On the 23 March 2023, the government made an announcement in relation to their plans to make mediation mandatory for suitable separated families in England and Wales. Family Mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps parties work out arrangements for children and finances where there is a dispute. The aim of these plans is to protect children from the damaging impact of courtroom battles between parents. The proposals will see mediation become … [Read more...]
Child Maintenance Top Up Orders
A Source of Additional Maintenance for wealthy clients and a resource for unmarried parents It is perhaps not commonly known that child maintenance assessments made by the Child Maintenance Service may benefit from a top up order made by the courts in cases where the Non Resident Parent has income of more than £3000 gross per week. (income figure at the time of writing). This may be a very useful source of additional income particularly for unmarried separated parents who do not have … [Read more...]
Transparency in the Family Courts. What is the impact of the pilot scheme on clients?
The family courts have long practiced in private in order to protect the personal and financial information of separating families. This has served the families well when they do not want to “wash their dirty laundry” in public but the President of the Family Division Andrew McFarlane has initiated a long-awaited pilot to address transparency in family proceedings. This pilot means that in three locations in England and Wales reporters may attend private family proceedings and publish details … [Read more...]
Legal age of marriage in England and Wales rises to 18 today
As the law currently stood, it was possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to enter into marriage and civil partnerships in England and Wales with parental or judicial consent. However, this will no longer be the case with the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act coming into effect today. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act was given Royal Assent on 28 April 2022 and will reform both the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to make it a criminal offence … [Read more...]
Tips on choosing a family law solicitor
Being involved in a family dispute, whether that be in relation to divorce or child arrangements, can be a very stressful and emotionally sensitive time for all involved. Therefore, it is essential that you have the most effective support system surrounding you including people that you can trust and rely on. Further to this, having the correct solicitor in such situations can help to alleviate added pressures from the process and help to support and guide you throughout. What is a family law … [Read more...]
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