Family Law Blog

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

Common law partners: What is a common law partner and what rights do they have?

You will regularly hear people refer to the terms common law partner, or common law husband or wife. I’ve even seen it used on official forms, for example by insurance companies. Unfortunately, it is a very misleading concept and for anyone who  lives with their partner and considers themselves to…

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My ex won’t sign a clean break order: what can I do?

Navigating the end of a marriage is challenging and making sure you resolve financial issues is essential. A clean break order is designed to sever the financial ties between you and your ex-spouse, allowing both parties to move forward independently. But what happens if your ex refuses to sign the…

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What to include in a prenup

Prenuptial agreements (prenups) are used by couples who want to clarify their respective financial rights and obligations prior to marriage. Prenups detail how a couple’s assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, limiting the potential for conflict over who gets what. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, which…

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What is the divorce process and timeline?

While the circumstances surrounding a divorce may be different for every separating couple, the standard process will typically remain the same. It is important to have a clear understanding of what the divorce procedure involves so that you know what to expect and what the anticipated timeline will be. Our…

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Is there automatic divorce after separation in the UK?

Many couples question whether it is worth making a divorce application if a marriage will automatically dissolve after a certain period of separation. On the surface, an automatic divorce would seem like a simple solution. However, there is no such thing as an automatic divorce in the UK, which means…

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How long does an online divorce take?

Divorce is rarely straightforward. Therefore, it is understandable that many people considering a divorce want to establish whether they can streamline the process, keeping time, money, and stress to a minimum. The desire for a quick and easy divorce means that searches for online divorce applications are common. That also…

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What is cohabitation?

It is very common for couples to choose to live together without being married or in a civil partnership. This type of arrangement is referred to as cohabitation. Cohabitating relationships can be suitable for many couples, but it is important to be aware of the potential legal implications of such…

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How long is spousal maintenance paid for?

Spousal maintenance refers to an amount of money that is paid from one spouse to another during divorce. The payment is made from the spouse with the higher income to support the spouse with the lower income. Whilst spousal maintenance is not always payable, it will be ordered by the…

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Nominal spousal maintenance order: What is it?

Following a divorce, it may be appropriate for the party with the higher income to make regular maintenance payments so that their former partner is able to meet their ongoing living costs. This is known as spousal maintenance. There are various types of spousal maintenance which can be implemented, one…

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Why is my divorce taking so long?

Divorce can be a challenging experience at the best of times. So, it’s understandable that you would want to be sure that the process is as straightforward, efficient, and quick as possible. Your divorce may be taking a long time owing to court backlogs, disagreements over finances or children, communication…

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Does the length of my marriage affect my divorce settlement?

The length of your marriage will have an impact on your divorce settlement. Generally speaking, the longer you are married, the more likely it is that your divorce settlement will be closer to an equal division of your assets. However, it is also important to keep in mind that the…

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What is a Mesher Order?

A Mesher order is a court order that deals with the family home after a divorce. It is essentially an order for a deferred sale, with the property remaining in the couple’s joint names until a trigger event occurs. Taking its name from the family whose case first established the…

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