March 10, 2017 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Continuing the debate around calls for ‘divorce without blame’, agony aunt and author Virginia Ironside has suggested that people trapped in unhappy, lonely, and isolated marriages should grin and bear it rather than seeking divorce.
Ironside’s claims came in response to a recent case in which a woman seeking divorce after 39 years of marriage had her application refused by a judge after deeming her grounds of ‘unreasonable behaviour’ were not quite unreasonable enough. Instead, the petitioner Tini Owens was advised to wait a further five years feeling “unloved, isolated and alone” in a marriage she has no wish to be a part of. Mrs Owens is ...
February 15, 2017 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog A 2016 matrimonial survey carried out by business advisors Grant Thornton has revealed ‘key issues in the forefront of the minds of family lawyers’ regarding UK divorce ‘in principle and in practice’.
The report surveyed 76 family lawyers for their thoughts on the current state of the family law system, including the rise of litigants in person (LiPs), non-disclosure of assets in divorce cases, and the benefits of introducing an option for ‘no fault divorce’.
The findings showed that the key issues concerning UK family lawyers were consistent with the last four years of research, namely the pressure on the family courts resulting from cuts to legal aid and public funding, which has in turn led to delays, ...
January 28, 2017 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
According to a recent survey, the average settlement costs of divorce for Londoners is almost double that of the rest of the UK, increasing from approximately £70,000 to £134,500.
The research, which surveyed 2,500 UK adults, shows that these elevated costs are in most part due to expensive living costs rather than higher-value assets. Despite higher house prices and pensions in the capital, London couples are paying more for divorce due to the increased cost of rent and mortgage payments, day-to-day living costs, interest on debts, and higher legal fees.
The survey also reported that nearly three-quarters (73%) of London couples experience delays in finalising divorce and financial settlements – in many ...
January 13, 2017 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog Divorcees who refuse to pay financial settlements may be prevented from driving or travelling abroad in a call for harsher sanctions for non-compliance.
The Law Commission has put forward a proposal to tackle the non-payment of settlements by ex-spouses, suggesting the enforcement of new penalties, including confiscation of UK passports and disqualification from driving for up to a year.
Under the current system a financial order is based on the needs of the recipient in terms of day-to-day expenses and support for dependent children. This maintenance payment is either set for a limited period or continues until dependents have finished their education, or one of the parties dies, re-marries, or enters into a civil partnership.
Driving disqualification is already in use as ...
December 04, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
As if the pressure of Christmas isn’t enough, separated parents have the added stress of dividing up the festive period and negotiating the holidays. Juggling work and childcare and communication with your ex can be tough, but tackling some of those hurdles early on can help pave the way for a proper break (and goodness knows you deserve one!).
First, try to pin down plans with your ex and extended family as soon as possible. Be prepared for your usual routine to be a little mixed up as Christmas parties, school events and visits from friends and family all combine to fill up your calendar – and accept that you’re ...
November 26, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog Family law organisation Resolution recently updated its Code of Practice to reflect its aims to shape the family justice system for the better. To raise awareness of these changes, Resolution are running the Good Divorce Week campaign from 28th November to 2nd December – join us on Twitter and follow the hashtag #ABetterWay to see how we can work together to move away from towards a system of divorce without blame.
On Wednesday 30th of November, 150 members of Resolution will be holding a Lobby Day in Parliament to campaign for no-fault divorce and improved rights for cohabiting couples. According to research conducted by the family law organisation, ...
November 19, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog Research from the Marriage Foundation suggests that second marriages fare better than first marriages, with a third of subsequent marriages ending in divorce as opposed to almost half of first time couplings.
According to the report, "Wisdom really does come with age: second marriages are less likely to end in divorce than first marriages, new research reveals. The Marriage Foundation think-tank has produced a report revealing that second marriages are more stable than first marriages, challenging the widely held belief that couples who remarry are doomed to repeat the mistakes from their first marriage. Almost half – 45 per cent – of all couples who marry for the first time in 2013 will divorce during their lifetime. However, divorced couples who ...
September 19, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
A common and particularly sensitive issue that often arises during separation is when the desire to separate is not mutual. There are many different reasons why one partner may not want to go through with the separation process. Sometimes, one partner feels that there is still hope for their relationship and wants to try working through the problem. Sometimes one partner has simply fallen out of love but is finding it hard to articulate why. Whatever the situation, if there is a disagreement over separation, the process will need careful handling with the guidance and support of an experienced solicitor to help you come to ...
March 29, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog When you’re considering separation, getting started is often the hardest thing to do. So if you’ve taken that first step and made an appointment to see a solicitor then well done.
Your initial meeting can help you to think about what method of separation might suit you best – whether you choose mediation, arbitration, collaborative family law or court divorce. Your solicitor will be able to offer advice and guidance on your options and what to expect from your situation.
Once you’ve arranged to meet with us you’ll receive an email confirmation of the time and date and which solicitor you will be seeing. The first half an hour with one of our expert solicitors is free of charge. If ...
January 25, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
[caption id="attachment_1816" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Beautiful flowers from a happy client.[/caption]
As family solicitors, we see clients go through life’s many milestones and challenges, both good and bad. We help you draw up prenuptial agreements, sort out the legal admin when you move house, make sure the latest family addition is included in your will, and support you through separation if things don’t turn out the way you planned. And though we may deal primarily with the practical aspects of your legal issues, we really do sympathise and celebrate with you every step of the way.
And when it comes to separation ...
