In the midst of couples breaking up what gets slipped under the radar is the financial relief for the children. Read More
How does Covid 19 affect me seeing my children? The Government has made it clear that Covid 19 restrictions should not interfere with a child’s right to see both their parents, especially when their parents are separated and live in different households. Read More
Can my children visit me during lockdown? Initially, it was unclear whether a child moving between parents’ houses would be included as an authorised purpose. Read More
Separation is a stressful time particularly when children are involved. The breakdown of marriage or a long terms relationship is one of the most emotionally draining life events. Read More
With the Government introducing the Three Tier system on Wednesday and some areas being subject to harsher lockdown restrictions than they were last week. Read More
Lockdown restrictions eased between 23 June 2020 and 01 August 2020 and the UK started towards a reconstructed normality after almost three months of a complete lockdown. Read More
Lynne Bastow discusses Harvey Weinstein and domestic abuse within relationships. Read More
Many people contemplate getting a divorce for years. Their fear of change and loss overrides their wish or need for a different future. Read More
Divorce Advice First things first. You need to approach a pending divorce as a practical project. Read More
Need Arguments in Matrimonial Finances Is anyone old enough to remember Imelda Marcos’s shoe collection? Read More
Here’s one I wrote before I got distracted by Brexit… Parliamentary Debate on Domestic Violence Parliament held a debate on 04 February 2016 considering the role that men can play to reduce domestic violence against women. Read More
Grounds For Divorce Jennifer Aniston, Marion Collitard and even Sinita have been dragged into the impending uncoupling of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Read More
The Supreme Court has ruled that Pre Nups are indeed binding in the case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42. Read More
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Divorce After 12 years (2 of which were married) Brad Pitt and Angelia Pitt-Jolie have called time on their relationship. Read More
The Archers Helen and Rob storyline came to a conclusion last Sunday. Helen Titchener was found “not guilty” after stabbing her abusive partner Rob Titchener in an act of self defence. Read More
Celebrity Child Residence Dispute Guy Ritchie and Madonna have now settled their differences over the Child residence dispute of their 16 year old son Rocco. Read More
Draw up a postnuptial agreement if your relationship is undergoing difficulties and there is a possibility of a split in the future. Read More
A short marriage and no prenuptial Agreement in Hollywood of all places… So Hollywood’s A list couple have settled. Read More
Nobody can have missed the fact that Rocco, Madonna’s 15 year old son wants to stay in London and live with his father. Read More
Domestic abuse has now been extended since 29 December 2015 to include coercive or controlling behaviour. Read More
The agony of indecision. Not bad enough to leave not good enough to stay. Some people contemplate the decision to leave their partner for many years. Read More
Cohabitation law is very different from matrimonial finances. Upon divorce a husband or wife has a claim against the assets and/or income of their separating spouse and the division of the matrimonial pot is decided on the basis of what is fair taking into account the factors for consideration via statute. Read More
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez announce divorce after two years The fashion in celebrity land appears to be a quiet divorce and continuation of family life. Read More
It is important to ensure that the financial aspect of your divorce is complete especially if you are a rich international businessman or woman. Read More
The case of Sharland v Sharland in the Supreme Court confirms that fraud will not be tolerated in the Family Courts and the previous Consent Order was set aside with an order for a re-hearing of the wife’s claim. Read More
The divorce process in England and Wales is made of the seven stages. It is fault-based and the majority of petitions are based upon what is known as “behaviour”. Read More
What rights do cohabiting couples have upon separation? It is very different to matrimonial law and at present the weaker party financially has to rely on land law, and if there are children, an application under the children act for the benefit of the child is possible. Read More
Nobody wants to see a bride cry but YES it is worth getting a Prenuptial Agreement. Read More
The Government have decided to allow children to have a voice in the family courts. Where parents are arguing over what is best for their children the Government will now allow the children themselves to voice their opinion direct to the Judge – rather than be interviewed by CAFCASS or ignored completely if no CAFCASS report is commissioned. Read More
This can be an area of never ending dispute. Something that should be a pleasure turns into a battle. Read More
Here is a post that was lying fallow in my draft box: A Judge has expressed despair over a wealthy family that have legal fees in excess of £700,000.00 and their case is still focused on a preliminary issue as reported in The Telegraph. Read More
Britain’s most acrimonious divorce continues. Scot Young is facing some tough questions. Is he bankrupt or is he a liar hiding vast wealth? Read More
Some people live in relationship limbo-land for years. They can’t decide whether to leave or stay. Read More
Mum wants you to have long hair and dad short. Mum wants you to be a vegetarian and dad thinks you need the protein from meat. Read More
More people over 60 are getting divorced, which is the opposite trend to the rest of the nation’s age groups. Read More
A recent report has stated that a total of 1 million children of England and Wales have lost ‘meaningful contact’ with their father upon their parents separation and divorce. Read More
There is a reported increase in the number of child abduction cases. Why? Ease of international travel results in more international relationships. Read More
