Insights
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%...
Life as a Family Law Paralegal
What is a paralegal? Paralegals support lawyers in various ways from assisting with day-to-day management of a client’s matter to the administrative tasks involved behind the scenes. Paralegals usually assist in both legal and administrative work. Paralegals are not...
Arrangements for your children after separating – understanding child arrangement considerations
If you are separating from a spouse or partner, you may understandably be worried about what will happen to your children and what the implications are going forward. You will want to know what your rights are and understand what factors the Court will consider in...
The importance of good litigation conduct
A recent High Court case illustrates very clearly the need for good conduct of parties during family court proceedings. In the case of DH v RH, the wife was ordered to pay a significant sum towards her husband’s substantial costs. The husband accused the wife of...
Changes to the Family Procedure Rules introduced at the end of April have been adopted to encourage individuals to utilise alternative means to resolve Family Law disputes, rather than litigating through the courts.
Charlotte Hirst, a paralegal at Staffordshire Family Law Solicitors explains: “For some time, there has been a requirement on people to attend a “Mediation Information Assessment Meeting” (known as a MIAM) prior to issuing an application to the court, to consider...
Moving in together – consider a cohabitation agreement
If you have recently moved in together or are currently considering it, there are a few legal facts worth understanding so that you make the right decisions to protect you, your assets and your family in the future. Anyone who is not married but living together with...