6 March 2017
No fault divorce – taking the blame out of divorce to reduce conflict and litigation
The debate surrounding our fault-based divorce system is not a new one. However, the recent case of Mr and Mrs Owens, in which Mrs Owens appealed the court’s decision to reject her divorce petition, demonstrates the need for urgent family law reform.
Currently, in order to petition for divorce one party is required to prove that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This can be evidenced by adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation (of two years with the consent of both parties, or of five years without consent).
23 September 2016
Mediating megastars – keeping it private and solution focused
News of megastars Brad Pitt’s and Angelina Jolie’s divorce has dominated newspapers and social media worldwide this week and is a timely reminder of how people in the public eye have to deal with intense media interest in the difficulties they face in their private lives.
One of the best ways to ensure that the terms of any divorce, whether high profile or not, are kept out of the press is to conduct proceedings in an entirely private forum such as mediation, using a private judge or arbitration. As practising mediators, we assist clients in resolving issues outside of court and regularly advise them about the benefits of mediation.
2 March 2016
Alternatives to the family court process - new Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme to be launched
For many, the prospect of attending a court hearing to decide upon the future of your family or finances can be a daunting process. Courts tend to be formal, overwhelming and expensive. Thankfully, court is not the only option and alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or mediation, can often assist in achieving a more amicable, timely and economical resolution.
1 June 2015
Children and mediation – The MoJ responds to Dispute Resolution Advisory Group’s final “Voice of The Child” report
Guest author Harry Nosworthy, Barrister at 4 Paper Buildings, looks at the MOJ's response to the Dispute Resolution Advisory Group’s final “Voice of The Child” report and evaluates the questions yet to be addressed.
20 October 2014
Divorce prediction and avoidance - a therapeutic answer
Last week was a bad one for Hatton Garden. Research from Emory University in Georgia, USA was published, which apparently showed that men who spend more on engagement rings are more likely to divorce.