripping legal drama, I have recently enjoyed watching the second series of the…
I’m getting divorced – what happens to pets?
In a divorce or separation often one of the more contentious and emotive issues can be the question of who…
Top 5 things everyone should know about pre-nups
Pre-nuptial agreements (“pre-nups”) have become more popular in recent years, but they are not just for the rich and famous.…
Is family mediation a cheaper way of sorting out my divorce/separation?
When couples separate or divorce they need to sort out how they are going to divide their finances, and the…
What if I want to mediate but my husband doesn’t?
Frequently separating or divorcing partners / spouses want to sort out the division of their finances and/or the arrangements for…
FAQs on mediation
What is mediation?…
FAQs on arbitration
What is arbitration?…
New year, new you – can you have a ‘healthy’ divorce?
Along with the pledge to get healthier, this time of year sees many couples decide that the New Year is…
Forum Shopping – where should I get divorced?
Sometimes when a couple divorces it is important to consider which country should and can deal with the divorce. This…
Top FAQs on cohabitation and children
Can I claim on my partners’ house?…
This New Year’s Eve brings in changes to Civil Partnerships
Since 5th December 2005 it has been possible for members of the same sex to enter into a civil partnership,…
Farming, family and divorce
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough, but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
What if my partner tries to hide money in our divorce proceedings?
It is not uncommon for spouses to be worried that their ex will try to hide assets, or lie about…
Family holiday plans gone to Ashes
What you need to know about taking children abroad after separation
The Ashes test series has begun, the sun is…
No10’s first cohabiting couple
As Boris Johnson settles in to his new residence at No 10 Downing Street with girlfriend Carrie Symonds it seems…
Married fathers: an exceptional parental responsibility status?
Recent case law and statutes have reiterated time and again the importance of the child’s welfare. How does this link…
It’s time to knockout those separating myths‚ĶDing Ding
With heavy weight boxer Anthony Joshua looking for a knock out against his opponent this weekend, we look at 5…
What if I want to divorce my husband/wife but they have dementia?
Separating from your partner or getting divorced can be traumatic and stressful. As a family law solicitor and mediator I…
Why Paul and Alex Hollywood may regret not continuing with family mediation
The press has recently reported that Paul Hollywood and his wife of 20 years, Alex, will be going to court…
A new royal baby and the possible legal issues arising with parents from different backgrounds
With the birth of the latest royal baby, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, we have seen the first mixed race child…
Who do you think you are? The increase in DNA testing
The popular BBC programme “Who Do You Think You Are?” highlights how interested we have all become in our family…
Don’t let your divorce hit the bunker’ 5 easy-to-make mistakes on separation
Any keen golfer (or golf widow) will know that the prospect of teeing off and landing straight in the bunker…
Is divorce all about dividing the prize winnings at the end of a big race?
Separating from your partner can feel as though you are swept up in a never ending steeplechase with ‘money’ being…
Prince Andrew & Fergie – Pre Nuptial Agreement?
The self proclaimed ‘worlds happiest separated couple’ Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Fergie (Sarah Ferguson), may tie the knot…
Family Mediation – covering everything you need
Generally, the issues you face upon a divorce or separation are threefold: legal; emotional and financial. Mediation is a bespoke…
What are the benefits of family mediation?
As a family law solicitor and Law Society accredited mediator I regularly assist clients going through a separation or divorce…
Will my ex-wife be able to ask me for more money in the future?
You may have seen in the press recently the case in which the Supreme Court grappled with this question. …
How best to protect your assets when in a relationship or contemplating marriage
When you commence a new relationship or get engaged protecting your assets is probably not the first thing on your…
Family Mediation Week
As it is Family Mediation Week I took part in a live Twitter Q & A on Wednesday to answer…
Common mediation misconceptions
I commonly come across the following mediation misconceptions in my role as a family mediator:…
Divorce case of Mrs and Mr Owens
In the wake of the striking divorce case of Mrs and Mr Owens, BBC Radio Solent spoke to Debra Emery,…
Protecting the bank of mum and dad
As we enter 2017, there is a higher-than-normal degree of uncertainty regarding the prospects of the UK economy and the…
