Insights

Richard Gregorian, Principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, a firm with a unique legal-psychological approach to family law, responds to the Law Society Gazette article of Hannah Summers in the 24 October 2025 edition…

Richard Gregorian, Principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, a firm with a unique legal-psychological approach to family law, responds to the Law Society Gazette article of Hannah Summers in the 24 October 2025 edition…

Richard Gregorian, Principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, a firm with a unique legal-psychological approach to family law, responds to the Law Society Gazette article of Hannah Summers in the 24 October 2025 edition…

Richard Gregorian, Principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, a firm with a unique legal-psychological approach to family law responds to the Law Society Gazette article of Hannah Summers in the 24 October 2025 edition…

I do not need convincing that narcissism/NPD exists. I have seen it, both personally and professionally. The mental health community was once divided on whether personality disorders exist and it is obvious why. All of us have unique…

Time for reflection on my 2008 article , 18 years on from the successful defence of my own relocation proceedings. By Richard Gregorian, Principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors - a firm unique in having a fully integrated…

Working hand in glove with Gavin Emerson, a mental health professional and conflict resolution expert, whose value is focused on understanding the “psychology” of our clients, their former spouses, partners and co-parents and the dispute…

Even if I do not detect a foreign accent on the other end of the telephone, when speaking with a client, for the first time, or there is no other reason to believe that I will be acting for a parent who is involved in international leave…

There are many reasons why one or both of the former spouses, partners or separated co-parents, may accuse the other of being narcissistic or suffering from NPD (narcissistic personality disorder). These include: The fact that…

After many years of practising family law, my main regret is that, as I represented clients (universally successfully), I did not keep a list of all of those victories we had at every stage, which were nothing to do with the final outcome…

There's never been a more important time to discuss your child's mental health and as expert child law advice Guildford lawyers, we are best placed to help you with any issues you may be experiencing at this time. It is far more acceptable…

When considering a divorce, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we understand the need for outstanding legal advice and as experienced divorce lawyers in Guildford, we are on hand to provide you with clear, expert advice…

If you are seeking legal representation, as a step-parent, for any family law Guildford issue then look no further. As experienced family law solicitors we have many years of expertise in this area of the law and are best placed to help…

If you are currently going through a leave to remove London/child relocation case and are looking for the very best in expert legal counsel to represent you, then look no further. With many years of both personal and professional…

Managing your contact handovers can be a stressful time for many newly divorced couples, with a myriad of emotions still bubbling below the surface and it is likely to be the only time you will need to interact with your ex spouse post…

As experienced divorce lawyers in Guildford we totally understand that the enforced lock down situation has had an impact on many families, not all of it favourable, with many couples now seeking our help. For some families this has been a…

In the unfortunate event you find yourself as a victim of domestic violence, then our team of experienced Family lawyers in Guildford can immediately help to protect both you and your family from harm. We believe that every single person…

If you are a separated parent facing a leave to remove London or child relocation case, then there really is no-one else you should choose to entrust with your families future. We have many years of both personal and professional expertise…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we have many years of expertise in the field of child law advice Guildford and are well placed to offer you excellent, personal advice pertaining to your case. In our experience no-one enters…

Divorce solicitors Guildford and trying to avoid a troublesome divorce experience. When considering a divorce lawyers in Guildford it is essential to find someone who can offer you outstanding, professional and easy to understand legal…

If you are seeking help with a spousal maintenance issue and need expert, friendly and reliable advice from a family law firm in Guildford, then we can help you. With many years of experience in the field of family law we are here to guide…

If your relationship has irretrievably broken down and you are seeking prefessional advice from an experienced leave to remove lawyers, then look no further. With many years of both personal and professional experience Gregorian Emerson…

If you are looking for leading legal advice and representation for any child law advice Guildford issues, then we are here to help.

If you are considering a divorce it is absolutely essential you have access to outstanding legal advice and, as leading divorce lawyers Guildford, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we pride ourselves on providing you with up…

As experienced Family law Surrey Solicitors we are here to help if you find yourself suffering as a victim of domestic violence.

As one of the leading lawyers in the field of leave to remove London cases, we are perfectly placed to help you with your case.

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we specialise in all areas of child law advice and we understand how challenging a time it can be, for all involved, going through a separation or divorce. We have a wealth of expertise in…

Unfortunately one of the side effects being experienced worldwide as a result of this covid-19 pandemic, is a significant increase in the number of divorces, directly linked and as a result of the current lockdowns being experienced.

Family Lawyers Guildford and how Coronavirus affects Parental Contact. At this unprecedented time we thought, as experienced family lawyers Guildford, we would clear up a few points regarding the current situation regarding parental…

If you are looking for a lawyer to help with a leave to remove case based in London then look no further . Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we have many years of not just professional, but personal experience in this area of…

If you are looking for expert advice from a lawyer specialising in Child Law Advice Guildford and the rights of your children, then Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors should be your first point of call.

As specialist divorce lawyers in Guildford we will be the first people to tell you that there are no ‘winners’ or ‘losers’ from going through the divorce process.

