Whether linked to alcohol, prescription medication or illicit drugs, concerns about substance use frequently arise at moments of heightened stress — where separation, financial pressure and changes in living arrangements can exacerbate existing habits or bring underlying issues to the
More about Putting children first: substance abuse in Family Court proceedingsThe Law Commission published its report recommending reform as long ago as 2007 so, after nearly 20 years, campaigners are heartened by the Government’s attention. But is it sensible reform or a charter to trap the unwary? The case for
More about Cohabitation reform: a long-overdue shift in the law or an attack on family wealth?Marriage, cohabitation and joint property ownership each carry distinct legal and financial consequences, and it is vital to think carefully about these issues from the outset. Deliberate conversations and choices can help provide clarity, manage expectations and reduce uncertainty if
More about Protecting family wealth across relationshipsThis is called The Resolution Together model, which was developed by Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. Why Resolution Together? For many couples, the appeal is
More about For those who want a calmer divorce – the Resolution Together modelThe case in brief A couple divorced after a long marriage of nearly 30 years. The wife had been a full time homemaker throughout the marriage. The husband was a senior figure in private equity, with complex remuneration including carried
More about Divorce, private equity and fairness: what the Court decided in ED v AP (2025)Q. Why might a party want to change a child’s surname? In the context of separation/divorce, it is sometimes motivated by a party wanting to ensure their surname, for example a wife if she intends to revert to her maiden
More about What’s in a name? The practical and legal implications of changing a child’s surnameIt is difficult to negotiate a fair financial settlement, or for a Judge to determine a fair outcome for financial division on divorce, without knowing what is in the “matrimonial pot”. For this reason, business assets are often valued in
More about Business valuations in divorce and financial remedy proceedingsDespite them feeling like one of the family, under English law, pets are legally classified as chattels i.e. they are deemed items of property. In the eyes of the law, your beloved dog or cat is therefore treated much like
More about Bone of contentionCommon issues parents face when planning care arrangements over Christmas Some of the predicaments we see are: How is Christmas defined, for example is it just the day itself, or does it encompass Christmas Eve and/or Boxing Day? Who will
More about Avoiding festive friction: how to plan care arrangements for childrenIt may surprise some that lawyers are regularly asked this question. The 1930s marketing campaign from De Beers suggested it was appropriate to spend a single month’s salary on an engagement ring – but this is long outdated. Engagement rings
More about Diamonds are forever…