When it comes to family life in England and Wales, change is something of a constant. Yet the rate and type of change is very much dependent on a number of different circumstances. The impact of household finances, for instance, has been demonstrated afresh by new data published by the Department for Work and Pensions […]
Read moreOur concepts of what constitutes a positive family environment evolve over time both as a result of what we experience as individuals and the input of others. Sometimes, trying to reconcile differing viewpoints, particularly in relation to some of the more delicate and difficult aspects of family law can be a great challenge. One such […]
Read moreOne of the fundamental principles of the legal system in England and Wales is that there should be in fair access to justice. Just over a year ago, the body which represents barristers, the Bar Council, suggested that right was being denied to many. In a November 2022 report which identified a number of causes […]
Read moreNo break-up between parents is ever easy. In my experience, that is true regardless of whether they are married or have been cohabiting. It is only natural for couples to experience some distress or upset when it happens, no matter how long they have been together. Even so, it is vital that the adults set […]
Read moreThe breakdown of any relationship, such as a marriage, is not necessarily a pleasant experience. Nevertheless, in my professional experience, many couples manage to divide their joint assets and – particularly – provide for their children’s future after they themselves separate without rancour. However, there are still cases in which conflict does occur to varying […]
Read moreFamily law is one of the most discretionary of all legal disciplines. Even the most experienced practitioners know that the outcome of a case which goes to court can depend on how the judge hearing it interprets the evidence which is given. For people without legal training who choose to represent themselves, the situation can […]
Read moreOne of the recurrent themes on this ‘blog has been that of constant change in Britain’s households. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, that has been reflected in the work – the volumes and practices – of the family courts. It is certainly true that they are being kept very busy. Figures released by the Ministry of Justice at […]
Read moreThere is, of course, a famous old saying that “an Englishman’s home is his castle”. However, the scourge of domestic violence means that home is anything but a place of refuge for many individuals. It is heartening, therefore, to hear that the Government is intensifying its efforts to eradicate the threat which people face from […]
Read moreAlmost three years on from the start of lockdown in the UK, there are few who would doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a life-changing event. It has, of course, wrought a terrible toll in the home and the workplace. At the time of writing, the virus has cost the lives of more than […]
Read moreIt is sometimes bewildering to think of the speed at which home life in the UK has changed. Not so long ago, for instance, there was an expectation that women would marry young, have children and remain housewives. Yet that notion continues to be challenged. Both women and men now marry 10 years later on […]
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