As an expert family law solicitors based in Guildford, we have many years of expertise in this field of law and are best placed to help you and your family with any issues you may be currently experiencing.

As experienced leave to remove lawyers we can help you whether you are the parent wishing you relocate abroad with your children, or the parent wishing to oppose the move.

As experts in the field of child law advice Guildford we are here to help with any issues or queries you have in this area of the law.

Divorce can be an extremely emotional experience to go through, with a minefield of actions necessary to be taken, so as divorce lawyers Guildford we’ve put together some actions you will need to take.

Many people are under the misunderstanding that by becoming a step-parent to a child, either through a marriage or civil partnership with one of the child’s parents, they will automatically assume rights and responsibilities for the child…

Going through a leave to remove London case can be one of the most daunting and emotional situations you ever find yourself in. There are never any ‘winners’ in these cases and they can turn combative and hostile quickly if not dealt with…

Deciding where your children will live post-divorce is an area of child law advice Guildford we specialise in. It can be an incredibly emotive experience and we aim to guide you through it with the minimum of stress and in an easy to…

As expert divorce solicitors in Guildford, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we are best placed to help you navigate through the minefield that the divorce process can first be seen as. We fully understand how both your own…

As expert Family lawyers Surrey, we are used to helping couples negotiate in the aftermath of a separation. Once you have decided that separation/divorce are the way forward, then you will need to have discussions about how to divide up…

For any family law Guildford issues or queries, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we are best placed to offer you up to date and easy to understand legal advice.

With the Christmas school holidays quickly approaching, as the pre-eminent child law advice solicitor in Guildford, we are seeing an increase in queries relating to the position of parents on taking their children away on holidays, often…

If you are thinking of ending your marriage and are looking for a divorce solicitor in Guildford then look no further. Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we are here to help and will give you the best possible advice to enable…

If you are a parent wishing to relocate, with your children, abroad then you will need advice from a specialist leave to remove lawyers, or child relocation lawyers. Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we have extensive…

If you plan to relocate with your child following a separation or divorce, you will need an experienced leave to remove lawyers to work with you and guide you through the process in a clear and easily explained manner. After a separation…

If you are looking for a lawyer to help with a leave to remove case based in London, then look no further. Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we can help with all aspects of your leave to remove London case and have a wealth…

As an experienced leave to remove lawyers, we are best placed to help with all your child relocation queries.

Many people are under the impression that all family lawyers in Guildford, Surrey are exactly the same. Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we could not disagree more!

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we have many years of expertise in child law advice in Guildford and have an excellent reputation for enabling our clients to resolve these potentially difficult cases. We fully understand…

Outstanding legal advice is vital when you are considering a divorce solicitor in Guildford, and here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we will provide you with expert legal advice using our unique legal and psychological…

With our unique legal and psychological approach to your case there really is no other firm you should instruct for your leave to remove lawyer case. We are best placed to either save your children from a UK relocation, or to relocate out…

It is a common misconception that all family law solicitors in Guildford are the same.

Going through a break up which involves children can be an extremely emotional time, so here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we are on hand to give you the very best child law advice in Guildford. You may experience feelings of…

Outstanding legal advice is essential when you are considering a divorce lawyer in Guildford, and here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we can provide you with expert legal advice using our unique legal and psychological…

There may be many reasons why you find yourself looking to relocate with your children after a divorce, and here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we have many years of both personal, and professional, experience as leave to…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we are expert family lawyers based in Guildford Surrey and have many years and extensive experience, in dealing with situations which have become stressful, emotional and difficult to handle…

If your local authority has serious concerns over the welfare of your child you will need child law advice Guildford as a matter of urgency. We can help you through the minefield of any child law issues you are currently experiencing and…

If you are considering a divorce you will find that outstanding legal advice is essential and as expert Divorce Solicitors in Guildford, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we can provide you with expert legal advice using our…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we are Guildford’s pre-eminent Leave to remove London lawyers. We have both personal as well as professional experience in this delicate area and are well versed in any queries or questions…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of family law Guildford Surrey services for not just children, but all families too.

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family law Solicitors we are experienced in all areas of Child law advice Guildford and can help you to make decisions, based on your child’s best interests, after a divorce.

As expert Divorce Lawyers in Guildford, here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we deal with many couples experiencing difficulties within their marriages. Approximately one in three of these couples will go on to end their…

As expert Leave to remove lawyers, we are finding that International relocation of children is an area of family law that is becoming more and more common in England and Wales. Removing children from the UK can have significant…

As specialist Family lawyers in Guildford Surrey we are well placed to help you with any power of attorney issues, or questions, you may have.

If you are looking for Child Law Advice in Guildford regarding how to change your child's name, usually as a result of a divorce or separation, then we have some helpful information for you.

