Blog
Keeping the peace at Christmas – top tips for shared parenting over the festive season
Lauren Evans
5 April 2017
Immigration Update: Government announces immigration fees increase with effect from 6 April 2017
On 3 April 2017, the government published details of the new fees payable for visa, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services, which will come into force from 6 April 2017.
15 March 2017
Immigration update - How will triggering Article 50 impact employers of EU nationals?
The House of Commons has voted to reject the House of Lords amendment which sought to guarantee the rights of EU nationals resident in the UK before Brexit negotiations begin. This paves the way for Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty to be triggered later this month, when the two year negotiation process will begin for the UK to leave the European Union. Although this two year period can be extended with the agreement of all 27 members, it is unlikely in reality that this will be achievable. Whilst the government has stated that negotiations regarding the rights of EU citizens will be a priority once Article 50 is triggered later this month, until this issue is decided many EU nationals will remain in limbo in the UK with on-going uncertainties regarding whether or not they can continue to reside in the UK.
7 March 2017
What is behind the so called “tit-for-tat” EU and US visa spat?
Media outlets picked up a story that US nationals are going to need Schengen visas to travel anywhere in the EU. This is not (entirely) fake news. In this blog, Elspeth Guild and Nicolas Rollason explore the issues and explain the background to the situation.
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).
21 February 2017
A call to arms for equal civil partnerships following Court of Appeal decision
More couples need to stand up, like Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, and demand the freedom to choose how to define their relationship. There are millions of unmarried couples in the UK and their ability to choose between marriage and civil partnership should not be determined by their sexual orientation.