In a recent case (Vince v Wyatt), a former traveller, whom at the time of his divorce was on state benefits, had the unwelcome news that his ex wife was seeking a share of his multi-million pound fortune 20 years after they had divorced. Read More
One compelling reason: Legal finality. What are the problems if I don’t have one? Your ex-spouse can come back at any time in the future and make a claim against you, regardless of how much money you have given them to go away, regardless on how fair your agreed division was. Read More
Most of the news is gloomy. End of legal aid for many. Rich divorcing couples told off by judges for squabbling and squandering their money on legal fees. Read More
The COOP have obtained a lot of press interest today – the day after Legal Aid is withdrawn by claiming that they offer fixed fee legal advice unlike other solicitors. Read More
From tomorrow Legal Aid will be removed from most divorce applications. Couples disputing their finances, the divorce itself and contact and residence applications for their children will no longer be able to access legal advice via public funding. Read More
Often people who want to separate are paralysed by anxiety. They become overwhelmed by the magnitude of what they want to do. Read More
Lots of people hear this term when they are contemplating divorce and separation but they do not know what it means. Read More
The fate of Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce is to be determined by a judge today who will hand down their sentences upon their conviction for perverting the course of justice. Read More
Fixed Fee Collaborative Law The Structure Four way meetings which includes you, your partner, your lawyer, and your partner’s lawyer. Read More
We are excited to announce our Fixed Fee Collaborative Law Service. Both lawyers have agreed to work for a fixed fee – they work together but from different firms so both you and your ex-partner can benefit from this excellent deal. Read More
Quite often there is a debate between divorcing couples as to whether their ex spouse is cohabiting or not. Read More
The vast majority of Publicly Funded Mediation clients are referred to a Mediator via their Publicly Funded solicitor. Read More
I am listening to the debate in Parliament in the background and I am bored now. Read More
One of the irritating things about getting divorced in England and Wales is that the divorce itself does not deal with the finances. Read More
Our current system for dividing the spoils upon divorce is the most uncertain of all. It is based upon an individual judge’s view of what is fair. Read More
This case involved a couple who separated in 2005. The appeal was heard in October this year. Read More
If one party goes bankrupt after a divorce and has not repaid the other what happens to the debt? Read More
The aim when couples divorce is to rehouse both in similar housing commensurate with the standard of living during the marriage and taking into account all the factors of the case. Read More
So we British should loosen up, commit adultery and stay happily married like the French? An article in The Telegraph admonishes us to do just that. Read More
In an unusual case, a father had succeeded in applying for a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent his divorcing wife moving house – this was to facilitate Contact with his children as he lived nearby. Read More
The Government has decided to go against advice and make it a legal requirement that both parents’ share the legal responsibility for their children post-separation. Read More
The latest high profile divorce to hit the headlines concerns a Twitter spat between Ben Goldsmith and Emma Rothschild. Read More
The Government is keen to encourage all couples who are divorcing to attend Mediation. They consider this better for the couple so that they can avoid the costs, both financial and emotional, of going through the Court system. Read More
Some men are genuinely shocked when they receive a divorce petition. Mr Savva from Crouch End went to the Court of Appeal to defend his divorce on the basis that his wife lacked mental capacity – if she wanted to leave him then she must be mad and needed a psychiatric assessment. Read More
The Daily Mail has a Senior High Court Judge announcing that he has launched a campaign to promote marriage. Read More
There is a lack of celebrity divorces to write about at present. To fill the gap Nick Britten from The Telegraph has asked divorce lawyers to revel their worst tales… Not as interesting as you might think… not on a par with suits being cut and expensive wine collections being left on neighbours’ doorsteps. Read More
Arbitration is now available for Family Law disputes. It was set up last month by the non profit making Institute of Family Law Arbitrators. Read More
The Court of Appeal has ruled on the case of Pete and Don – a wealthy city chap and a fabulous West End actor. Read More
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a gay father can have a fuller role in his son’s life who is being brought up by a lesbian couple. Read More
A city financier has taken his case to the Court of Appeal to argue that his ex whom he separated from in 2008, after a Civil Partnership of only 7 months but cohabitation of 11 years should not have a share of his assets acquired prior to the relationship. Read More
What if you meet a new partner on a dating website? You know nothing of him and have no mutual acquaintances Would you contact the police to find out if he had a history of violence against other women? Read More
When divorcing it is no longer possible to follow the self help route and obtain the other parties documents to show that they have more money than they are admitting to. Read More
The Government is moving ahead with its determination to allow same sex marriage. It is reported on the BBC that Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone stated: “It is the government’s fundamental job to reflect society and to shape the future, not stay silent where it has the power to act and change things for the better.” She said: “(Marriage) is owned by neither the state nor the Church, as the former Archbishop Lord Carey rightly said. Read More