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we are an experienced and professional Divorce solicitors Guildford, and as such we understand that going through a divorce can be an extremely intense and emotionally draining experience…

It is an unfortunate side effect of today's diverse society, that leave to remove cases in London are on the increase. When married partners make the decision to separate or divorce, it is often the children who will suffer as a result…

As experienced family law solicitors in Guildford Surrey, we are best placed to offer you expert advice in any area of family law you may have. Using our unique combined legal and psychological approach we are able to maximise your chances…

Today we are taking a look at child law advice Guildford and mental health. There is a lot of 'buzz' around mental health in the media at the moment and a lot more awareness of the issues surrounding it. Indeed it is far more acceptable…

If you are divorced and considering remarrying, then you need to consider seeking our advice as Divorce lawyers Guildford, for expert advice on your situation. The number of remarriages is on the increase in today's society, so it is…

Any parent who wishes to relocate abroad with their child will need a specialist Leave to remove lawyers, to help guide them through the process. We have extensive experience in this area, not just professional but personal too and can…

If you find yourself as the victim of domestic violence, then our team of experienced Family law Guildford Surrey solicitors can help to protect you and your family. Every single person, irrespective of sex, colour, religion etc. has the…

When it comes to Child Law Advice in Guildford and the rights of your children, then Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors should be your first point of call. With many years of experience in this delicate area, we are well placed to…

It is a sad statistic that one in three marriages today will end in divorce and you will need to look at choosing a Divorce Solicitors Guildford to help you through the process. Whether you have decided to separate and are looking to…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we are unique in that we have personal, as well as professional, experience of successful leave to remove litigation. Before starting the company Richard Gregorian was a partner in an…

If you are a step-parent looking for help with parental rights, then as expert Family lawyers in Guildford, we are well placed to help you through your case, advise you on your rights and answer any questions you may have.

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family law solicitors, we are well placed to give you the expert advice you need on all matters relating to Child law advice Guildford issues. Today we are taking a look at adoption and will cover off some of the…

Making the decision to end your marriage can be incredibly difficult and as Divorce lawyers Guildford we can help you with expert advice throughout the process. The below guide provides information surrounding the procedure and laws of…

Are you in the middle of a leave to remove lawyers case involving child maintenance? Then we can help you. These cases can be quite emotive, but we have many years of expertise, both personal and professional in this area and can help and…

Excessive consumption of alcohol can be a real cause for concern and as family lawyers in Guildford Surrey we are experiencing many cases where it has become such a concern that it can lead to divorce. If alcoholism is an aspect of the…

Contact handovers can be a very emotive area of Child law advice Guildford. No-one likes to be apart from their child, but if the parents are now separated then this will unfortunately, become a reality for at least a part of their time…

As expert Divorce Solicitors in Guildford we can help you and your partner to improve communication between you and to help you both understand the underlying issues in your relationship. We have had couples where this has been so…

Relocating after divorce,also known as Leave to remove (LTR), can be a difficult and complex field to navigate. We have many years experience in this area and can help guide you through, from the initial stages, right through to completion…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family lawyers Guildford Surrey we can help you with all your financial questions, once you have decided that divorce is the only way forward for you and your partner.

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we deal with Child law advice Guildford on a daily basis. It is a sad statistic of today's society that around 1 in 3 marriages will end in divorce and it is a painful thing to go through…

There is no simple answer to the question of Divorce lawyers Guildford, when is the right time to divorce. It is a highly sensitive and individual situation with many factors to take into consideration and not a decision to be entered into…

Looking for help with a leave to remove case? Then we are here to help you and your personal situation.

Are you looking for Family Law Guildford Surrey advice regarding co-habiting? We some have some interesting information for you in this article regarding your factual and perceived rights.

How to help with Child law advice Guildford and helping your child through a divorce. No-one goes into a marriage expecting to divorce a few years later, but it is a sad fact that in today’s society at least 1 in 3 will end up doing so…

As experienced Divorce Lawyers Guildford we are fully aware that each and every divorce is different. The effects on each individual involved can vary greatly, even on a day to day basis. Whilst you all come to terms with your new lives…

If you are looking for a lawyer to help with a leave to remove case based in London, then look no further. Put simply Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors are the pre-eminent family law solicitors in the area of acting for parents…

A person’s mental capacity can be an interesting area for Family Lawyers Guildford within the context of family law. You will sometimes need to ascertain where there is a line between someone sane who is making silly decisions and has full…

If you are looking for help with Child Law Advice in Guildford Surrey then we are here for you. Sorting out ‘contact’ between parents is always a primary concern of anyone going through a divorce or separation where children are involved…

Help from a Divorce Lawyers Guildford and how your credit rating will be affected by a divorce. Your credit report will not be directly affected just through a divorce, after all you are not judged on your credit score by your marital…

If you need help with a leave to remove case in London then we are here to help you. With extensive experience, both personally and professionally, we are your number one choice to help you through this process.

Many people think all family lawyers in Guildford, Surrey are the same. We couldn’t disagree more. Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we care about each and every one our clients and will always treat you as an individual…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we understand child law advice Guildford and can help throughout the Guildford and Surrey area. We will respond quickly to your needs, giving you the information you need and helping to…

Here at Gregorian Emerson we are expert divorce solicitors in Guildford, Surrey and can help you with all aspects of your case.

