When parents have separated and the relationship after is strained child handover can be complicated and a source of anxiety for all involved. It is not unusual for disagreements to arise between parents over what belongings and/or possessions need to be provided at handovers for provision of contact and returned again after contact. For example, parents having contact discovering that the child was not provided with clothing they require for the weekend like a team sports kit. Or on the flipside parents who provide clothing/equipment resenting that those items are not brought back when the ch ..read more

Getting divorced is a particularly stressful time especially when it comes to resolving the finances and agreeing what to do with any properties. If you are divorcing, any property is considered to be part of the matrimonial assets even if it is in your sole name. If property is held in joint names it will be held one of two ways, either as beneficial joint tenants – meaning both spouses jointly own the whole property, or tenants in common – where each own a specified share. If you are married but live in a property which is owned solely by your spouse, then you have a right to live in your ho ..read more

Divorce lawyer Shreya Kallingal shares what happens if you change your minds about getting divorced and decide to reconcile during the divorce process. It is common for couples to have already separated and fully accept the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage when a divorce application is filed. But there are many cases, where they have merely de-escalated their relationship while they work through conflict and consider their options. Take the crucial first steps towards progressing their divorce can then feel daunting.  Some feel like they will no longer have any agency in the proc ..read more

The work of our director Imran Khodabocus was commended in the IKWRO (Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation) True Honour Awards. These awards are presented to a person or organisation that has taken a stand against “honour” based violence. Appointed a Director in 2022, Imran heads up the Domestic Abuse Response team at The Family Law Company. His casework includes protecting children from FGM, forced marriage and “honour” based abuse. Over 90 percent of Imran’s work is for legally aided cases, representing some of the most vulnerable in society and ensuring they have access to justic ..read more

Working with the most vulnerable in our communities means that as family lawyers we need to be extra sensitive to the support they may need during the family law process.  Perhaps someone has a mental impairment that affects an ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities or protective characteristic such as learning disability, mobility concerns and diminished mental capacity amongst others. Where a person might need extra support to fully participate at court proceedings you can apply for reasonable adjustments so that there is a fair trial. When applying for reasonable adjustments ..read more

Technology is dominant in our daily lives and for those finding themselves part of the divorce process digital has its part to play, explains specialist divorce solicitor and managing director Rachel Buckley. The divorce process goes digital Digital advancements are certainly making some areas of the divorce process more streamlined. Since spring last year divorce petitions can now be filed online, via the court system’s portal.   You need only answer some simple questions supported by easy to access digital guidance, upload a photo of your marriage certificate and use the digital pa ..read more

As you pass the leftover festive food and try to stick to your new year resolutions, Christmas 2023 is probably far from your mind but for separated parents it is a good time to start thinking about the year ahead and how you may share the school holidays including what will happen next Christmas. When the Christmas countdown begins, we are often contacted by parents close to the big day who are disappointed by or don’t agree with the suggested arrangements. This late in the day, there is little legally we can do in such a short space of time.  So, this new year here are our 5 tips on how ..read more

Most of us are feeling the pinch of the rise in living costs this winter. One sad tradition is that January sees the fabled “divorce day” where couples whose relationships have been under pressure decide to separate. Some may be wondering whether they should divorce during such financial strains.  The costs of involving lawyers can be very off-putting perhaps now more than ever and it can be easy to think that it will be easier to sit around the kitchen table with your spouse and agree a settlement between you.  In some cases this can work well. However navigating your money, propert ..read more

Family lawyer Kate Torney shares some tips for choosing the right lawyer for you. At the Family Law Company, we recognise that facing a breakdown in your marriage is a time when you will feel a huge range of emotions – from hurt, panic, betrayal, upset and grief, to fear about what lies ahead.  You’re only human. There is an enormous amount of information available which can be a minefield to navigate. When clients first come to us, many tell us “I just don’t know where to start”. When it comes to getting a divorce, a critical aspect to consider is obtaining legal representation. Divorces ..read more

Divorce lawyer Shreya Kallingal explains “relationship generated disadvantage” and if a woman can rely on it in a divorce claim. In a recent decision by His Honour Judge Edward Hess TM v KM [2022] EWFC 155, a wife/mother was provided a compensation of £500,000 in recognition of the “relationship generated disadvantage” she faced in taking up the role of the caregiver in her marriage. This award was made in her favour in addition to considerations of her needs and entitlement to a share of the matrimonial assets. So, can a woman claim rely on the argument of “relationship-generated disadvantage ..read more