Blog
Removal of trustees – factors a court will consider
Cally Brosnan
9 September 2014
The voice of the child in family courts
Earlier this summer, the Minister of Justice, Simon Hughes, confirmed the Government’s commitment to a further change to the Family Justice System, which will see children given more of a voice in court and other proceedings in which decisions are made about their lives. In this blog, Connie Atkinson explores to what extent do children already have a voice in family proceedings and what will the new proposals might mean in practice and for families.
15 August 2014
Uncoupling? How to consciously protect the children
It is all too easy to become self-involved and entirely consumed by the breakdown of a relationship. Separating from spouses or partners turns most people’s worlds upside down. Uncertainty and insecurity reigns. The grief that comes with a relationship breakdown is often suppressed and buried beneath a survival instinct to get through the day.
31 July 2014
Protecting children's wealth on divorce and remarriage
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sleepless in Seattle, Miracle on 34th Street – all heart-warming tales of single parents who find love again. But all are alarmingly silent about whether the parent in question took steps to protect their wealth for their children’s future.
21 July 2014
International divorce – do you need to divorce in the same country you were married?
Our clients frequently come to us with the understanding that where they marry is relevant to where they will get divorced. They assume there is a connection to that place and that there is no choice therefore as to where they might get divorced. These assumptions are wrong and an already complex picture is even more confusing for international couples when it comes to pre-nuptial agreements.
14 January 2014
The New Year brings welcome changes for same sex couples – but mind the gaps
2014 is set to be a historic year in the realm of family lives following a recent Government announcement. January is traditionally viewed as one of the bleakest months of the year with newspaper headlines boldly proclaiming that every other day is beating the previous one for the highest rates of people seeking divorces. However, amidst those difficult, and rather repetitive, headlines is the recent announcement by Culture Secretary Maria Miller declaring that the first same sex marriages in England and Wales can take place from 29 March 2014, several months earlier than originally anticipated.