Some of the most difficult cases arise when parents separate and choose to live in different countries. Read More
So says Ken Clarke “meaningful relationship is not about equal division of time, but the quality of parenting received by the child”, as reported in The Independent. Read More
The Government’s response to the Family Justice Review is to encourage parents to agree, to recognise the important role each parent plays in a child’s life. Read More
Well, children’s rights actually. Rather than accept that giving father’s a stronger role in law in their children’s lives post separation may be harmful, the Cabinet revolt, led by Ian Duncan Smith and Nick Clegg has stated that there will be an overhaul of the Children Act 1989. Read More
The rules changed… new Family Procedural Rules came in with the new fiscal year so… more delay with mistakes happening… Reduction in Court Service… due to financial cuts. Read More
The fear of change can paralyse some people into staying in an unhappy situation for years. Read More
Unsurprisingly a number of people who get divorced do get married again. If you are in that exciting group then check out SimonJohn photography. Read More
I am grateful to other legal bloggers for diverting my interest from Family Law to that of the sentences passed down to the first convicted rioters today. Read More
Let this be a lesson to you. Britain’s biggest divorce payout has been reported in The Guardian. Read More
According to The Guardian women over 40 should give up on online dating. Men are looking for younger models and will not be interested unless they are considerably older. Read More
Father’s who exit from their children’s lives should feel society’s disapproval and be stigmatised like drink drivers says David Cameron in The Sunday Telegraph. Read More
When couples separate there is often a lack of trust. This can be based upon events that have happened or worry and anxiety about events that might happen. Read More
The announcement that Sir Paul McCartney is to re-wed has come just in time for the cynics and moaners who are still reeling from the apparent ecstatic happiness of The Royal Wedding couple. Read More
There has been an increase in the number of fathers sent to prison for non payment of Child Support according to The Independent. Read More
If there is a dispute as to the valuation of the family business it will be necessary to instruct a forensic accountant on a joint basis to value the business. Read More
From next Wednesday couples who wish to issues a Court application for settlement of their financial issues or issues concerning their children will have to go for a mediation assessment – unless they fulfill the exception criteria – such as domestic violence, or no mediator available (unlikely I think virtually everyone I meet is a mediator these days). Read More
The High Court has ruled that a wife cannot have a bigger slice of her husband’s wealth as reported in The Telegraph. Read More
According to the The Telegraph, the Court of Appeal will hear a banker’s case to end his monthly maintenance payments to his ex-wife. Read More
According to the Vice President of Google, credit card companies can predict who is going to get divorced 2 years in advance – with 98% accuracy. Read More
What do the Courts do if Contact is not being supported by a Resident Parent (usually the mother)? Read More
The Ministry of Justice have announced that they are going to insist that separating couples consider using mediation in order to resolve their disputes prior to making an application to the Court. Read More
The Financial year in review by Money Co UK makes interesting reading. Have a look at the year’s financial highs and lows. Read More
According to The Guardian, a United Nations report states that the role of fatherhood is changing and needs to be redefined. Read More
According to the Office of National Statistics the number of divorces in England and Wales has fallen for the sixth year running. Read More
According to the Daily Mail gays will be able to marry in church! Hip, hip, hooray. Read More
From April divorcing couples will be required to attend a Mediation Assessment meeting prior to being able to issue a Court Application relating to Matrimonial Finances or Children. Read More
The reduction in Legal Aid is predicted to see an increase in the number of litigants in person. Read More
An article in The Observer outlines the pitfalls of using an online divorce service. The article states that it is suitable for people with no assets, or children and who have had a short marriage. Read More
Seems like it according to the Daily Mail report on Jordan! Katie Price has split from Alex claiming he has turned into the double of Peter Andre! Read More
In this age of Government cut backs and the Tory aim to promote marriage, the Government is considering charging separating couples if the Child Support Agency, or it’s replacement, is involved according to the Daily Telegraph. Read More
Government legal advisers are drawing up plans to make Prenuptial Agreements legally binding according to the Daily Mail. Read More
According to The Telegraph the Government are now considering sending separating couples on a course to show them the impact their divorce will have on their children. Read More
Apparently men go off women who add girth… even if it is only half a stone as reported in the Daily Mail. Read More
101 women were killed by their partners or ex-partners last year according to The Guardian. The article is interesting asking why people stay in abusive relationships… the stark truth is fear. Read More
A Family Law Judge talks of 3 strikes and you are out in The Daily Mail. Read More
Yes if you want peace of mind! Getting divorced is not enough. A lottery winner paid his ex-wife who he had been divorced from for 10 years £2 million in an out of Court settlement as reported in The Daily Mail. Read More
A father and son are in Court arguing over whether the £5.1 million paid to the deceased mother upon divorce should be varied. Read More
Ken Clarke announced today no more Legal Aid for Private Family Law cases unless they involve domestic violence, forced marriage or risk of children being taken into care as reported in The Guardian. Read More
