Blog
Telling the children – how to break news about a break up
When it comes to the decision to divorce, parents tend to worry most about how to tell their children and how they will react. Whether you stick together to prevent them feeling pain, or delay telling them until they reach a certain age, there is never an easy way to...
Villiers and Villiers – has the Supreme Court opened the door to more claims for maintenance on divorce?
The long-awaited Supreme Court judgment in the case of Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30, was handed down on 1 July 2020. This case decided whether the English Court has jurisdiction to make an order for maintenance under Section 27 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in a...
Divorcing with dignity – why “no fault” will reduce conflict
A Bill introducing “no fault” divorces in England and Wales has passed the first stage in the Commons by 231 votes to 16. To many, this may not seem ground breaking or relevant. However such attitudes ignore the potential fallout of “blame” at the commencement of the...
Are remote hearings effective in the dispensation of justice within the family courts?
The recent research, published by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and commissioned by the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, considers the impact of remote hearings which have taken place since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. This...
Remote hearings – are they the new reality? Preparing for proceedings during the pandemic
As we all struggle to come to terms with changes to our lifestyle and working lives, the family courts seem to have adapted effectively to a new set of rules during the Covid 19 pandemic. As lock down, shielding and social distancing may be a feature of life in the UK...
Living with the Enemy in the time of the Corona virus
It is evident that the national lock down has impacted all in society, be it physically, emotionally or financially. Many people are concerned about elderly loved ones, or those at risk, who cannot dare to venture outside. However, sadly another set of victims of this...
Tips about starting online divorce proceedings without danger
As more and more people are now applying online to get divorced, here are some tips about starting proceedings digitally without danger: If you are completing the form online, you will be the Petitioner. Your partner/ spouse will be the Respondent. The Form D8, or...
Family Mediation Week – 6 commonly held misconceptions about family mediation
The beginning of 2021 has brought with it a testing and unforeseen set of circumstances, affecting all families in one way or another. Navigating these waters are problematic at the best of times, but for those whose relationships may be in crisis the challenge of...