A parent who wishes to take their children out of the UK to live in another country, or for a lengthy stay in another country, will usually have to apply to the family court for leave to remove their child or children.

Outstanding legal advice is essential when you are considering a divorce lawyer in Guildford and here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we can provide you with expert legal advice using our unique psychological approach and in…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors we understand child law advice and can help throughout the Guildford and Surrey area. We will respond quickly to your needs, giving you the information you need and helping to reduce the…

If you are looking for expert legal advice from an experienced Divorce Solicitors, based in Guildford Surrey, then let us here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors help you through the process. If you are planning to apply for a…

We can help with all aspects of your leave to remove London case and have a wealth of can be an inevitable consequence of international families that when, or after, parental relationships break down, one parent may wish to move to another…

We here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors are expert Divorce Lawyers based in Guildford, Surrey and can help you throughout your divorce proceedings.

At Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors Guildford, we have extensive experience in child law advice and in helping our clients to resolve these potentially difficult cases. When you come to us for advice and support on child law issues…

You never expect to have family problems, but when they do arise and you need a Divorce Solicitors in Guildford, you’ll need a solicitor that wants to hear your individual story and help you to find a solution. We aren’t just legal…

With many years of expertise in the field of leave to remove in London, there really is noone else you should entrust your case with. With our unique legal and psychological approach to your case there really is no other firm you should…

Outstanding legal advice is absolutely essential when you are considering a divorce lawyers in Guildford and here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, we pride ourselves on providing you with expert legal advice using our unique…

Here at Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors, our team of experts in child law advice Guildford will provide you with a unique joint legal-psychological, professional and sensitive approach to your individual situation and can offer you…

A new study has found that shared custody arrangements between separated parents can be much less stressful for children than living full-time with one parent.

An interesting new study from the US has looked at the thought process people go through when considering whether to break up with their partner .

The different factors that can affect the success of a relationship or the likelihood of a marriage ending in divorce still appear to be popular areas of study for researchers. While some of these factors can seem quite obvious, others…

People who are married but thinking about divorce shouldn’t rush to act on these thoughts as there is a good chance they will change their mind.

New analysis has shown that private pension wealth is the biggest component of household wealth in the UK, and has highlighted how important it is that this wealth is separated fairly in the event of divorce for the future financial…

A new report from single parent charity Gingerbread has levelled criticism at the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) for failing to ensure children received the appropriate level of support.

New research has cast further doubt over the success of the UK Government’s approach to encouraging a greater use of mediation amongst separating couples in England and Wales.

The Office for National Statistics has recently published details of the number of divorces that took place in England and Wales during 2015.

The family of actor Alan Thicke is headed to court in a dispute over a prenuptial agreement , the LA Times has reported.

The author of this article was formerly a commercial partner in a City of London firm. Having successfully defended his own leave to remove (relocation) case in 2007, he wrote about his experiences and his concerns for this area of law in…

The new Child Maintenance Service (CMS) must be prepared and resourced to automatically take-over the more difficult or complicated child support non-payment cases from the CSA, and must be ‘toothier’ in enforcing payment. These are the…

A new study by Prudential into the impact of divorce on retirement income has found that retirees who have gone through a divorce will generally have a lower income than those who have never divorced, and are also more likely to be in…

The National Audit Office recently published the findings of its investigation into the Department for Work & Pensions’ closure of its 1993 and 2003 child maintenance schemes. Problems of ‘Child Support Agency’ Schemes It highlights that…

A new piece of research has given an interesting insight into the most common reasons why marriages or cohabiting relationships breakdown. Communication Problems The study, by researchers at University College London, analysed data from…

A high court judge in London has recently given his decision in the long-running divorce dispute between millionaire couple Khoo Kay Peng and Pauline Chai, reports the Guardian. The couple had been married for 42 years, but their…

The Law Commission for England and Wales recently carried out a review of the law relating to deprivation of liberty to ensure that suitable protections are in place within the legislative framework. Deprivation of Liberty Deprivation of…

New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed that as many as 28% of people would consider putting a prenuptial agreement in place to cover custody of their pets in the event that a relationship breaks down. A ‘pet-nuptial’ is a…

The Government has recently announced a number of new measures to tackle domestic abuse in England and Wales and provide further support to victims.

A great many divorce cases make their way through the British family courts each year, with the vast majority attracting little or no attention from the media.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the failure of Polish courts to take all appropriate steps to facilitate contact between a father and his son was a breach of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life)…

As many as one in three parents are apparently reluctant to leave an inheritance to their married children, because they fear the relationship will end in divorce and ultimately result in assets leaving the immediate family.

A recent report by relationship Relate and Relationships Scotland have given an interesting insight into the relationships between step-parents and their stepchildren, and how these relationships compare to that of biological parents.

A number of organisations have recently released figures that give an insight into the extent of domestic abuse across the UK.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed a fall in the number of divorces that took place in England and Wales during 2014.

