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Family Law

Back to Basics: Unmarried Couples

Ellen Nicholas
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With my Back to Basics series, I aim to demystify areas of family law that are often confusing and misunderstood. Having already explored divorce and finance, and child law, I now turn my attention to an area that raises just as many questions: unmarried...

Is a Sikh Marriage Entered Into in England & Wales a Valid Marriage?

Layla Babadi
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The short answer is no, not automatically. A Sikh marriage, known as an “ Anand Karaj ” , translates to “ act towards happiness ” and is often interpreted by scholars as a “ blissful union .” It is a spiritual...

The Complete Guide to Visiting Nottingham Family Court

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If you have an upcoming hearing at Nottingham Family Court, it is completely natural to feel anxious. For many people, this will be their first time attending court. You may be worrying about where to park, whether you will arrive on time, what security...

Sharia Council in the UK: FAQs, Legal Status and Common Misconceptions

Layla Babadi
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A Sharia council is a voluntary, faith-based advisory body comprised typically of Imams and Islamic scholars. These councils provide religious guidance and arbitration on personal, family, and financial matters based on Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). The word...

What Is an Islamic Marriage (Nikah) and Is It Legally Recognised in the UK?

Layla Babadi
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An Islamic marriage, known as a “Nikah”, is a religious contract between a man and a woman under Islamic law. The core features are: Contractual Nature Marriage in Islam is a legal and spiritual contract, not just a social ceremony Both...

Love, Law & Borders - Navigating Marriage and Divorce Abroad

Layla Babadi
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When love crosses borders, the law often follows, but not always in the way you expect. In this blog, I break down the key issues surrounding overseas marriage and cross‑border divorce, answering five of the questions I’m most...

Back to Basics: Child Law Part Two

Ellen Nicholas
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In Part 1, we covered some of the most common questions about child law and what parents need to know. In this second part, we’re continuing with more essential FAQs to help you understand the basics. Whether you’re dealing with everyday...

Congratulations on Your Engagement! Is a Pre‑Nuptial Agreement Your Next Step?

Layla Babadi
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As the new year begins, many newly engaged couples will be thinking about their future together, from planning their wedding to exploring their shared finances and everything in between! So, we’ve prepared some key questions for you to think...

New Year, New Start: Family Law Advice for Divorce and Separation

Layla Babadi
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For many people, the festive period is about getting through Christmas with as little disruption as possible and having a lovely time with family and friends. When relationships are under strain or finances feel uncertain, it’s common to put difficult...

Back to Basics: Child Law Part One

Ellen Nicholas
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When it comes to family law, few topics are as sensitive and complex as those involving children. Whether you’re navigating parenting arrangements, understanding your legal responsibilities, or simply trying to put your child’s best interests...

Unpicking the Budget and the Impact on Divorce and Separation

Ellen Nicholas
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One week on from The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, and the headlines focus on tax freezes, benefit reforms, and property levies. However, the ripple effects on family law are just as significant. The outcome of the budget could reshape financial...

Co-Parenting at Christmas

Ellen Nicholas
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Christmas can be such a wonderful time for children and adults, but for separated parents it can also be one of the most stressful points in the year. Communication is key - planning ahead and managing expectations can make this festive season a smoother...

Back to Basics: Divorce and Finance

Ellen Nicholas
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Divorce can feel overwhelming and when finances are involved, the complexity often multiplies. From dividing assets to understanding maintenance and pensions, there are countless questions people face during this process. In this blog,...

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...

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