This article in today’s Guardian reports that a growing number of people are washing less! A new ultimatum may result: “It’s me or the planet!” I predict an increase in divorce if this environmentally friendly soap dodging catches on! Read More
The Supreme Court has ruled that Pre-Nuptial Agreements, entered into willingly by both parties, are to be given decisive weight unless there are factors which render it unfair as reported throughout the press and the attached is Channel 4’s version. Read More
So the Government is considering making fighting parents mediate before they can litigate. Not everyone agrees this is a good idea according to the Law Society Gazette. Read More
If your spouse is adjudged bankrupt whilst Divorce Proceedings are ongoing then any subsequent agreement concerning the Matrimonial Finances can be set aside by the Trustee in Bankruptcy. Read More
This article in The Observer this Sunday suggests that they are and is well worth a read. Read More
Seems it depends what else he/she has going for him. According to this article in the Daily Mail one wealthy Surrey housewife has decided to stay with her husband as she cannot give up the lifestyle. Read More
Some people are full of rage. As The Guardian reports a man from Kentucky killed his wife and 5 others because he did not like the way she cooked his eggs. Read More
Is divorce now acceptable? Expected even? It is certainly more affordable with the tax credits system. Read More
If more people could focus on the time when they were madly in love there would be less divorce. Read More
Some people wait for their parents to die! Some wait for the kids to leave home… Some wait for the economy to improve… Some even wait for their spouse to die! Read More
I met a lovely, charming American couple in Paris this week who had been married for 57 years. Read More
Yes or no? People often ask: “Can I date now that we’ve started divorce proceedings?” The answer most often is: “No!” Amicable divorces can be turned into acrimonious divorces overnight if your spouse finds out. Read More
The Daily Mail reports that having your friends divorcing encourages you to do the same. There is a theory that you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with! Read More
A recent case has shown how impossible it is to change a child who has decided he wants nothing to do with one of his parents. Read More
The Daily Mail reports that “ambivalence may be the reason many people divorce”. The article states that people cannot cope with conflicting emotions – one minute they think their partner is perfect and the next they hate them and can’t stand the sight of them. Read More
Lawyers are receiving more enquiries from cohabiting couples seeking to end their relationship as reported in The Law Society Gazette. Read More
There is such a thing as covert parental alienation. It is subtle, but real never the less. Read More
Yes! As the law stands they are one of the factors that the Court can take into account in deciding what is a fair settlement based on the individual case facts. Read More
Some people going through divorce and separation obtain copies of their ex-partner’s financial documents without permission of their ex in the interest of “self help”. Read More
Yet another boring article by the Daily Mail this time claiming that the Divorce rate is about to rise as the recession is ending. Read More
I went out for a meal in the West End on Saturday night. It cost £80.00 for two including tip, the place was packed and the food and atmosphere were great. Read More
Mediation is suitable for most separating couples. However, if there are issues around domestic violence or if one party is bullied or oppressed by the other, then Mediation may not be the answer. Read More
In a divorce the legal ownership of assets can be distributed by the Courts in the following ways: Lump Sum Order The Court can order one spouse to transfer a lump sum to another. Read More
Perhaps. Even a Private Agreement, such as a verbal Agreement to “split everything equally”. If it is deemed fair to hold both parties to the Agreement then the court will uphold it, even if it would have ordered a different settlement. Read More
Are the rumours true? The Daily Mail has made the most of this story. Often celebrity couples deny rumours… and then separate a few months later. Read More
The Courts and the Government are trying to encourage couples to Mediate upon separation. Does It Work? Read More
I am a Mediator as well as a Solicitor – the 2 roles are very different! Read More
Anyone Contemplating getting divorced may be interested in a new resource: Uglimediation The new approach offered by UgliMediation is that they will mediate with you over the phone. Read More
I have set up a series of divorce workshops to answer the questions you need answering when you are contemplating divorce: What are my rights? Read More
If an application to leave the Country ends up in Court how will the Court decide whether to let the parent leave with the child? Read More
A recent case in the Court of Appeal re W(Children) refused permission to the Father to appeal against a High Court ruling which found that two children aged 8 and 6 had sufficient maturity in order for their views to be given priority. Read More
Some people can’t get over a separation and desperately want a reconciliation. If you have any chance at all remember: Begging and Pleading is not attractive. Read More
A good Dad has these qualities: Kind. Compassionate. Provider. Educator. Role model. Fair-minded. Available. Patient. Loving. Read More
I have set up a new blog Divorce Workshop to discuss the Divorce Workshops which I am holding. Read More
There is a big difference between £400 million and zero, the varying estimates of Mr Young’s worth. Read More
Finding out you partner has been unfaithful can be traumatic. There are 3 choices: Ignore it (more popular than you think) Lament about it Deal with it The third option can be broken down into: a. Read More
A Consent Order is the legal document which finalises financial claims on divorce. There is normally a clause which states “in full and final settlement of all claims which either party has against the other”. Read More
A solicitor was struck off last month for committing mortgage fraud. Unsurprisingly he was not at the hearing because he has disappeared with £8 million! Read More
