In his most recent update to practitioners, the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has outlined his vision of how the Family Justice System should cautiously emerge from the impact of Covid-19. Sinclair Law's new Family Solicitor Simeon Bowen-Fanstone looks at how this will affect clients? Remote hearings here to stay? It is almost certain that anyone involved in a family law case before the Court over the past fifteen months will have attended a remote court hearing … [Read more...]
Helping children adjust to separation or divorce
It is normal for children to feel anxious and unsettled if you and your partner are going through a separation or divorce. There are many ways you can help your child through this journey such as talking to them truthfully, offering reassurance, remembering to have fun, and sticking to routines wherever possible. It can help to involve children in small decisions where appropriate, encourage them to talk about their feelings, and make time to have fun and make new memories. These tips … [Read more...]
Finally, an end to the blame game when it comes to getting a divorce!
The Government has now announced that The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force on 6th April 2022. What this means is that we will finally be able to offer clients whose marriage has sadly come to an end, a divorce without blame. A no-fault divorce. How will the new legislation change the current law on divorce? At present, you may apply for a divorce in England and Wales if you have been married for at least 12 months, your permanent home is England … [Read more...]
Financial Disclosure on Divorce – No longer a game of hide and seek
It is a fundamental requirement of the Court that when a couple are deciding upon the division of matrimonial assets on divorce, both parties owe an absolute duty to provide full, open and honest financial disclosure. As an oligarch’s son Temur Akhmedovrecently discovered, when he was ordered to pay his mother £75m for helping his billionaire father hide millions of pounds of assets from the Court to avoid a sizeable £453m divorce settlement! This fundamental requirement of financial … [Read more...]
Holidays as a separated parent – Sunshine or Shade?
Whilst we all remain hopeful of being able to dust off the suitcases and make plans for a summer holiday, for separated or divorced parents, this can also mean the start of an argument bringing shade to that much awaited sunny trip away. How can separated parents ensure summer holidays go plain sailing? The earlier you start a conversation with your ex, the better. This will give you more time to address any issues or concerns before any holiday is booked. Will I need my ex’s consent to … [Read more...]