Researchers in the US have recently looked at how concerns about parenting behaviour can affect the ability of divorced parents to co-parent.

The UK Government has recently announced its intention to opt in to the European Commission’s proposal which repeals and replaces Regulation 2201/2003, also known as the Brussels IIa Regulation, on cross-border family matters.

Shared-parenting charity Families Need Fathers (FNF) has published details of its response to the work and pension committee’s inquiry into child maintenance.

Relationships are coming under increasing pressure in the UK because of an expectation by employers that work should be the top priority for their employees.

A UK Government policy aimed at promoting the use of mediation between separating couples in England has been labelled an ‘embarrassing failure’ by national family charity National Family Mediation (NFM).

The upward trend in the number of ‘grey divorces’ appears to be continuing, according to a new survey from the United States. The survey of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyer (AAML ) members found that 64% of respondents reported an…

A number of different research projects have recently been conducted into factors that can affect the success of a relationship and influence the risk of divorce . One such study was carried out by researchers at the University of…

Single parent charity Gingerbread and domestic violence charity Women’s Aid are calling for changes to the Child Maintenance Service to help protect victims of domestic violence. The Child Support Agency (CSA) is being closed down, which…

A new approach to tackling domestic violence is undergoing trials in England. The new scheme, ‘Change that Lasts’, is currently being piloted in Northumbria, Nottinghamshire and Surrey to help women experiencing domestic abuse receive…

Celebrity relationships frequently attract a great deal of media attention, with much rumour and speculation over whether these relationships are happy or whether they appear to be heading to the divorce court. According to some recent…

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for families, putting additional strain on relationships that might already be troubled. Relationships under Pressure Relationship charity Relate apparently saw a 9% increase during September…

According to a recent study from the US, financial factors such as a wife’s ability to support herself are not necessarily predictive of divorce. Instead, it is couples’ division of labour that is associated with the risk of divorce . The…

The Department of Work and Pensions has recently launched a consultation exercise over plans to implement existing powers to make deduction orders to recover child maintenance arrears from joint bank accounts held by a non-resident parent…

A former model, who was seeking £196 million as a divorce settlement from her ex-husband, has been awarded £53 million by the High Court in London, reports the BBC . When her own assets are added they bring the total settlement amount to…

The proportion of people who believe couples shouldn’t have to get married before having children (35%) is, for the first time, almost the same as the proportion who believe marriage should come first (37%), according to new analysis of…

The latest statistics on divorce from the Office for National Statistics revealed that despite an overall drop in the number of divorces , the numbers divorcing in the over-50 age group have actually risen over the past decade. Nationwide…

A number of interesting divorce stories have been reported in the media recently. The first such case involved a woman who was given permission by the Supreme Court to lodge a financial remedy claim against her ex-husband around 20 years…

The lives of celebrities, and in particular their marriages and divorces , are a popular source of news stories for many media outlets, and any report of an imminent wedding or relationship split is often accompanied by speculation over…

As many as 2.87 million people across the UK are living in relationships which would be described within clinical practice as distressed, according a new study by relationship charity Relate. This amounts to 18% of married or cohabiting…

Although there has been more emphasis put on ex-spouses to provide for themselves financially following a divorce , a recent study has found that settlements made by the family courts in England and Wales are one of the most generous in…

A divorce judge has granted a woman who quit her career to care for her children the vast majority of the family fortune. Jane Morris left her career as a recruitment consultant so that her husband could continue his high-flying career for…

A divorce expert has warned of the dangers that can arise from using social media when going through a divorce . A representative of Consensus Collaboration has stated that social media posts could affect both the financial and emotional…

In a case which outlines the importance getting legal advice when going through a divorce , a woman who cohabited with her partner for more than 18 years has won a legal battle with his estranged wife for a share in his home. Joy Williams…

Experts have called for MPs to back the No Fault Divorce Bill when it receives its second reading in March. Attitudes to marriage in the UK has changed significantly with almost 50% of all divorces ending in divorce. Financial freedom…

Although some have claimed that the start of January, or the third Monday in January is the busiest day for law firms regarding divorce , the family charity, Resolution, has stated that they have little evidence to support such a…

The first working day of January is often dubbed as D-day by the media because it is one of the busiest days for divorce lawyers due to a large number of divorce enquiries . January can be one of the most difficult months as you return to…

More than 80% of respondents to a poll regarding “no fault” divorces have stated that they believe the law should be changed to allow such divorces to occur. According to the survey, more than four out of five believed that the law should…

While Christmas may seem a good while away, separated parents anxious about where their child will spend Christmas are being urged to take action now and set up a basic parenting plan. The advice comes from the National Family Mediation…

The number of elderly divorces has increased at the same time that overall divorce rates have fallen according to the latest findings. Overall the number of people getting divorced at an older age has been rising since the 1990s while the…

Men and women who have been married for a long time react to marital problems in different ways - women tend to worry and feel upset, while men predominantly feel frustrated. These are the findings of a study by researchers at Rutgers…

