The Family Law Company is pleased to announce two trainees have completed their training to become fully qualified solicitors. Melissa Mitchell and Jasmine Galvin have very different backgrounds that have brought them into law. For Melissa, who had a successful career in training and education, this has been a huge step change later in life. The move was informed by her own life experiences which made her realise that her skills were highly transferable and could really benefit family law clients. Melissa explains “I found myself in a situation where I had to represent myself in court, which r ..read more

In the intricate process of divorce, high net worth individuals face unique challenges that extend beyond the division of obvious assets. Specialist Divorce and Finance Solicitor, Rachel Buckley, aims to shed light on the critical importance of these often-overlooked assets in high net worth divorces. When acting for clients’ in their divorce there are a few issues which are often over looked by them when they first come to see me. The visible assets like properties, companies, savings portfolios, and pensions are always front of mind. These visible assets, while significant, often represent j ..read more

In a recent judgment by Mrs. Justice Lieven last month (February 23, 2024), significant insights were shared regarding the necessity of cognitive assessments in care proceedings. What is a Cognitive Assessment? A cognitive assessment, often requested in legal proceedings, is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive abilities. It aims to assess various aspects of cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. During a cognitive assessment, trained professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, administer a series ..read more

Welcome to our Events Archive! Step into a treasure trove of cherished memories and extraordinary moments as you explore our Events Archive. Here, we’ve gathered a collection of past events that have left a lasting impression on all who attended. From glamorous Bollywood and hip hop dancing extravaganzas to the exhilarating thrill of pig racing, our events have encompassed a diverse range of experiences. Each event holds its own unique charm and is as diverse as our clients and contacts,  join us on a journey through time as we revisit these special occasions and celebrate the magic they ..read more

Norman Hartnell, Managing Director at The Family Law Company, has called for a national register of dual-qualified solicitors to better improve access to justice for clients from the outset. Commenting on this issue, Norman said: “An increasing number of cases now have cross-jurisdictional issues and being able to access a register of solicitors in a variety jurisdictions would be a huge help for family practitioners to enable them to offer comprehensive advice from the outset. At the moment, solicitors often have to delve into their own, personal book of contacts to try and get the advic ..read more

Parenting after divorce can be a demanding journey, and at times, it may present various challenges that require careful consideration. As a child lawyer with extensive experience in supporting parents through family disputes involving children, I understand the complexities that arise when parenting with an ex-partner becomes difficult. This blog post focusses on effective strategies and approaches to navigate the challenges of parenting while always prioritising the best interests of the child. Acknowledging the Challenges Navigating co-parenting options after divorce can present various cha ..read more

In 2024, the tradition of leap year engagements will once again capture the hearts of many, as it offers a unique twist on the customary proposal narrative. This quaint tradition, deeply rooted in history, supposedly sees women take the lead in proposing marriage to their partners on February 29th, a day that graces our calendars only once every four years. With March 2024 perhaps set to witness a charming surge in proposals it’s an opportune moment to consider the practical aspects of marriage, such as prenuptial agreements. Whilst not the most romantic these agreements serve as a thoughtful ..read more

At the Family Law Company we have always believed that children should be at the heart of every decision, in this blog post Children Lawyer Ruby Morris explains recent Government reforms. This reform arrived on the 26th January 2024, when the Government published a response to the Private Family Law Early Resolution Consultation: “Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements”. The government are seeking to place children’s wellbeing at the heart of Family Court reforms, and this has been welcomed by the industry. The most important justification for the reforms being that l ..read more

Whether you’re facing the end of a marriage or a civil partnership, it is essential to have clear guidance and compassionate support. Since the legal recognition of Civil Partnerships in the UK in 2005, there has been a distinction in how the law addresses the dissolution of these partnerships compared to divorce albeit there are many similarities. In this blog, Solicitor Hannah Porter explains these different paths. Divorce and Dissolution: Understanding difference Divorce is the term used to describe the legal termination of a marriage, applicable to both heterosexual and same-sex couples. I ..read more

Recently, the United Kingdom took a significant step towards promoting mediation by initiating a public consultation aimed at enhancing the mediation process and its accessibility across various sectors including family law. Our Divorce lawyer Gosia Prout highlights these changes. Family separation is rarely straightforward and often stressful especially when children are involved. Many families struggle to agree on next steps for their children, and while most families are able to resolve their issues between themselves without the need to go to court, many still end up in conflict. “Sup ..read more