HNW families feeling the pinch
Insight bites: Family matters
A new survey revealed that HNW families are far from immune from the impacts of the…
Family and divorce
Nikita Shah
I am a trainee solicitor in the family team at the Guildford office. I primarily support other solicitors, working within…
What is co-mediation and how can it help resolve family disputes?
The co-mediation model is where a lawyer mediator works alongside a mediator from a therapeutic background such as therapist, counsellor…
What is family mediation? Everything you need to know
Separating families often find themselves in a situation where there are a lot of difficult decisions to be made about…
What happens to a family business in divorce?
You started out on your own but, through hard work and determination, you’ve built your business from a side-project into…
What will happen to my pension if I get divorced?
This year, many people will be concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the value of their pension funds arising from difficult…
The cost of living crisis and relationship breakdown
All the news at the moment seems to be that energy bills are going up, shopping is getting more expensive,…
Can my partner and I use the same lawyer to get divorced?
A limited number of family lawyers are now providing a service whereby a couple can use one lawyer to advise…
Moore Barlow launches new divorce model for separating couples following increased demand
Southeast law firm Moore Barlow has announced the launch of a new service that encourages separating couples to work together…
Cost of living crisis causing surge in divorce rates
As many households have experienced across the UK, we are currently going through a significant cost of living crisis. This…
Sharing school fees with your ex-partner
Is it possible to make your ex-partner contribute to paying school fees?
With the start of the school year upcoming,…
Capital gains tax following a separation
Last month the Government released draft legislation in relation to changing how capital gains tax (CGT) will apply after a…
Should my family or friend help fund my divorce?
Getting divorced and dividing your finances can be very expensive, particularly if you go through the court process, and you…
Is a change in the law for cohabiting couples on the horizon?
Can the ‘common law marriage’ myth finally be bust?
Cohabiting couples represent the fastest growing family type in England and…
Moore Barlow family team gains child abduction accreditation following 200 per cent increase in enquires
[Southeast-based] law firm Moore Barlow has announced that Joanna Farrands has been appointed to a government panel of lawyers accredited…
Can I take my child on holiday without my ex’s consent?
“We’re all going on a summer holiday, but only if my ex gives consent too”
It’s the time of year…
Charlotte Millard
I qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 and as a Mediator in 2012. I am committed to assisting clients in…
Resolution solutions away from the family court
Karen Barham is a consultant at Moore Barlow, a mediator, solicitor and a parenting coordinator.
She received the Surrey Law…
Father’s Day in separated families – putting the child’s interests first
Despite being relatively new holidays in their current form (I would encourage anyone who has not done so to look…
The Good Split – Family and divorce drama
Many of us will have watched the third and final series of BBC drama “The Split”. Spoiler alert! If you…
Mental health during separation
Going through a divorce or separation is a stressful and traumatic experience, as anyone who has been through one can…
Child maintenance service – Hope for the future
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) was established in 2012 to increase levels of cooperation between separated parents and to encourage…
Child maintenance and how it affects high earners
Child maintenance
Both parents are financially responsible for looking after their child. Child Poverty Action Group’s annual report revealed that…
Declaration of Trust – everything you need to know
What is a Declaration of Trust?
A Declaration of Trust is a legal document that is drawn up when people…
No fault divorce – your questions answered
On 6 April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was implemented after years of campaigning to create a no…
Deluge of big money divorces expected when no-fault divorce lands
Research from law firm Moore Barlow reveals that a huge proportion of well-off individuals are planning to call time on…
No fault divorce – what are the key changes?
Following years of campaigning from various groups to create a no-fault divorce system, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill is…
A new era in divorce law
A welcome change in divorce law is on the horizon; there remain what can be difficult decisions to make regarding…
Are diamonds forever? What happens to the engagement ring if you split up before marriage?
Valentine’s Day is, to many, the perfect opportunity to pop the question, and it’s likely that many social media feeds…
Almost half of wealthy people plan to separate from their partners
New research from law firm Moore Barlow reveals that a huge proportion of well-off individuals are planning to call time…
Moore Barlow strengthens family mediation offering after 300% rise in cases over the last decade.