The Guardian reports that rumours that Liz Taylor is set to remarry are being denied. Her propensity for marriage has attracted ridicule but why? Read More
According to a survey in the Daily Mail about 17 months. What is getting over it? Read More
There should be only one reason – because you have tried every reasonable route to compromise and you cannot stand living with your spouse any longer. Read More
The results of getting divorced can be very unfair. Some people are unconcerned and simply move on – some go to extremes – burn it down before she gets hold of it is a phrase we have all heard. Read More
I like the view from my desk but it can be distracting! So much focus is now placed upon the sadness surrounding divorce – how it will hurt the children and destroys people’s financial future, their ability to re-form relationships and altogether it is a touted as a disaster. Read More
For some people the stress of going through a divorce can be overwhelming. There are lots of relaxation and stress relieving techniques and my favourite two are as follows: Breathe Concentrating on your breathing has an amazing calming effect. Read More
I am sorry I have not been blogging. I have not had much spare time this year due to my gorgeous son and still working full time. Read More
What happens when your ex tries to cause trouble? Lots of people in this world are jealous – it is obvious to everyone except them! Read More
An article in the Daily Mail cites Mr Justice Coleridge as stating that the Government should encourage people to stay married! Read More
Sorry I have not been blogging recently – I have been engulfed in all things baby! Read More
If life is getting you down because you have just been told that your spouse wants a divorce or you have been made redundant, try buying some flowers! Read More
There is an assumption that the recession will result in an increase in the divorce rate as money worries force relationships to collapse under financial pressure. Read More
Oh no there is a general feeling of despair created by the collapse of the global economy. Read More
This is my daughter at her 21st birthday bash – obviously taken early in the proceedings! Read More
When the feeling’s gone! One of my ex-boyfriend’s sent me this shot of him out enjoying himself with 3 rather drunk or tired looking companions and I still think he’s gorgeous but we broke up more than 8 years ago! Read More
Does anybody like a busy body? By that I mean those awful, interfering, nosy gossips who spend their whole time trying to tell other people how to live their lives. Read More
Apparently not. It has been suggested by the President of District Judge’s in June’s Family Law that there may be fewer applications for non-molestation and occupation orders. Read More
Often people say that they have just fallen out of love. How did that happen then? Read More
It was my birthday recently and I went out with 2 of my best friends from school and another close friend I have known for 20 years. Read More
Many people waste years in unhappy relationships… they make no effort to improve their day to day existence but neither do they make that jump… only after the other person moves on, dies, or dumps them do they realise how much time they have wasted. Read More
Apparently not if the child is created via IVF for the benefit of lesbian couples or single women. Read More
The stress of divorce can be enormous and people can tip over into depression if they are not careful. Read More
Sorry I have not been blogging much recently but I am expecting a baby and I have been busy knitting! Read More
Sometimes it matters a lot. If you are the petitioner you have control of the proceedings and the respondent can only stop the divorce under very limited circumstances and if the petition is based on certain facts. Read More
I wasted 2 hours on Saturday trying to access a website for my 5 year old son, whose magic code was rejected. Read More
You Google search this question. Oh dear, men sometimes end up on the wrong end of a divorce petition and they do not understand why. Read More
You Google search this question. If in doubt… get out If in doubt… don’t The first relates to relationships the second to clothes shopping. Read More
A Shared Residence Order is a stipulation that the child lives with both parents. They are becoming more popular and more and more fathers are asking for them. Read More
Lots of people ask this question! Most of the signs are obvious after the event but… He is more interested in sex. Read More
The judgement in the McCartney/Mills divorce saga has been published but Miss Mills appealed the publication of the whole judgement. Read More
Families Need Fathers have implored Alistair Darling to re-organise the benefit system to account for the amount of time children spend with their fathers. Read More
Thank God It’s Friday! Last Friday I had a fantastic time. I met up with one of my dear friends from America who came over to London to celebrate surviving cancer. Read More
It has been widely reported that the Government has decided to put on hold its decision whether to introduce rights for cohabiting couples. Read More
There are 3 things in life that are notoriously difficult but for which quick fixes are offered all over the web. Read More
Sometimes divorce can become overwhelming and some going through acrimonious divorces tend to use their lawyers more as counsellors. Read More
I once defended a guy whose wife was seeking to have their marriage annulled. There are 2 types of unions that can apply – void marriages and voidable ones. Read More
Yes you can. Can I get rid of my cellulite? Yes you can. Both are possible but require hard work, tenacity, knowledge and self discipline. Read More
I have noticed a trend amongst my clients’ wives to dye their hair black! One could be self expression, two could be coincidence, but more than 3 suggests a trend. Read More
A good measure of how stressed you are is what you dream about. One of my dear friends said that she dreamt she was being chased by a lion! Read More
Is anyone else bored by reading about their divorce? I thought Miss Mills looked different – maybe the worry over how many millions she will get has caused her face to appear frozen! Read More
