Insights
How pets are treated on divorce
Currently, under English divorce law, pets are defined as ‘chattels’ meaning they are considered the same as any other possessions owned by a married couple, like the contents of the house. However, this clearly does not reflect the emotional bonds a lot of people...
Express Financial Remedy Procedure Pilot Scheme – April 2025
What It Means for You? Anyone who has been through a financial dispute following a divorce, where the court have been asked to help resolve matters, will tell you that the process is slow and frustrating. A new Pilot Scheme is being trialled in Birmingham and other...
How to divorce well!
Is there such a thing as a good divorce? Undoubtedly, divorce is a difficult process, even in the most amicable of cases. Not only are you grieving the end of the relationship, but there are also a number of uncertainties to face; What does the future hold? Will the...
“We are where we are……………….”
Is a commonly used phrase but not one that we at Staffordshire Family law like, agree with or indeed tolerate. It has an air of acceptance, if not defeatism. It is not something you would want your Advocate in Court to say or fail to challenge. Gabi Chester Director...
Mediation : Not just a tick box exercise
27- 31 January 2025 is Family Mediation Week. This is an opportunity for family law professionals to raise awareness of family mediation and of the benefits it can bring to separating families Anna-Mei Streather, one of our solicitors who specialises in Finance...
Has the Law Commission decided that Financial Remedy cases are in need of reform?
The law setting out how assets should be divided on divorce was created over 50 years ago. This law has since been interpreted, and principles added to it, by judges who have decided cases since that time. Unlike other areas of law, there is a lot of freedom for...
Resolution and the Code of Practice
For most people, dealing with a Family Law issue is an emotionally difficult time and most people will need support through the process. This will often be in the form of friends and family, but the support of a good solicitor to guide you through the process, to...
Family loans and gifts in a divorce
What happens with family loans and gifts in a divorce? Nearly half of first-time home buyers in the UK now need extra funding from parents. Knowing how to protect and/or recover loans or contributions is really important if couples subsequently separate and divorce....
‘Significant change’ required for adopted children says Mrs Justice Judd
The Public Law Working Group has recently highlighted the need for a ‘wholesale reform’ to the adoption process. Sydney Edwards, Trainee Solicitor at Staffordshire Family Law reflects upon the report made by the adoption sub-group of the Public Law Working Group which...
Domestic Abuse during the Sporting Season
It has long been recognised that there is a strong correlation between major sporting events and increased reports of domestic abuse. Research conducted by Lancaster University in 2014 revealed a 38% increase in domestic abuse reports when England loses and a 26%...