The UK Supreme Court has found in favour of two women who were seeking the right to have their divorce settlements reopened, reports the Guardian . Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil had both claimed that their ex-husbands had deliberately…

The Department for Education has recently published a breakdown of the number of children in care in England. The figures show that the number of looked after children has increased steadily over the past seven years. There were 69,540…

The Ministry of Justice has recently published statistics on activity in the family courts of England and Wales for the period April – June 2015. Family courts deal with cases such as: parental disputes, local authority intervention to…

Contribution from Accident Claims Web: When an accident claim is successful, the Court decides how much compensation to award the claimant. Most compensation packages will take certain factors into account, such as future loss of earnings…

A group of charities, MPs and leading academics have called on the Government to do more to tackle family breakdown by tripling the current funding for preventative relationship support to £22 million. The call follows recent recognition…

Couples who marry after their first child is born now stay together at the same rate as those who marry before the child arrives, according to new research presented to the Council on Contemporary Families. Researchers from Cornell…

The birth of a first child can put a real strain on a marriage , but the relationship adjusts much more quickly after the birth of the second child, new research has found. Previous studies have suggested that marital happiness continues…

Just under a third of people in Britain know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse , but most do not feel equipped to help them, new findings from Citizens Advice have revealed. According to the national charity, those with personal…

New research from America has revealed that the stability of a couple’s relationship will have an impact on how much a new father is encouraged to be involved in the raising of his child . The researchers wanted to find out what factors…

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has seen a rise in both care applications and private law applications during July this year, compared to the same period last year. The role of Cafcass is to represent…

A woman was unable to divorce her husband citing adultery because he had affairs with men rather than those of the opposite sex. The woman found that her husband of 20 years had affairs with at least ten men contacted her lawyer to obtain…

The age that you get married can have an impact on whether your marriage will end in divorce , according to a new study from the United States. The study, by a researcher at the University of Utah, found that people who get married after…

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has given an interesting insight into the legal marital status and living arrangements of people across England and Wales. The statistics, which cover the years 2002 to 2014, show that: In 2014…

Family charity, National Family Mediation (NFM) has called on judges and the wider family court system to do more to increase the take-up of family mediation. The Government has taken a number of measures over the past year to encourage…

New Government funding worth £4.5 million is to be available to regional adoption agencies to help place children with new permanent families faster than ever before. The injection of cash will mean the first regional adoption agencies…

Contrary to the findings of other studies, divorce, separation and remarriage are not necessarily bad for your health, according to a new UK-based study. The study, which was conducted by researchers at UCL Institute of Education, London…

Just two in five UK adults are aware that domestic abuse can include a financial element, according to recent research from Citizens Advice. Restrictions on day-to-day spending or being forced to take on debts are amongst the problems…

A new study has found no evidence that family courts in England and Wales are discriminating against fathers because of gender bias. The study, by Dr Maebh Harding from the University of Warwick and funded by the Nuffield Foundation…

The Queen’s Speech has outlined further improvements to the adoption system that aim to benefit children awaiting adoption by enabling them to be placed with a family far quicker. The improvements include specific new powers that will…

A recent study has found that men visiting their GP with symptoms of anxiety or depression are more likely to have experienced or carried out some form of behaviour linked to domestic violence and abuse . The study, by researchers at the…

The European Court of Human Rights has recently given its decision in a case brought by a father who claimed that court proceedings concerning the return of his child lasted so long they were a breach of his rights under Art 8 of the…

A High Court judge has ruled that a one-year-old girl should live with her father and his male partner instead of her mother, reports the BBC . The case involved conflicting claims over what arrangement had been agreed when the baby had…

Parental separation or divorce is linked to a heightened risk of psychosomatic problems among the children in the family, according to recent research from Sweden published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. However, the…

Money is well known to be a common cause of stress within a relationship but, according to a recent survey by the Money Advice Service, many couples are far from honest with their partner about their finances. The research found that as…

It is widely recognised that divorce can have a negative impact on a couple’s finances, but people are possibly less aware of how far reaching this impact can actually be. According to a recent study by Prudential, the financial…

An advisory group set up by Justice Minister Simon Hughes to investigate the best ways for children to be involved in out-of-court dispute resolution processes has now published its final report. The Voice of the Child Advisory Group has…

The hidden misery of women trapped in financially abusive relationships has been revealed in a recent report by the TUC and Women’s Aid. According to the report, many of these women are trapped in poverty without any access to money for…

The Law Commission has published a consultation paper on the enforcement of family financial orders in England and Wales. The Commission explains that every year, thousands of separating couples apply to the courts for financial orders…

The Government has announced funding of £10 million to help support refuges across the country and boost provision for vulnerable victims of domestic violence and their families. This funding will be shared between 148 councils over the…

Family law organisation Resolution has launched its Manifesto for Family Law, calling for widespread changes to the laws affecting divorce and separation . The Manifesto urges the next Government to facilitate change in six key areas in…

