The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a heterosexual couple who want to enter into a civil partnership as an alternative to getting married. The judgment follows a long running legal battle involving Charles Keidan and his partner Rebecca Steinfeld, who live in London. The couple want a legally recognised relationship but are uncomfortable
The Court of Appeal says a pre-nup agreement between a divorcing couple should be upheld even though the wife claimed she had not been properly advised about its implications when it was drawn up. The case involved a husband and wife who were both Swedish but spent most of their 21-year marriage living in England.
Grandparents may be granted stronger legal rights to see their grandchildren under proposals being considered by Prime Minister Theresa May and the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said her department was considering changing the law so there is a “presumption” that grandparents should be able to see their grandchildren unless there are reasons
The High Court recently handed down judgment in Dobson v Griffey [2018] EWHC 1117 (Ch). Mr Griffey and Ms Dobson were a couple whose relationship began in 2004. In February 2007, Mr Griffey bought a farm in his sole name with the mortgage also in his sole name. The couple then lived in the farm
Cohabitees are usually unmarried couples that live together, and the number of couples choosing to cohabit either before marriage or as an alternative to marriage in England and Wales has increased considerably over recent years. Despite the increasing popularity, many couples who choose to cohabit are unaware of the possible risks involved and rely on
Bitcoin is a digital currency created in 2009 which can be used to buy or sell items from individuals and companies that accept Bitcoin as payment, but does not exist as a physical currency. Bitcoin does not have a central bank and is not linked or regulated by any state. Despite its erratic nature, the
A wife has been told that her husband’s earning capacity should not be part of a financial settlement after they divorce. The court held that it was not a matrimonial asset to which the general sharing principle applied. The ruling could mark a significant change in the way courts regard divorce settlements. The case involved
The BBC drama series The Split, featuring family law firms, got off to a roaring start with the main characters at each other’s throats and competing to sign up rich clients. It will no doubt continue with more high-powered thrills and spills but while it may be gripping entertainment, it’s far removed from the real
The parents of a sperm donor have been granted the right to see their biological grandchild. The case involved a same-sex couple and a friend who had agreed to donate his sperm, so they could have a baby. For the first few years of the child’s life, the donor saw him every week or fortnight
A divorced wife has prevented her ex-husband from selling the family home until their daughter has finished her education. The couple’s marriage broke down after 25 years together, and the husband’s business had gone into liquidation. The husband issued an application under the Family Procedure Rules 2010 for an interim order for the sale of