The Government has launched a consultation on the legal rights of unmarried couples, which opened on 5 June 2026 and will run for 10 weeks until 14 August 2026. The consultation represents a significant step towards modernising family law and recognising the changing nature of relationships in England and Wales. As more couples choose [...]
Overview The government has recently announced plans to remove the legal presumption that a child benefits from the involvement of both parents. This proposed reform aims to strengthen child protection by ensuring that courts focus is on welfare and safety above all else, particularly in cases involving abuse or risk. The Current Legal Position Under [...]
Protecting Children: Proposed Changes to Strip Paedophiles of Parental Responsibility By Kirsten O’Driscoll In a significant development in family law, there are proposed changes that could see paedophiles convicted of serious sexual offences lose their Parental Responsibility over their children. Parental Responsibility, otherwise known as PR, refers to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents [...]
The No Fault Divorce Law will come into effect in April 2022. These changes in the law will advance the divorce procedure making it a quicker, cheaper, and a less disruptive process. If you are considering starting a divorce, read more to understand how the upcoming changes in divorce law will make the divorce process [...]
When your relationship comes to an end, there are many important decisions that have to be made which can be especially difficult when you are in conflict with your partner. Navigating child arrangements or separating your finances while also dealing with the emotional aspects of your separation can be very challenging. If you find yourself [...]
During divorce, marriage annulment, a judicial separation, or the dissolution of a civil partnership, there is likely to be a need to settle disputes over money or property. The Court can settle this and can make a financial remedy order. These orders include dealing with the arrangements for the sale or transfer of property, maintenance payments, a lump sum [...]
If you are contemplating a divorce, then keep reading to find out all you need to know about the changes which will soon be happening. Currently the position is that there is only one ground for divorce, that is that you have reached the conclusion that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. In other words, [...]
Picture this scenario: your relationship is getting serious, but marriage is not really for you. If everything is going well, that’s fine but what happens if unfortunately things don’t work out? If you are just living together that could lead to difficulties and potential unfairness in the event of the death of one partner because [...]
Whilst we are specialists in all aspects of divorce and resolving the issues that stem from relationship breakdown, we also see the emotional impact of the divorce process. It can be helpful to look at the process, not simply through the eyes of a lawyer but in the wider context. We aim to promote a [...]
For over 50 years, since the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, in order to obtain a divorce immediately on separation there has been the requirement for some form of blame – either adultery or unreasonable behaviour. To obtain a divorce without blame you would need to wait 2 years, but the other person would need to [...]
