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Family Law

Why the Family Court Refused a Move to Dubai

Layla Babadi
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A family court has denied permission for a mother to relocate her child to Dubai, citing the child’s welfare and the importance of maintaining his relationship with his father. His Honour Judge Willans made the ruling in the case of  SA v JR...

Government to Remove Presumption of Parental Involvement from the Children Act

Ellen Nicholas
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The Government have today, 22 October 2025, announced their plans to reform the Children Act 1989 and to remove the Presumption of Parental Involvement. The Effect of the Presumption of Parental Involvement The Presumption of Parental Involvement guided...

Modernising Marriage: The Latest on Wedding Law Reform

Layla Babadi
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Couples “tying the knot” are to have more freedom over how/where they say “I do”, with reforms allowing them to get married on beaches and at heritage sites. Under the reforms, couples will be able to marry in a wider range of...

The Importance of Full and Frank Disclosure in Financial Remedy Proceedings

Ellen Nicholas
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A recent High Court ruling has demonstrated the critical need for transparency within financial remedy proceedings upon divorce . Mr Mario Michael, a successful property developer in London with an interest in 200 properties, was ordered to pay his ex-wife...

Coldplay, Cheating and Consequences

Ellen Nicholas
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In light of the recent CEO and HR Manager cheating scandal that is taking the internet by storm, it draws the mind to the consequences of such affairs on the relationships and marriages of the individuals involved. Sometimes life throws curveballs and you...

What Rights Do Grandparents Have to See Their Grandchildren?

Lara Radzki
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Unlike a child’s parents, grandparents do not have a legal right to spend time with their grandchildren as in most cases they do not have parental responsibility. What options do grandparents have to spend time with their grandchildren? ...

Relocation Child Cases: What You Need to Know

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Relocation cases, where one parent wishes to move with a child to a different city or even abroad, are some of the most emotionally challenging and legally complex matters in family law. These cases often involve intricate balancing of a child’s best...

Navigating Divorce After an Abusive Marriage

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Divorce can be a challenging journey at the best of times, but when the marriage has involved emotional, psychological, or financial abuse, the process becomes even more complicated. If you've experienced coercive control, manipulation, or subtle forms...

Moving in Together - Do You Need a Cohabitation Agreement?

Cathryn Harper-Tedstone
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A cohabitation agreement is a legal document between unmarried couples who live together, either after buying a property together in joint names or moving into a property already owned by one party. The agreement sets out arrangements for how the property...

The Dangers of a DIY Divorce in Modest or Low Asset Situations

Amy Forman
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There is no legal requirement for you to instruct a lawyer to deal with your divorce and help organise your finances, but should you consult a family lawyer? Most likely, ‘yes.’ Why Public Funding Is Rare in Divorce Cases Public funding for...

Why Are Prenuptial Agreements More Relevant After the Budget?

John Boon
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Nuptial agreements (prenuptial entered into prior to the marriage and post nuptial during the marriage) have increasingly become an effective tool to formalise arrangements and protect assets upon divorce. In today’s financial landscape, personal...

What Next for Cohabitation?

John Boon
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A year ago, my colleague Caroline Elliott posted a blog regarding the possibility of reform of the law in England and Wales surrounding cohabitating couples. This followed the statement made at the Labour Party conference in 2023 by the then shadow...

Separating Later in Life - Important Considerations

Caroline  Elliott
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Over the last thirty years the number of divorces between men and women aged 60 and over has increased by an astounding 85% despite an overall decline in divorce rates. The last decade has shown men over 65 divorcing has risen by 23% and the number of women...

Understanding the Legal Framework for Unmarried Parents When Separating

Layla Babadi
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The details of the recent case involving the children of Lauryn Goodman and Kyle Walker have been played out in the tabloids and on social media for all to comment. Quite understandably, it may seem arguing about hot tubs, bespoke stair gates and astro turf...

Child Focussed or Childs Play?

Georgia Schein
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A common trend in child proceedings is for parents to become overly absorbed in their own opinions and vendettas, whether consciously or subconsciously. This often results in parents losing sight of the true focus of the proceedings and what is paramount to...

Relocating With a Child After Divorce or Separation

Ellen Nicholas
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There are many reasons for a parent wanting to relocate following a separation and divorce, including to move closer to family or a new partner or for job opportunities. Relocation will have a big impact on any children of the relationship, as well as any...

Is There Such a Thing as a Good Divorce?

Layla Babadi
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This is a common question asked of family lawyers. A ‘good divorce’ usually means a divorce without the hostility generally associated with divorce proceedings. In some cases, hostility can be pushed to one side and parties can proceed...

Enforcing Child Arrangements Orders

Amy Forman
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Child Arrangements Orders were introduced in 2014 and replaced Residence Orders and Contact Orders. They regulate with whom a child is to live or spend time with. They usually arise as a result of an application to the Court under the Children Act 1989...

The Pathfinder Pilot - Is This the New Way Forward in Private Law Children Act Proceedings?

John Boon
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Since March 2022, the Pathfinder Pilot Scheme has been trialled in the family courts in North Wales and Dorset. The scheme was implemented to trial a more problem-solving approach, which is aimed to improve the court experience and outcomes for survivors of...

Remote Hearings in the Family Court

John Boon
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The prospect of physically attending Court and appearing before a Judge or Lay Magistrates for parties involved in Family Court proceedings, whether that be for dealing with children disputes or financial proceedings, can be extremely daunting, particularly...

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