With nearly a quarter of couples in the UK now choosing to live together unmarried, the need for cohabitation agreements for couples in the UK has become increasingly relevant. In 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics 22.7% of people aged 16 or older were cohabiting, a rate that reflects the trend toward committed
The ongoing war in Ukraine has had profound consequences for families, as illustrated by the case of Re Z and X (Visit to Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 314. In this emotional case, a father applied for his children to visit him in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. The Family Court ultimately ruled against the visit, prioritizing the children’s safety and emotional wellbeing. This case sheds light on how the English courts navigate the challenges of family contact in the face of extreme circumstances, like war, and the lasting effects on separated families.
A judgment has been made public in a case involving a celebrity influencer, Lauryn Goodman, who brought a financial claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 against her former partner and England footballer, Kyle Walker. The pair, who have two children together, were in Court for a two-day final hearing on 16th and
Father’s Day is a special day to be enjoyed with children and family however unfortunately the day can be difficult for some fathers who are unable to spend the day with their child. Whilst it is hoped that most separated parents would be able to agree the arrangements for special dates such as Father’s/Mother’s Day,
According to the Office for National Statistics, 41% of marriages will end in divorce. Frequently, one or both partners will have an interest in a business. Divorce or separation can prove challenging if so. With many business owners following the advice of their accountants to utilise their spouse’s unused tax allowances, it’s commonplace to find
The Family Procedure Rules have been updated to improve the level of attendance by divorcing couples at mediator initial assessment meetings (MIAMs). The government has introduced the changes because the previous rules were not applied to the extent expected and did not divert couples away from court proceedings and towards mediation to the degree that
The government has announced a clampdown on parents who refuse to take financial responsibility for their children and fail to make maintenance payments. Ministers are consulting on proposed reforms of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to improve the system so more children get the financial support they are due. The reforms include ending the option
From 29th April 2024, there are significant changes to the Family Procedure Rules, promoting the court’s powers to encourage parties to attend non-court dispute resolution at every stage in proceedings, for matters involving children and/or a financial dispute. The court will require parties to file and serve Form FM5, setting out their views on
It has been widely reported this week in the mainstream media that a couple had their divorce finalised in error following a mistake by solicitors which a senior judge has refused to overturn. The couple were separated and had applied for a divorce which had reached conditional order stage of the divorce. It would appear
Termination of Parental Responsibility is rarely made by the Court and only ever in exceptional circumstances. Following a recent private family law case acting for a mother who successfully obtained a termination of Parental Responsibility order to end the father’s Parental Responsibility, we asked Laura Martin-Read, Senior Associate Solicitor to explain what Parental Responsibility is