South East-based law firm Moore Barlow has announced the qualification of Victoria Walker as a mediator in the family team, as the…
Family mediation week – Q&A
This year’s Family Mediation Week is from 17 – 21 January 2022. It is organised by the Family Mediation Council,…
New year, new you
The 10th of January will mark 2022’s “Divorce Day” – a day on which, according to many national newspapers, family lawyers…
Divorce Day: Almost half of wealthy people plan to separate from their partner
New research from law firm Moore Barlow reveals that a huge proportion of well-off individuals are planning to call time…
The trials and tribulations of co-parenting at Christmas
Now that Christmas is upon us, it seems a good time to reflect on a difficult issue – how to…
Is a prenup legally binding?
Like many brides-to-be, Britney Spears announced her engagement with a post on Instagram – a short video clip of Britney…
Did you know that marriage or the creation of a civil partnership revokes a Will?
With marriages and civil partnerships having to be postponed on more than one occasion for a huge number of people…
Same Sex Marriage and Divorce Law
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 enabled same sex couples in England and Wales to legally marry for the…
Do grandparents have a legal right to see their grandchildren?
It is widely understood that Meghan Markle and her father, Thomas Markle, have a complicated relationship. They have reportedly not…
Laura White
Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
Children law (private)
Family finance and property issues on divorce/separation
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
I…
Trevor Sterling makes history as first black senior partner at UK Top 100 law firm
Moore Barlow has today announced the election of Trevor Sterling as the firm’s new senior partner, which sees him become…
“No-fault divorce” to become law from 6 April 2022
After eagerly anticipating that “no-fault divorce” would become law in late summer/early autumn this year, it has finally been announced…
Protecting your assets in a divorce
When facing a marital breakdown* and an uncertain future, often the last thing that parties think about is their estate…
What is hybrid family mediation and is it for me?
Family mediation is a way of sorting out any issues you might have about dividing up your finances upon a…
Family law and property transactions – unregistered land
As family lawyers, we work closely with colleagues in other teams to provide expertise to our clients going through relationship…
How to avoid courts to lessen the pain of family break-ups
The Times recently published an article ‘Avoid courts to lessen the pain of family break-ups‘ quoting “We need to move…
“What about me?” – Reframing Support for Families following Parental Separation
The Family Solutions Group
The Family Solutions Group is a sub-group of the Private Law Working Group. It is a…
Moore Barlow has been named as one of the top 200 law firms in the UK in The Times Best Law Firms 2021 list
Commended this year for its work in Family and Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence*, Moore Barlow’s merger in May was applauded as…
Family 4
Deals with cases very constructively and very practical and well aware of their clients’ needs.…
Family 3
I have felt very comfortable dealing with them despite the difficulty of the situation and have welcomed their calm, objective…
Family 2
Approachable lawyers who provide clear and thorough advice and who genuinely believe in and practice all forms of dispute resolution.…
Family 1
Moore Barlow have a very strong team of lawyers across their various offices. They have been a top provider in…
What can I do if my ex won’t vaccinate the children?
At a time when the health of the nation is of paramount importance and everyone is striving to protect themselves…
Moore Barlow launches ‘The Surrey Initiative’ seeking family law reform for out-of-court options
Top 100 UK law firm Moore Barlow has launched “The Surrey Initiative” seeking a reform to the Family Procedure Rules…
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,…
Protecting wealth – unmarried couples
Welcome to the third and last in a series of three podcasts covering protecting family wealth.
Katy Barber, senior associate…
Protecting wealth – pre and post nuptial agreements
Welcome to the second in a series of three podcasts covering protecting family wealth.
Katy Barber, senior associate in the…
Protecting wealth – the bank of Mum and Dad
Welcome to the first in a series of three podcasts covering protecting family wealth.
Katy Barber, senior associate in the…
What is family mediation and how it works
Sarah French, Partner in the family team explains what family mediation is, how the process works and if it is…
Domicile checklist for expatriate divorcing couples
As a family law team with a wealth of experience in international cases and cross border divorces, we are regularly…
Humanist marriages
What is a humanist marriage?
A humanist marriage is a non-religious ceremony where you are effectively in control of the…
When to apply for decree absolute: timing is everything
Many people are understandably eager to conclude the divorce and move on with their lives. This can lead to the…
Parental child abduction: summer holiday travel arrangements for children
Despite the Covid related difficulties, summer is still the time when children most frequently undertake international travel with a parent…
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…
Family courts to offer better protection in domestic abuse cases
The often stressful, protracted and adversarial process currently in place in the family court can have the effect of worsening…
Divorce and the dog – who gets to keep man’s best friend?
