Cohabitation agreements: how do they work?

A cohabitation agreement is a document setting out arrangements for property, children and finances between an unmarried couple who live together should the couple split up, fall ill or pass away. It is a good idea for unmarried couples, or even people who will live together non-romantically (e.g. siblings, friends), to get a cohabitation agreement sorted before they move in together. Reasons to consider a cohabitation agreement Even if you have lived with your partner long-term, you do not have the same rights as a married couple should issues arise. Having a cohabitation agreement would give you peace of mind…

The legal marriage limit increased to 18 in England and Wales

With the legal marriage age in England and Wales increasing to 18, vulnerable children in both countries will be better shielded from the negative effects of coerced marriage. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 received royal assent in April last year and came into force on 27 February 2023. This means that even if they have parental consent, 16 and 17-year-olds will no longer be permitted to get married or form a civil union. The arrangement of a susceptible child's marriage is now prohibited and punishable by law, regardless of whether force is used…

A trial programme for family court reporting will launch in England and Wales

Journalists may cover the proceedings as long as they maintain the confidentiality of the families' identities. As part of a long-awaited trial project to increase transparency in the justice system, journalists will be able to report what they see and hear in the family courts in three sites in England and Wales starting next week. Reporters are now permitted to attend closed hearings, but they are only permitted to report on what they see if the court agrees to change the automatic reporting limits put in place to safeguard the privacy of minors. In the pilot, which will debut on…

What do the new divorce laws mean for you? The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020

On 6th April 2022, divorce laws changed for the first time in 50 years in England and Wales with the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. This law changes the process of divorce as well as the legal requirements associated with it.  So, what does this mean for you? This article explains all you need to know to understand the positive and simplified changes made to divorce procedures.  Why has the law on divorce changed? This new change to the divorce laws in England and Wales is a welcome change by many in the legal profession. Divorce law…

Do cohabiting couples have legal rights?

Clear and automatic rights are granted to those who are married or in a civil partnership, however, this is not the case for cohabiting couples. Whether you are about to move in with your partner or have lived with them for a number of years, it is important to know how the law will affect you if the relationship comes to an end.

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The end of the “blame game”: what does the Divorce Bill mean for divorcing couples?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill received Royal Assent in June 2020. From August 2021, this new legislation will introduce no-fault divorce as an option for divorcing couples, which is arguably the most significant change to this area of law in England and Wales since in forty years. Following the introduction of this new legislation, couples will be able to use a more conciliatory and reflective approach without the need to attribute blame for the breakdown of the relationship. This, in turn, should reduce the impact of unnecessary conflict between both parties as well as any children involved, ensuring everyone…

Practical Tips for Negotiating the Divorce Process

Making the decision to divorce, or being informed by your spouse that they wish to do so, will often result in strong feelings and emotions. The end of your marriage can be overwhelming – the steps you take to resolve issues arising from the end of your relationship will play a vital role in how matters will be handled and how you can move forward. Here, our expert divorce solicitors provide a list of practical tips to help you manage some of the issues that commonly arise during the divorce process. Concentrate on what will be best for your…

Do I Need a Court Order to Settle My Family/Child Dispute?

  The stress and anxiety that comes with separating from your partner is only exacerbated when there are children involved. In an ideal world, parents would come to an amicable decision between themselves about what is best for their child after separation, but this is not always possible. Mediation can be used, whereby parents are assisted by an independent third party to help reach a joint decision about childcare arrangements rather than going to court where a judge makes the decision. However, if you cannot agree on the best way forward, it is always recommended that you seek legal advice…

The Extension of Civil Partnerships to Opposite-Sex Couples

Last year, Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, won a landmark case in the Supreme Court to be entitled to a civil partnership rather than marriage (please see our blog Restricting Civil Partnerships to Same-Sex Couples Breaches Human Rights 12th July 2018). It was considered discriminatory that an opposite-sex couple only has the option of marriage, whereas same-sex couples now have two options to formalise their relationship-marriage or civil partnership. Civil partnerships were introduced in 2004 to enable same-sex couples to access similar rights, responsibilities and protections as those afforded by marriage. Marriage was not available to them until legislation in…

Grandparent Estrangement: Grandparents' Rights to Contact with their Grandchildren

It has been estimated that around one million children in Britain are denied contact with their grandparents. The reasons vary but include family disputes or grandparents being shut out after divorce or separation.

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