In order to obtain a divorce, the petitioner must show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This is proved by one of 5 ‘facts’, namely unreasonable behaviour, adultery, desertion, two years’ separation with consent and five years’ separation where…
A large number of people still believe that it is possible to gain the benefits of a formal marriage or civil partnership simply by living with their partner. Unfortunately they are mistaken. Living with another person in a committed relationship…
On Monday 21st January 2019, the Government is set to introduce a draft Domestic Abuse Bill, the aim of which is to provide greater protection to victims of domestic abuse. Domestic violence and abuse currently covers any incident or pattern…
Following a recent change in the law, single parents may now apply to the courts for a parental order in respect of children they have had via a surrogacy arrangement. In the UK a surrogate mother will always be the…
On 14 December 2018, the Government gained new powers to disqualify a non-resident parent (i.e. a parent who does not have the child or children living with them for the majority of time) from holding or obtaining a passport. These…
As we are all well aware, the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019. There are ongoing negotiations being undertaken by our government but there is of course the risk that the UK will leave…
The recent ruling of the Supreme Court highlights the urgent need for divorce law reform in England and Wales. The effect of the court’s judgement in the case of Owens –v- Owens is that Mrs Owens must stay married to…
While everyone in the country is rooting for a win in tonight’s World Cup semi-final, for some, a loss will mean more than the loss of a mid-week excuse to hit the pub. Recent statistics have shown that when England…
A heterosexual couple have recently won a landmark legal right to enter into a civil partnership as an alternative to getting married. Civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 in order to provide same-sex couples with the same legal protection and…
The Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of Waggott v Waggott is a warning to any party who is considering appealing a decision relating to maintenance. This case highlights the risks associated with litigation and how appealing a court’s…
