At Rainscourt Family Law Solicitors, we are acutely aware of the unique challenges that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may face when dealing with the family court system. This recognition is echoed by our listing as a recommended resource on the National Autistic Society’s directory. We understand that for those with autism, the complexity and formality of legal proceedings related to divorce, separation, or child arrangement disputes can be overwhelming and intimidating. Our commitment is to provide the utmost support, empathy, and personalised service to make the legal proce ..read more

When it comes to family law, many people think the rules and rights only apply to married couples. However, if you’re unmarried with children, you also have certain legal financial rights, particularly if the other parent is a high earner or lives overseas. Understanding these rights can help ensure the financial wellbeing of you and your children. As an unmarried parent, it’s essential to know that you can apply for financial orders to help meet the costs associated with raising your children. These orders can range from covering extra-curricular child costs to making provisions for a purchas ..read more

In divorce proceedings, particularly for high-net-worth couples, safeguarding family wealth and ensuring financial stability for children is of paramount importance. Trusts can play a crucial role in achieving these objectives, as they offer a means to protect assets, minimise tax liabilities, and provide long-term financial security for all parties involved. In this blog, we will examine the role of trusts in divorce proceedings, focusing on their benefits and potential challenges. Protecting family wealth: Trusts allow individuals to separate their assets from their personal estate, which c ..read more

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of remote hearings for family law cases. This change has been embraced by courts in Milton Keynes and across England & Wales, transforming the way family law matters are dealt with. Remote hearings have brought numerous benefits but also some challenges. In this blog, we will explore the advantages, disadvantages, and long-term impacts of remote hearings in family law. Advantages of Remote Hearings Remote hearings offer various benefits for those involved in family law cases. They can save time and reduce stress by eliminati ..read more

Introduction Families in Milton Keynes and across the UK have faced unprecedented challenges when it comes to navigating co-parenting amidst lockdowns, school closures, and shifting work patterns. In this blog, we will explore how the pandemic has impacted co-parenting arrangements, how families are adjusting to new routines, and the legal implications that have arisen. We will also offer tips for successful co-parenting and highlight the support our experienced family law team can provide. The Impact of the Pandemic on Co-parenting The pandemic has posed significant challenges for co-parentin ..read more

You may have been told by the Family Court that you must attend a SPIP course.  This is a Separated Parents Information Programme, which the court can order parents to attend if they are involved in court proceedings.  The purpose of the programme is to encourage parents to consider their dispute from their child’s perspective and learn about the impact of conflict. The SPIP course is ending this week, and is being replaced by a new course called Planning Together for Children.  The format of the new course remains the same. It will still be a 4 hour course for separated parents ..read more

There are headlines in the papers this morning about moving more children cases out of the courtroom and into mediation.  The government are starting a consultation period about how best to avoid lengthy court disputes about children.  They are keen to reduce the number of people using the Family Courts. The average amount of time a case takes to complete in the court system has risen from an average of 6 months in 2015 to just under a year now.  If you currently want to have your case heard in the Family Court, you have to first attend a MIAMS meeting.  MIAMS is a mediatio ..read more

If you are a witness in a family court case, you may be required to give evidence in the witness box. This can be a daunting experience, especially if you are cross-examined by the other side. In this blog post, we will look at the steps you can take to prepare for the cross examination in family court in England and Wales. Understanding the Purpose of Cross Examination Cross examination is a tool used by lawyers to test the credibility and reliability of witnesses in court. It is used to challenge the evidence given by witnesses and to find out more about the facts of the case. In the family ..read more

When a relationship ends, it can be a challenging time for everyone involved, especially if you have a beloved pet. In England and Wales, the law regarding pets, including dogs, is not always straightforward when it comes to separation and divorce. In this blog post, we will explore the legal issues surrounding separation and dogs and provide some guidance on how to handle these issues. The first thing to understand is that in England and Wales, dogs are considered personal property. This means that during a separation or divorce, the courts will not make any decisions about who should keep th ..read more

Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process, and the added stress of menopause can make it even more challenging. Women going through menopause often experience physical and psychological changes that can impact their relationship with their partner. Understanding the legal implications of divorce during this time is essential for anyone facing this difficult situation. Background: The menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue, and these can put a strain on a mar ..read more