When a couple decides to divorce, there are often other issues that must be resolved along the way.
For many,…
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…
Are remote hearings here to stay in the family court?
The President of the Family Division has announced that the functioning of the Family Court is unlikely to return to…
The remarriage trap
One of the unfortunate consequences of the pandemic is that a large number of people have been forced to delay…
The new Family Court Road Map in Covid-19
The President of the Family Division Sir Andrew McFarlane last week issued his Road Map indicating that as social distancing…
Silver separators – divorce in later life
Improved life expectancy and quality of life has resulted in a rise in the number of divorcing couples over the…
Coronavirus: divorce and separation family law
The pandemic has certainly put a lot of people in difficulties – physically, mentally, financially and socially. This can be…
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…
‘No-fault’ divorce bill – one step nearer
Good news, the bill to change divorce law to ‘no fault’ has passed the next stage which was a second…
How quickly can I get divorced?
While the reforms making no-fault divorce possible are going through a stop-start process in parliament, you might be wondering how…
Farming divorces
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
Using wardship for intractable child arrangement disputes
When two parents fall out, and use their child against each other, the court can step in and become the…
Karen Barham
Mediation
I describe myself as a peacemaker and a deal broker. I joined Moore Barlow LLP (formerly Barlow Robbins LLP)…
Sophie Wallace
I am a solicitor in the Family team in Richmond. I studied Law at the University of Sussex, before completing…
Mandy Spring
Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
Financial remedies upon divorce/separation
Pre and post nuptial agreements
Cohabitation agreements/disputes
Schedule 1 Children Act…
Felicity John
Specialisms
Wills, Tax and Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Probate and Administration of Estate
Introduction
I am a Solicitor in the…
Erin Lyon
Children (private law)
Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
Cohabitee disputes and separation agreements
Family finance and property issues on divorce/separation…
Joanna Farrands
Children (private law)
Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
Cohabitee disputes and separation agreements
Family finance and property issues on divorce/separation…
Judith Ball
Relationship breakdown
Cohabitation agreements
I assist clients going through all aspects of relationship breakdown with particular emphasis on situations with…
Beverley Cullis
Children (private law)
Cohabitee disputes and separation agreements
Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
Family finance and property issues on divorce/separation…
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…
Protecting those most at risk of domestic violence during Covid-19
Your personal safety is a priority.…
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…
Coronavirus lockdown for divorcing couples
Being confined to a particular place for an extended period with anyone can be difficult. How much harder is it…
Natalie Dunn
I am a solicitor in the family team. I studied Law at Sheffield Hallam University before completing my LLM at…
Victoria Walker
I specialise exclusively in family law and have done for 19 years, I help clients resolve issues related to the…
Jan Galloway
I am a partner in the family team and have over 28 years experience in all aspects of family law.…
Debra Emery
I am a highly experienced partner specialising in medium to high value family law cases, particularly where there are property…
Covid-19 – what happens to my hearing now?
Now that we are in lockdown we have been advised that the courts are no longer proceeding with the traditional face…
What happens to spousal maintenance now?
The Coronavirus outbreak will have a far-reaching effect on all aspects of life, including income and job security. Your business…
Co-parenting during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
The government has issued a national lockdown to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with people only being allowed to leave…
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.…
The impact of the coronavirus on marriage, divorce and children
The outbreak of COVID-19 (“the Coronavirus”) brings unprecedented times with it, and family law is one of many aspects of…
International Day of Happiness – Happier Together?
On 20th March, the world will celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which is likely not going to be at…
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…
Surrogacy and donor FAQs
Who are the child’s legal parents?…
Religious Marriages – Where do you stand?
Couples who have a religious marriage in England need to be very aware of their rights otherwise, as history has…
What do Valentine’s Day and Divorce have in common?
It might seem impossible but Valentine’s Day and divorce have one thing in common; they can be the beginning of…
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.…
Same-sex marriage FAQs
The end of a relationship is a difficult time, but it’s important not to rush into decisions.…
I am in a civil partnership, can I get divorced?
The most frequently asked questions from our clients in a civil partnership.…
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…
What’s right for you? Civil partnership or marriage?