Today is one of those days when many people, usually women, decide that they have reached the last straw in their relationship. Read More
When you feel dreadful and stressed remembering gems that your children said can make you laugh and feel great. Read More
One of the huge benefits of being divorced is that you can do what you want at Christmas! Read More
Relax Play Laugh Bake a cake Build a den Go for a walk in the woods Do not mention… divorce solicitor court lack of money your loneliness Do mention… their great spelling test result how well they ride a bike that you love them that you like them Put yourself in their place… swap roles… can you remember what it was like to be 7? Read More
Usually because they have married the wrong person! Does your partner bring joy or sadness into your life? Read More
If the dreaded separation is looming and you have had it forced upon you by your unhappy partner it is important that you fill your time as much as possible. Read More
Spending fun time with friends and family can bond couples together and add fond memories to their loving relationship. Read More
A shared residence order simply states that the children have 2 homes – rather than living with one parent and seeing the other the children live with both. Read More
That depends on why you are getting divorced and how unhappy you are now. Only you know the answer to this. Read More
Probably not! Going away together and being forced to spend all day and night in each others’ company can be the final sign that divorce is afoot. Read More
Regret pushing him down the road to divorce? Want him back? Scared he’ll say no? How did it get to this stage? Read More
Thinking about getting divorced? Bored? Had enough? Don’t fancy your partner any more? If you are in an abusive relationship – go right ahead and divorce. Read More
I have had a run of bad luck recently… car smashed up on motorway (no one hurt but it takes weeks to sort out), ripped off by a conman (entered office under guise of plumber and stole our cheque book), lost my favourite bracelet (irreplaceable – whoever is wearing it now will get no pleasure as that bracelet is totally imbibed with my vibe)… could go on but that would be moaning. Read More
Mediation is the process of negotiating a settlement with your ex using the input of an impartial third party. Read More
Many people are forced down the road of separation and divorce by their partner and are devastated by the impending loss and unquantifiable, frightening change. Read More
The main obstacle preventing people getting and doing what they want is themselves. Often a symptom of a lack of drive is not being able to get up in the morning. Read More
The Best 15 men in England are: Jonny Wilkinson Matthew Tait Mark Cueto Jason Robinson Paul Sackey Mike Catt Andy Gomarsall Andrew Shreridan Mark Regan Phil Vickery Simon Shaw Ben Kay Martin Corry Lewis Moody Nick Easter Credentials Work well as a team, fighting spirit, brave, tenacious, magnanimous in defeat, honest about their disappointment, accepting of official decisions that went against them, impeccable behaviour on and off the field. Read More
Definitely two! The BBC reports that we Brits are cringing because we no longer know how to greet each other. Read More
This is a seasonal photo, looking forward to and celebrating Halloween, Bonfire night, crisp autumn evenings and the fact that we live in this country in this century! Read More
Every year at least one of my clients or their spouse dies. It is always shocking and unexpected and happening in the middle of divorce proceedings is uncomfortable and embarrassing for the spouse who is left behind, some might say a great relief but it never is. Read More
Thinking of getting married? Not sure if he/she is the one? What questions should you be asking? Read More
My friends keep texting me this joke: A father was on his way home and decided to buy his daughter a Barbie. Read More
John Bolch at Family Lore has done a round up of the other family law blogs he is aware of and I’m happy to follow suit! Read More
Anne Robinson, as pictured in that tabloid daily I pretend I don’t read but always look at my mother’s copy The Daily Mail, is still wearing her wedding ring despite announcing that her marriage is over. Read More
When people are going through separation and divorce they can react in panic and seek advice from where ever they can get it. Read More
I have updated my profile and changed the template on my blog. I prefer my last template but think it was becoming stale. Read More
Rather like selecting your favourite friends on Facebook, work out who you love before you launch yourself into a battle over money, the car, who keeps the house, the wedding album and so on. Read More
Lots of people think about getting divorced for at least 2 years before they do anything about it. Read More
It is virtually impossible to locate a solicitor prepared to help you with a CSA case. Read More
I have been so busy that I have not had time to post on this blog, or do my knitting! Read More
This has been a tough one to research. Many dating web sites seem to be full of attractive single women looking for love and not so attractive men looking for… best to term it a more casual relationship. Read More
If you have come through a divorce and are looking for a new love then this website may help build your confidence and approach women. Read More
The Law Commission has recommended that the Government introduce legislation to give legal rights to cohabitees on the breakdown of their relationship. Read More
Whenever people report that their partner wants a divorce due to meeting someone new, the signs were there long before the relationship finally crashed. Read More
An increasing number of women are reporting an incidence of men deceiving them with the double lives syndrome. Read More
According to newspaper reports, Heather Mills is to receive a total package from Sir Paul McCartney worth £70 million. Read More
Until now I have deliberately ignored this story but… here goes… don’t say I didn’t warn you… The barrister? Read More
This is one of the most popular search terms on this blog. Everyday there are hits relating to this. Read More
The CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY produce their list of non-paying dads on their own web site in an effort to name and shame. Read More
Be unfaithful! This is probably not your intention when you fall into an accidental affair but it is a guaranteed result. Read More
Fantastic! I registered recently and the blond at the front of the picture is an old school friend I have not seen for 15 years who now lives with me! Read More
If ever you have a chance to buy out a nominal maintenance order or need to litigate to get rid of one, this article in THE TIMES should be a warning to all you men out there to make sure you get a clean break! Read More
Firstly, it’s an Americanism. Secondly, it’s a process not a symptom attributable to the parent with care. Read More
Remorse No matter how much you wanted it there will usually be a sense of regret and failure. Read More
Maybe, rarely, not in my experience. Surprisingly, it is typically couples who have gone through the most acrimonious divorce who choose to reconcile. Read More
I have been contacted by Ian Rispin, a man going through divorce who has felt the need to set up a divorce information website wikivorce which he describes as the: “first social/networking community website in the UK” Not sure what that means exactly, but I would opinion that most people only want to talk about their own divorce. Read More
It’s my birthday today! As I was walking to Court yesterday I was thinking about my age and contemplating that I was fast approaching the stage when women become invisible. Read More
Just when you start to feel sorry for rich men getting divorced in this country, Alan Miller pulls a rabbit out of the hat and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights. Read More
It is difficult to feel sorry for the rich but the Divorce regime in this country does appear biased against wealthy individuals divorcing their less wealthy spouses. Read More
Everything and nothing! My four year old son has decided to change his name to Matthew (after his best friend) James Blond (after an action movie character whose name he has got wrong but in that special arrogant 4 year old way he refuses to accept is his error). Read More
Court Of Appeal Ruling The alpha male John Charman has again been defeated in his efforts to overturn the £48 million his wife was awarded following their divorce. Read More
Your children will be hurt Regardless of their age, disposition or gender your children will be hurt and they will be hurt… forever. Read More
I am grateful to Orhan Khan for pointing out the following link: TOP TEN MYTHS OF DIVORCE. Read More
OPINIONISTAS Something to get your teeth into! This blog is written by a New Yorker, who was a trainee lawyer writing about how tough her life was! Read More
There is an interesting article in The Guardian about the difficulties of life as a second wife. Read More
There is an article in The Daily Telegraph that outlines the increasing number of oldies that are getting divorced. Read More
There is a shocking report in The Daily Telegraph which states that an ex-wife of a bankrupt can have her settlement overturned, if her ex husband goes bankrupt within 5 years, even if the settlement was made after consideration of all the factors of the case and a Consent Order was drawn up in the normal way. Read More
It has been suggested in the press that there has been an upsurge in people using private detective agencies to spy on their spouse to assist in their divorce proceedings. Read More
The increasing numbers of step families has produced pressures which no doubt have increased the number of second divorces. Read More
It depends on the judge! Some judges say you can’t force a 9 year old, some judges say that the child should do as they are told. Read More
According to Dr Thomas Stuttaford in The Times, there are 3 stages to a successful long term relationship which can be scientifically measured by functional MRI brain scans: Stage 1 Lust. Read More
If the anxiety surrounding your divorce and separation is preventing you from sleeping try reading this blog: THE DEATH OF RETAIL PRICE It is written by a young Australian and is thought provoking and profound. Read More
A High Court judge has ruled that a divorcing wife of a millionaire cannot expect compensation beyond her needs and has awarded a clean break (final settlement) of £13 million. Read More
I have now given up smoking for over 3 weeks. I have successfully established myself as a non smoker and scowl at people smoking in the street. Read More
Lots of people call me up and say they are thinking about getting divorced. I usually tell these people to try to change something else, their job, their relationship (go to counselling, do something different together, be nice to each other), their social life. Read More
The CSA claims that it has increased the number of absconding fathers it is eking money out of. Read More
Is this you? Does he control what you eat? Who you see and what you wear? Read More
Apparently 80% of divorces are not mutual, in other words 4/5ths of people on the receiving end of a divorce petition did not want it to happen. Read More
I started smoking when I got divorced. This is a common behaviour and after 21 days becomes established as a habit. Read More
Is this you? A deal is reached, a good deal, financially it works for you, but then the other side launches their emotional missile. Read More
If your separation is getting you down try reading some humorous non-related blogs. I am grateful to John Bolsh of Family Lore for his post referring to Babybarista! Read More
The case of Charman returns to Court next week with John Charman arguing that £48 million is too much for his wife. Read More
In one example I know the father’s salary has increased by over £100,000.00 since the original assessment but the mother is still receiving the same original amount. Read More
Separating couples, frequently can’t stand remaining under the same roof once the decision to part has been made but often this is the only practical option. Read More
The first question people ask is: What am I entitled to? The second question is: How much will it cost? Read More
This is the day to do it. If you have been thinking about popping the question make it an extra romantic Valentine’s Day! Read More
