Category: Family

August 2018

Jolie and Pitt’s situation is all too familiar for some

Another high profile case has hit the headlines, where divorced parents are in disagreement over child support claims, but it is something that can affect anyone – high profile or not.

July 2018

Stopping the divorce blame game

The Owens v Owens case has thrown open the debate surrounding “no fault” divorce once again. Whilst the Divorce etc. Law Review Bill remains up in the air, there are more cases appearing where there are simply no legal grounds for a divorce.

July 2018

For richer for poorer?

The case of Mills v Mills has thrown open the debate once more, surrounding upkeep of non-earning partners in the event of a divorce. How easy is it to financially support a separated partner, but also guarding the interests of each party?

July 2018

Cohabitation: should the law be changed?

We’ve been closely following the case of Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, who have just won their battle in court to be granted a civil partnership. As well as the case raising questions around equality – until now only same sex couples have legally been allowed to enter into a civil partnership – there are ethical issues too.

July 2018

Hetereosexual couples: what will the future mean for civil partnerships?

The well-documented case of Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan has barely left the headlines whilst the court ruling continued as to whether or not the couple would be granted a civil partnership. Now the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in favour of the couple, what could this mean for other couples in future?

April 2018

Yes Dear: Ways to soft land your separation

National Reconciliation Day (2 April) yesterday reminds us of the importance of reconciling our differences, particularly for couples. We’ve all resorted to the fool proof “yes dear”, which promised to be the secret to a strong relationship in years gone by.

October 2017

Will being "Old School" save your marriage?

Author: Richard Middlehurst

The perplexing case last February of the millionaire mushroom farmer is set to become a test case for “ unreasonable behaviour “.

October 2017

The Bank of Mum and Dad

Recent research by Legal and General revealed that it’s ‘the bank of mum and dad’ that is the 10 biggest UK mortgage lender. As house prices rise, particularly in the South East, it means that more and more first and second time buyers are relying on their parents, either to provide a substantial deposit or to assist in the payment of Stamp Duty.

June 2017

Wife Retains More Than 50% of Assets

Author: Victoria Walker

The recent case of Sharp v Sharp which went to the Court of Appeal, deals with how assets should be shared for DINK’s * when the marriage has not been a long one and the contributions to the marital assets have been unequal.

May 2017

Is it still worth arguing a case of ‘special contribution’ in the English Courts?

Author: Floris Shoebridge

The English courts, and in particular London courts, have often been considered as being generous to the financially weaker party within financial proceedings and London is often referred to as the ‘divorce capital of the world’. The recent, widely reported case, which resulted in the 44 year old stay-at-home wife of a 61 year old City banker receiving a settlement sum of £483 million (41.5% of the overall assets) has done nothing to dissuade the use of this title.