Planning Together for Children is a resource for parents and carers involved in private law family court proceedings to help them focus on putting children first when making arrangements to share parenting responsibilities. Planning Together for Children replaced the Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) on 3rd April 2023. It is a new course and set…
Pension sharing orders divide rights under a pension scheme so that each spouse has their own independent rights under that scheme or under two separate schemes. The pension has to be capable of sharing and the rights themselves must be of a shareable kind. The vast majority of pensions are shareable. The only significant exceptions…
On 6th April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2022 came into force changing the process of divorce as we had known it for the previous 50 years. We are now some 15 months after the introduction of the new law and in the main, the new procedure has been an improvement. It is…
It is one of those matters people often put off dealing with, but it is sensible to make a Will so that the people you wish to benefit from the assets you have at the time of your death, actually do. The Rules of Intestacy determine the distribution of a person’s estate where they die…
We thought it might be of interest to shed some light on some common myths regarding Family Law:- Is there such a thing as a Common Law Husband/Wife? No, there is no such thing as a common law husband or wife. Unless you are married the law does not protect you if you simply live…
LEGAL AGE OF MARRIAGE IN ENGLAND AND WALES RISES TO 18 Vulnerable children across England and Wales will be better protected from the damaging impact of forced marriage as the legal age of marriage rises to 18 in England and Wales. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 came into force on 27th…
Special Guardianship Orders (SGO) There are some occasions when it is necessary for a person, other than a parent, to obtain parental responsibility for a child in their care. In these circumstances, anyone over 18 may apply to the Court for a Special Guardianship Order for a child they are looking after. Such an order…
What is Family Mediation? When relationships end emotions can run high and talking face to face can seem like the hardest thing to do. Sometimes you need help to get the talking started and focus on what really matters to you and your family. That’s where mediation can come in. The idea behind family mediation…
The covid pandemic has seen a boom in the number of households acquiring a new pet. Research suggests that pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness and even improve cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets can also…
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? The new question for schoolchildren. At a time when school children are supposed to be asking questions about homework or extracurricular activities, the announcement that the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is safe for use in children 12 – 15 years old, and that they can choose to receive it irrespective…