In a landmark case in 2018, a heterosexual couple won the right to enter into a civil partnership. This resulted…
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?…
Top FAQs for divorce
The most frequently asked questions from our clients going through a divorce.…
Thinking of proposing?
Are you thinking about popping the question this Christmas? Or do you think your partner may ask you? If it…
Separated parents: disputes about schooling
There are a countless number of decisions parents need to make for their children throughout the course of their lives.…
Moore Blatch recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2020
Moore Blatch has been recognised by The Times in its prestigious Best Law Firms 2020 list , with a commendation…
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,…
Halloween doesn’t have to be a nightmare for separated parents
With Halloween often falling on or around the first half term of the school year, this is usually the first…
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 should I do if I’m thinking about divorce?
There is no one size fits all when it comes to divorce. Every situation is different from the next and…
Demystifying pre-nups – understanding pre-nuptial agreements
Imagine that your wedding is just a couple of months away – the happiest day of your life – and…
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…
How to avoid court if a relationship breaks down
Family breakdown is never easy, especially when coming to an agreement regarding children and finances. This is compounded if you…
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…
Pride and Prejudice – Marriage in Modern Times
Marriage has become a more inclusive term over the past decade with the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples)…
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…
Identifying Parental Alienation
Recently, lawyers, judges and social workers have become increasingly aware of parental alienation. It is however just as crucial for…
Who gets the dog in the divorce: a tall tail
I have dealt with several cases where the biggest bone of contention (excuse the pun) was the family pet. In…
Can I change my child’s name?
Parents might want to change their child’s name for a variety of reasons. Perhaps there is an absent parent or…
It’s time to knockout those separating myths
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…
Managing mental health during separation and divorce
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 13th May to Sunday 19th May. It’s therefore a good time to…
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…
Home or Away
Easter offers many parents an opportunity to take their children on holiday and the big question is often home or…
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…
Mother’s Day, an opportunity to reflect
Mother’s day, otherwise known as Mothering Sunday, is around the corner. It is often considered a day for children to…
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…
How Moore Blatch successfully argued that our client, who was not married, was entitled to an equal share of the £1m family home
The case gained national attention including coverage in the Times, Daily Telegraph and Evening Standard, and here is how the Daily Mail summarised the recent…
Will Jenny from the Block have a pre-nup?
The announcement that Jennifer Lopez has become engaged to former US baseball player Alex Rodriguez has caught the public’s imagination.…
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…
Bezos amicable divorce strategy could save in legal fees and protect their family relationships advises lawyers
Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos’ divorce, announced on Wednesday in a tweet, highlights the pragmatism of the world’s richest man.
With…
Moore Blatch strengthens Family Law team
Moore Blatch has further strengthened its Family Law team with the appointment of Sahil Aggarwal as solicitor – the third new appointment to…
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. …
Supreme Court rules wife cannot divorce
Today’s Supreme Court ruling in the Owens v Owens case may lock unhappy husbands or wives into a further five…
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…
Should a high earning capacity be shared upon divorce?
The Court of Appeal has released judgment in the case of Waggott v Waggott saying no it shouldn’t and dismissing…
The collaborative process
What is the collaborative process? You and your ex-partner will instruct specially trained collaboratively lawyers, both you and your lawyers…
Family mediation
Mediation is a process whereby you and your former partner sit around a table (or occasionally in separate rooms) to…
Family Mediation Week
As it is Family Mediation Week I took part in a live Twitter Q & A on Wednesday to answer…
Moore Blatch boosts family law team
Southampton based law firm Moore Blatch has appointed Sarah French as Associate. This follows the appointment of Victoria Walker as Partner. Sarah…
Common mediation misconceptions
I commonly come across the following mediation misconceptions in my role as a family mediator:…
Over 6 million people cohabit, many in legal ignorance
Over six million people in the UK choose to cohabit, of which 1.9 million have dependent children. For many years…
‘No fault’ divorce legislation needed now warns lawyers
Acrimonious separations increase family stress and legal costs…
Divorce when a business is involved
A divorce which involves a business will need specialist solicitor with business expertise. Complicated company structures can often make a…
Divorce
When divorcing, there are a number of considerations which only a specialist solicitor can advise on. A suitable outcome for…
The bank of Mum & Dad
More increasingly, parents are lending young people the money they need to get on to the property ladder.…
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…
