Family, Children & Divorce

Mixed-sex couples can now enter into civil partnerships if they wish as an alternative to marriage. The new right came into effect on December 31 last year under the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019. Completing the legislation was one of the last actions of the government before the December election. Civil

A mother has had to forfeit the residential care of her son after she tried to alienate him from his father. The case involved a boy who lived with his mother but had regular contact with his father and his paternal family. However, from March 2018, there had been no direct contact between father and

A husband has failed to prevent a property held in his mother’s name being included in his wife’s divorce settlement. The couple had married in 2002 but separated in 2014, having lived in rented property throughout their marriage. The wife issued financial remedy proceedings and by the time of trial, a property in Panama was

A mother who wrongfully removed her three children from their father without his consent has been ordered to return them to him in Germany. The case involved a German couple were married in 2005 and divorced in 2012. They had joint custody of the children, with the mother as primary carer and the father having

It has been reported that in at least 60% of cases brought before the Family Court consist of an element of domestic violence, with the majority of incidents being directed by men against women. The government defines domestic violence as “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse

Child Arrangement Orders (CAOs) are court orders which regulate where a child is to live, and how much time they spend with their parents. They replaced the traditional residency orders and contact orders in 2014. However, what happens when one party does not adhere to arrangements included in a CAO? What recourse does a parent

The much-lauded Domestic Abuse Bill has fallen at Committee Stage as a result of the pre-election pro-rogation, with no clear commitment for it to be carried forward into the next parliament. The purpose of the Bill was to increase awareness around domestic abuse, improve the experience of victims in navigating the justice system and in

The Law Society has considered the question of whether offers made “without prejudice save as to costs” should be considered under “conduct” when the court is assessing whether to make a costs order against a party in financial remedy proceedings.  Currently, the courts will consider any open offers made by the parties when assessing liability

Deed Poll        A change of name by deed poll is a legally recognised process of changing or amending an aspect of your name, and can be distinguished between a ‘unenrolled’ and ‘enrolled’ deed poll. If you’re aged 16 or over, it’s your decision whether you wish to legally change your name and you are able