Resolution Together is a new advice-based service that allows us to work jointly with you both to provide appropriate legal advice and guidance and negotiate the terms of your divorce settlement.   The One Couple One Lawyer approach is best suited for couples whose joint aim is to reach an outcome together which meets their needs, and if they are parents, the needs of their children.   This new way of working flows from the implementation of no-fault divorce applications which enable parties to apply for a divorce without blame or confrontation. It comes after the implementation of t ..read more

What is Hybrid Mediation? Think of hybrid mediation as a bridge between traditional mediation with full legal support by your side. You still benefit from a mediator’s guidance in facilitating open communication and exploring settlement options. However, unlike traditional mediation, you have the added security of having your lawyer present as part of the process. Why Choose Hybrid Mediation? Here at Just Family Law, we believe hybrid mediation offers a unique set of advantages for separating couples: Comfort and Confidence: Ease the pressure on you by avoiding face-to-face confrontation and ..read more

At Just Family Law, we understand that separation is a difficult time. You’re facing a rollercoaster of emotions, and the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer our clients a constructive and sensitive alternative to traditional court proceedings: collaborative law. What is Collaborative Law? Collaborative law is a respectful, solution-focused approach to resolving family disputes outside of court. You and your former partner, along with your collaboratively trained lawyers, work together to find a fair and workable agreement on all issues including finances and child ..read more

Are you worried that a divorce process will take too long and that no one can provide clear guidance on how long the process will take? In any legal process, time means money and so the less focused the process, the higher the legal fees may be. A long drawn-out process will have a stressful impact on your life and add to the feelings that you are in limbo and without a clear solution. Alternatives to court are imperative to avoid lengthy adversarial proceedings At Just Family Law, we understand the importance of finding a resolution that prioritises both efficiency and clarity during this dif ..read more

A public sector pension is often the most valuable asset in a marriage. It has greater benefits than a defined contribution pension or money purchase scheme. It should not be overlooked on a divorce.   Think of making a pension claim as akin to having life insurance and protection for your future.   Getting this wrong could lead to poverty in retirement as opposed to the relative cash rich lifestyle your ex-spouse could be enjoying.   You may be entitled to a share of your spouse’s pension that would provide you both with equal pension on retirement.   In 2021, the ..read more

Divorce is rarely a smooth ride, and in the complex world of pension settlements, the recent McCloud judgment has thrown a hefty spanner in the works. Just Family Law is here to help you navigate this tricky terrain and understand how the McCloud ruling might impact your pension report and divorce settlement.  Here we aim to unravel the key points for divorcing couples grappling with this uncertainty.   Why is a public sector pension important in a divorce?   A public sector pension is a defined benefit scheme and has far more value than a pension of the same “pot” value that yo ..read more

The Pitfalls of Offsetting Pensions in Divorce   Navigating a divorce can be emotionally charged, and dividing assets adds another layer of complexity. When it comes to both your retirement nest eggs, two main options emerge: pension sharing and offsetting.    What is Pension Offsetting?  Instead of sharing pensions by a pension share to provide equality of pension income on retirement, pension claims are dismissed.   The value of the pension share is evaluated, and the capital value of the lost pension claims is reported, usually by an actuary or Pensio ..read more

The Hidden Gem in the Matrimonial Pot Remember that big pot of assets you’re dividing? Pensions are often the most valuable asset and sometimes even more important than the family home. Ignoring them could leave you vulnerable in the future. It’s not just about current needs. It’s understandable that in the whirlwind of stress of your divorce you may focus on your present income, capital and housing needs to provide certainty and you’re your current needs. However, overlooking your future financial needs and security  on retirement will create avoidable future financial challenges. Sharin ..read more

2024 promises to be a year of significant developments, impacting issues from parental leave to court transparency. Measures that will be implemented: New Minimum Marriage Age: No more under-18 “I dos.” The minimum age to enter a marriage and civil partnerships has risen to 18, with the aim of protecting vulnerable young people from forced marriages. The Carer’s Leave Act will come into effect in April 2024. Employees will be given the right to at least one week’s leave per year to care for dependents, offering much-needed flexibility. The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 ..read more

Family law disputes can be emotionally charged and financially draining. For this reason, you may have opted for a DIY divorce only to find that a final agreement cannot be reached. How do you unlock the deadlock and who do you turn to for help? To ensure that all aspects of a financial agreement have been considered and full terms are agreed, you may need the experience and skill of a family lawyer. The traditional court system might seem like the only option, but it may not be the most efficient or productive route. There are several innovative out-of-court processes which offer viable alter ..read more