New Government proposals will mean that children involved in any type of family case - whether to remove them into care or disputes about child arrangements following divorce or separation - will be able to have their views heard when…

The Government has recently announced that from September all family court judges in England will be able to order DNA tests to determine a child’s parentage . This follows two pilot schemes in Taunton and Bristol, which were set up…

Researchers at Northumbria University have recently studied the impact of Family Court Advisers on the duration of court cases involving adoption or care proceedings. They found that in cases where the Advisers were involved with the…

The number of non-resident parents who pay towards the cost of their children through the Child Support Agency (CSA) has hit an all-time high, according to the Government . Figures show that almost nine out of ten non-resident parents…

The latest figures from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service ( Cafcass ) show that in December 2014, it received a total of 918 care applications . This figure represents a 13% increase compared to the number received…

Amendments made by the Government to criminalise coercive and controlling patterns of behaviour and psychological abuse in relationships have been welcomed by domestic violence charity, Women’s Aid. However, the charity has warned that the…

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has recently come together with charity Reunite to help raise awareness of the issue of international parental child abduction . The organisations’ key message is that abducting a child overseas is…

A new survey by charity Grandparents Plus has found that many kinship carers and the children they look after are discriminated against by public officials and other parents. The survey found that: 43% of kinship carers report having being…

Britons are turning to credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans following a relationship break-up , according to the findings of a new survey. The survey of separated British adults, published by family law organisation Resolution…

UK charity reunite International Child Abduction Centre has welcomed a recommendation by the Law Commission that parental child abduction by retention should be criminalised. According to reunite , around 40% of all abduction cases are in…

Domestic violence charity Women’s Aid has called on all politicians to commit to answering the charity’s SOS campaign call for specialist refuges. The call comes after new figures revealed that voters feel policies to protect survivors of…

Over the past few years there has a rise in adoption to record levels, with an increase of 63% in just three years, charity Adoption UK has said. This means thousands more children have found permanent and loving homes through a faster…

Free mediation is to be made available to more couples who are going through a separation , the Government has announced. From 3rd November 2014 the first mediation session will be funded for both parties, provided at least one of them is…

A new package of support aimed at helping people in the family and civil justice system has been announced by the Government. As part of the new support package, the Government will improve online information for separating couples…

A new law came into force on 22nd October that reinforces the importance of children having relationships with each parent following family breakdown . The change will encourage parents to be more focused on children’s needs following…

Fostering and adoption charity TACT has expressed concern over a sharp rise in the use of Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) in England. Recently released statistics from the Department for Education on children in care apparently show…

New national standards designed to raise the quality of expert witness evidence in family court cases and speed up proceedings became law on 1st October 2014. The Government explains that the standards were developed in partnership with…

A recent survey conducted by YouGov has revealed that as many as one in three women in Britain have been the victim of domestic violence . The survey findings have been released as part of a new domestic violence campaign launched by…

The Government is spending £300 million a year as a result of the breakdown of children's return home from care, according to new research commissioned by the NSPCC. By contrast, improving support for these children when they return home…

A woman who is attempting to have her divorce settlement set aside on the grounds of dishonesty has won the right to take her case to the Supreme Court, reports the Daily Mail . Alison and Charles Sharland married in 1993 and divorced in…

Domestic violence charity Women’s Aid has launched an SOS campaign, calling on the Government to commit to a national funding solution for specialist refuges for women survivors of domestic violence. The charity is highlighting that…

The Prime Minister David Cameron has set out a number of new measures to help families, including helping new parents, supporting couples to stay together and addressing the underlying causes of family breakdown. In addition, he has made a…

New enforcement fees for people using the Child Maintenance Service Collect and Pay system came into effect on 11th August this year. The new charges apply to every Child Maintenance Service Collect and Pay case, where a parent with care…

A recent study from Australia has highlighted that the stereotype of divorces being lengthy and hostile disputes is often not realistic and that many divorcing couples actually adopt a pragmatic approach to resolving property settlements…

The Government has committed to giving children a greater voice in the family justice system. It says that children and young people aged ten and over, who are involved in all family court hearings in England and Wales, will be given…

Family law organisation Resolution has recently highlighted the additional stress that the summer holiday period can place on a couple’s relationship. In some cases, this increased tension can bring a relationship to breaking point…

Think-tank the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has called on whatever Government is next in power to become the first in history to reverse family breakdown and confront a growing culture of disposable dads. In a new report, the CSJ…

A new Child Maintenance Service was launched this week (30 June 2014). The new system is design to provide greater support and encouragement for separated families to reach an agreement on child maintenance payments in order to allow more…

Thousands of mothers have had successive children removed by family courts in England over the past seven years, according to research led by experts at the University of Manchester . During 2007-2013, 7,143 birth mothers appeared in…

A recent report by the National Audit Office has found that the Department for Work and Pensions has successfully introduced the first phase of the Child Maintenance 2012 scheme. However, the spending watchdog has warned that the scheme’s…

