High Court Rules Humanist Marriages Not Legally Recognised – Yet
Six UK couples have lost a landmark challenge over the legal recognition of humanist marriages. The High Court found that, despite constituting “discrimination”, humanist weddings are not legally recognised in the same way as religious ceremonies, but stopped short of saying the government is acting illegally. Under current law, couples marrying in a humanist ceremony […]
No-Fault Divorces Set To Start From Autumn 2021
No-fault divorces are set to become available to divorcing couples from autumn 2021. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was backed by 231 MPs against 16 in a House of Commons vote on 8th June 2020, and concluded its passage through the House of Commons yesterday on 17th June 2020. The Bill will now be […]
Family Court Issues Coronavirus Child Arrangements Advice
The Family Court has provided guidance for parents concerned about complying with child arrangement orders (CAOs) during the coronavirus crisis. Alongside the Stay at Home Rules issued on 23 March 2020, the Government provided specific guidance relating to child arrangement orders, stating that “where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 […]
Millions Yet to Apply for Power of Attorney Fee Refund
More than £54 million in refunds are yet to be claimed by individuals who were overcharged when registering a power of attorney. A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows the appointed person to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions and in managing your affairs in the event […]
No Fault Divorce Bill Set to Go Before Parliament
The Ministry of Justice has announced that the so-called ‘no fault’ divorce Bill is to be one of the first bills tabled in the new Parliament. In news welcomed by the national family justice body, Resolution, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill is being reintroduced into Parliament on 7th January having first been promised by […]
Government Allocates New Grants to Support Domestic Abuse Victims in Court
The government has announced it is to make just under £900,000 available in grants to provide in-court support to victims of domestic abuse. Scheduled to run until 31st March 2020, the funds have been awarded to two organisations, the Personal Support Unit (PSU) and the Citizens Advice Witness Service, who offer support service to victims […]
Future of McKenzie Reforms Remain Unclear
The government has been called on by the Judicial Executive Board (JEB) to rule on the future role and status of McKenzie Friends in court proceedings. The use of McKenzie friends has risen notably in line with the number of litigants in person under the Legal Aid reforms of 2013 under the Legal Aid, Sentencing […]
Cohabitants Warned Not to Fall Foul of Common Law Marriage Myth
A recent survey has revealed common law marriage remains a commonly held myth. 46% of the public believe that cohabiting couples form a common law marriage, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey 2019, conducted by The National Centre for Social Research. This figure increases to 55% among those with children, whereas 41% of households […]
Single Parents of Surrogate Children Granted New Rights to Apply for Parental Orders
Single parents of surrogate children are now permitted to apply for parental orders following a welcome change in the law. Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Remedial) Order 2018, the rights of single parents have been brought in line with those of couples in being able to apply for parental responsibility where there […]
Family Law Survey: The Challenges of Divorce at Christmas
A family law survey by national law firm Simpson Millar has revealed the complexities facing divorced and separated parents at Christmas time. The research showed that: 42% of newly separated parents cannot remain on speaking terms to make arrangements Dads feel greater need to compete for kids’ affections than mums after divorce or separation 30% […]
Children and Families Act 2014: Potentially Disastrous
Local Authorities face a huge challenge to meet the new demands of the Children and Families Act 2014, which came into force on the 1st September. According to leading education, health and social care lawyer Elaine Maxwell, inadequate funding and a lack of guidance on the new rules, many of which have yet to even […]
Foster & Partners Acquired by Simpson Millar Solicitors
Simpson Millar Solicitors has acquired Foster & Partners (“Fosters”), one of Bristol’s leading family law practices. Combining with Simpson Millar Solicitors existing Bristol operation from 1st July, Simpson Millar Solicitors are seeking to establish itself as the pre-eminent provider of family law services in Bristol and the South West. F Fosters has 9 family lawyers […]
PreNups to Become Fully Binding?
Couples are have been told by the Law Commission that pre-nuptial agreements (prenups) should be legally binding in UK divorce settlements – as long as the needs of any children and the couple themselves have been considered. The Commission says that new guidelines should be drawn up to offer couples a more coherent idea on how […]