The 80/20 rule, or Pareto principle is an economic rule that 80% of resources are spent producing 20% of output. Read More
For those of you coming out of divorce and separation and looking for love this is a very important question. Read More
There are lots of resources on the web to help children cope with parental separation and divorce and prevent them feeling isolated. Read More
The agony of discovering that your partner has been unfaithful leaves you with a big unanswered question. Read More
No, this is not a proposal to one of my ex husbands! The Daily Mail have published an article about a millionaire who is seeking to purchase a bride. Read More
There is a review of marriage and divorce in the Sunday Times. It purports to analyse why people get divorced and what attributes they value in a marriage. Read More
Dissatisfaction with their Christmas dressing gown which is two sizes too small may make many women long for a more romantic relationship. Read More
The New York Times have produced an eminently sensible list of questions to ask your future spouse. Read More
Ruth Kelly has announced that she is keen to introduce rooms of sanctuary in the homes of battered women who no longer live with their abusive ex-partners. Read More
Want to take the kids skiing for Christmas but your ex partner won’t let you? What’s the normal Christmas contact that a Court would order? Read More
The Government has announced that one of the new aspects of the replacement agency for the Child Support Agency will be that non-paying dads ( NPD’s) (it is normally fathers but there are some non paying mothers out there) will now be named and shamed on a website. Read More
Going through separation and divorce is a time of huge stress. Anxiety levels can soar and people become paralysed with fear of the future. Read More
WHAT NEXT? Anyone contemplating divorce or separation would be wise to wait until after Christmas. If there are children involved they will grow up to hate Christmas, a time of excitement and fun filled family memories will be turned into a reminder of loss and mourning. Read More
In matters of domestic violence there appears a wide disparity in the advice people receive from the police. Read More
I know a young boy who attended his father’s wedding recently. In the joviality of events he was asked to make three wishes by a passing drunken adult. Read More
Ready to place your bets? It looks like the fight of the century is going all the way to a final hearing. Read More
Where’s our money gone? Once the decision to separate is made it is important to protect your credit score. Read More
Ketchup On The Carpet The relentless fascination and obsessive coverage of the Heather Mills – Paul McCartney divorce saga continues. Read More
Allegations, Allegations, Allegations The front page of one of the newspapers I am least likely to buy ever drew me like a magnet today, which cost me 45 pence. Read More
It can seem dreadfully unfair. You struggle to buy the kids school shoes and your ex expects to see them when he/she chooses and pay nothing towards their keep. Read More
No! How do I stop my spouse divorcing me? There are very limited circumstances in which you can stop a divorce. Read More
Friendly divorce? Couples separating without acrimony, who have grown apart and no longer love each other and simply wish to go their separate ways, often ask whether one solicitor can represent them both. Read More
Civil Partnership Agreements For many same sex couples the change in the law in December 2005 to allow them to have a wedding and get married under the label of a Civil Partnership has been welcomed as another obstacle removed in the fight against discrimination. Read More
Well that’s another fine mess you got me into! The Work and Pensions Minister, John Hutton, announced on 24th July 2006 that the Child Support Agency was to be abolished. Read More
Why Bother To Get Married? There are 2 differences between getting married and living together: A wedding Legal rights and obligations For some people the wedding is the most important bit, and we’ve all been to some great dos where no expense was spared but the couple in question have got nothing in common, not even sudoku! Read More
We only stay together because of the dog! This is not so uncommon, indeed there are plaques in many kitchens testifying such. Read More
That depends on how their parents behave. No child is unaffected by their parents’ divorce, and all children carry a secret wish that their parents will get back together, even 50 year old off spring like to see their divorced parents in the same room and being congenial! Read More
What Is It? Sadly, Domestic Violence occurs all too frequently. It can range from pushing and shoving your partner, making threats, to actual assault. Read More
What Is A Consent Order? A Consent Order is the legal document by which financial matters are finalised on divorce. Read More
Should I Date When Trying To Get A Divorce? No Should I Smoke? No Should I Take Anti-Depressants? Read More
Child Support Agency The Child Support Agency (CSA) has responsibility for assessing the level of maintenance the non-resident parent should pay the parent with care on behalf of the child on divorce. Read More
IF YOU ARE A MAN A classic sign is INDIFFERENCE. Unfortunately, men often misinterpret this and think that their marriage has improved. Read More
Common Law Husband And Common Law Wife There is no such thing as a Common Law Husband or Common Law Wife in English law. Read More
How Can I Get A Divorce? Many people want to divorce because they simply don’t love each other any more. Read More
Arguing Over The Goods Generally people fall into 3 groups: THE GOOD He/she can have everything.These people have either moved on emotionally or they simply don’t care about the T.V, often they are not even in the position to replace what they leave behind. Read More
What Is A Pre-Marital Agreement? A Pre-Marital Agreement is an agreement between two people contemplated and completed prior to their marriage which specifies the division of their assets in the event of divorce. Read More
The first concern of the Courts when couples divorce is the children. Unfortunately not all parents adopt this attitude. Read More
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