Family Law Blog

Guidance and advice on divorce, separation, and family law matters

Can my ex dictate who is around my child in the UK?

When you separate, few things cause more friction than new partners and who your children spend time with. Parents often ask whether an ex can control who is around the child, veto a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or insist on meeting them first. In most cases the answer is no,…

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Can my ex claim money or assets after divorce

One of the most unsettling questions after a divorce is whether it is really over financially, or whether your ex could come back years later and claim a share of what you have built since: a new house, savings, or assets you have acquired on your own. In England and…

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Unreasonable behaviour in divorce: what it was and what changed

For decades, “unreasonable behaviour” was the most common way people got divorced in England and Wales: you had to give examples of your spouse’s conduct to show the marriage had broken down. If you are searching for it now, it is worth knowing that the law has changed. Since no-fault…

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What are the legal benefits of marriage in the UK?

Getting married changes your legal and financial position in ways that living together, however long, simply does not. In England and Wales, there is no such thing as “common-law marriage”, so the rights a spouse obtains on the wedding day are not available to an unmarried partner at all. This…

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Pension sharing orders: a complete guide (England & Wales)

A pension is often one of the most valuable assets a couple owns, sometimes the most valuable, yet it is one that many people often overlook when they divorce. A pension sharing order is the main legal tool for dividing that asset fairly. This guide explains what a pension sharing…

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Fathers’ rights to overnight stays in the UK

For separated fathers, overnight stays are often the part of contact that causes the most disagreement, especially when children are very young. You may be wondering whether you have a right to have your child overnight, at what age it can start, or what to do if the other parent…

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Who gets to stay in the house during separation?

When a relationship breaks down, one of the most pressing concerns many people have is what happens to the family home, and whether you can be made to leave it. During a separation, the right to stay in the home is determined by variables such as ownership status, marital status,…

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Can a court order be changed without going to court?

Can a court order be changed without going to court?

When a family court makes an order during divorce or separation, many people assume the terms are permanent. However, some court orders, particularly those relating to children, can sometimes be adjusted without going back to court if both parties agree to the new arrangements. In these situations, parents may decide…

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Can a divorce settlement be reopened?

A financial settlement is expected to provide a clean financial break, but what happens if the outcome does not feel right, or new information comes to light? Many people ask if a financial settlement in a divorce can be reopened, especially where there are concerns about fairness, hidden assets, or…

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Uncontested divorce in the UK: what it means and how it works in the UK

An uncontested divorce in the UK, sometimes referred to as an amicable divorce, simple divorce, or mutual divorce, is a simpler, faster way to end a marriage when both parties agree the relationship has broken down and do not dispute the divorce itself. What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested…

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7 divorce mistakes that cost you money

Divorce is rarely just an emotional process. It is also one of the most significant financial events many people will face in their lifetime, and for some, the single biggest financial turning point they will ever experience. Over the past 37 years practising as a family solicitor in England and…

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What is the pathfinder process in family court? A simple guide for parents

The Pathfinder Process (child-focused model) is a new approach in family courts in England and Wales designed to resolve child arrangements disputes more quickly, safely, and with a stronger focus on children’s wellbeing. It works by gathering key information at the very start of a case, particularly around child welfare…

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