How to move forward into the New Year
The start of a new year, and this year a new decade, can give time for reflection about both the positives and the struggles that you may have experienced over the last year or even 10! Therefore, you may be…
Family Law News
How to look after yourself during a stressful Christmas
Self-care is sometimes thought of as self-indulgent and time-consuming - perhaps even a little bit boring. If you are under pressure during a divorce or other legal proceedings you may feel time for yourself is limited. It is, however, an…
Should I divorce in England or Scotland?
This week, the Supreme Court is hearing a divorce case that could have significant implications for the parties considering “forum shopping” for divorce and financial remedy proceedings. Mr and Mrs Villiers married in 1994 and separated in 2012. The parties…
How to cope with Christmas following a separation
Christmas in particular can be a very stressful time for families newly broken apart by separation or divorce. This is the case not only for the children but also both parents – the one spending time with the children and…
How do the Courts deal with parental alienation?
In October this year, a case appeared before Mr Justice Keehan in the Royal Courts of Justice. The father in this case had applied for an order that his son (12) move to live with him. His son was at…
Sorting parental disagreements outside Court
Is court the most appropriate option for parental disagreements in relation to children? - Not always. When I first qualified as a solicitor nearly 25 years ago the Children Act 1989 had recently come into force, reforming the way the…
Can I get divorced if I don’t know where my ex-partner lives?
Divorces are legal proceedings and there is a fundamental rule in all legal proceedings that the responding party has a right to know the case against them. Courts have embodied this in the requirement for the Respondent to return an…
Financial applications in relation to Divorce
Whilst most separating spouses wish to avoid the necessity of having to involve the court to reach an agreement in relation to the financial arrangements between them, for many there is no other option. It is always advisable to explore…
The BB&O Law Society President’s Award
We are delighted that Jo Hawkins was presented with the BB&O Law Society President's Award. Below is the letter that was received by Jo. Dear Jo, The Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Incorporated Law Society President’s Award 2019 is well earned…
Getting the most out of a meeting with your lawyer
Relationship breakdown can be complex and often money is tight, therefore getting the most out of a meeting with your lawyer is important. In order to get the most effective use of your time and your lawyer's, here are some…