Recently published statistics from the Office for National Statistics have given an interesting insight into marriage in England and Wales in 2012. The provisional figures show that: In 2012, the number of marriages in England and Wales…

Pressure is increasing on Government to criminalise coercive control, psychological harm, and patterns of abusive behaviour, following a survey released by the Domestic Violence Law Reform Campaign. The campaign aims to criminalise…

New rules to speed up the adoption system are due to come into force in July, the Government has announced. Building on the successes of 2013, which saw a record 15% increase in adoptions, the recently announced changes will reduce delays…

The architect of the major reforms which put children at the heart of the family justice system has been reappointed as chair of the Family Justice Board (FJB), the Government has announced. David Norgrove, who chaired the wide-ranging…

Recently released statistics have given an insight into the number of care applications received per 10,000 child population – the rate of care applications - by each local authority (LA) in England with children’s services…

Two domestic violence charities have highlighted that local public sector commissioners of services for domestic violence victims are facing a more difficult decision making process because of financial cutbacks. According to Women’s Aid…

A new approach to care proceedings that tackles the substance misuse of parents has been successful in reducing the number of children taken into care and enabling more families to remain together safely, reports the Nuffield Foundation…

The largest family justice reforms for a generation came into effect on 22nd April this year, the Government has announced. These family justice reforms put children at the heart of the family justice system and focus on children’s needs…

Separating couples are to be given clear new guidelines setting out what they should expect when property and income is distributed by the courts, the Government has announced. In March 2014 the Law Commission's ‘Matrimonial Property…

The welfare of children has been brought closer to the family court system now that key safeguarding organisation the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service Cafcass has joined the Ministry of Justice. Cafcass looks after…

A man who said he sacrificed his own career to become a “stay-at-home” husband to allow his wife to concentrate on her career as an investment banker has succeeded in his application to have his divorce heard in England, reports the…

The Children and Families Act has been given Royal Assent, and as a result reforms to the family justice system will be introduced as part of the relaunched family court system. In 2011 the independent Family Justice Review made a…

Clare's Law – a scheme allowing police to disclose details of an abusive partners’ past – is to be rolled out across England and Wales. Clare’s Law – the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is designed to provide victims with information…

The Law Commission has published a report in which it makes recommendations regarding important aspects of the law relating to the financial aspects of divorce and of the dissolution of civil partnership. The law gives the courts a wide…

The Ministry of Justice has published statistics on cases that are received and processed through the court system of England and Wales in the second quarter of 2013 (July to September). These statistics focus on four main categories…

Thousands of couples who separate each year have been urged to spurn confrontational court battles and instead to try mediation to sort out disputes over finances and children – as new figures show divorce rates increased last year. The…

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published annual statistics on divorces that took place in England and Wales in 2012, following court orders. The statistics do not include divorces to couples usually resident in England and…

The latest matrimonial survey from Grant Thornton has given some interesting insights into recent trends in divorce and other areas of family law across the UK. The survey questioned family lawyers throughout the country and uncovered…

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court has made the judgment that a child’s ‘state of mind’ is relevant when making assessments in cases where there is dispute over which country a child should live. The judgement brings England in line with…

Family law organisation Resolution has welcomed the recent judgment from Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, in the case of S v S , in which he upholds the decision (award) made through a private arbitration . This award was…

Separating parents and couples will be helped to avoid stressful court battles under a new law being introduced by the government. The changes are designed to ensure that in future separating parents and couples will first consider using…

Figures released recently by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) and charity Reunite have revealed that the number of parental child abduction and custody cases has more than doubled over the past ten years, with almost two children…

The government has recently announced that it will be supporting ten new projects to help separated couples resolve grievances and agree financial and parenting arrangements in their children's best interests. Announcing the new funding…

In this two-part article Richard Gregorian and Gavin Emerson of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors explain the difficulties they perceive with the arguments relied on by critics of Payne v Payne and why the focus in defending these…

Richard Gregorian and Gavin Emerson of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors argue that the focus in defending leav to remove proceedings should be on ensuring due process. In the first part of this article , we considered the…

Showing how unique the circumstances can be in these types of cases, the leave to remove application was by the father in this instance and related to 2 children aged 16 ½ and 12. At 1st instance, the father was granted permission to…

This is often quoted as the case which confirms judicial unhappiness with the current Payne V Payne discipline in deciding leave to remove cases. Clearly from the beginning the father was going to be successful on the facts in any event…

This case has attracted a lot of attention as it was viewed by critics of leave to remove as containing admissions by the judiciary, in this case Lord Justice Wall, now the President of the Family Division that the judges had got leave to…

This was a full appeal hearing by a father who had been unsuccessful in opposing the applicant mother's relocation application to Australia. This case is important because it looks at the effect of whether due process evidentially had been…

This case is important important for a number of reasons. Lord Justice Wall in his new role as President of the Family Division felt it necessary to clarify statements attributed to him by critics of leave to remove following his judgement…

Following a recent intensity in the number of leave to remove cases, the case of R & another v A was decided by Sir Nicholas Wall, The President of the Family Division. This case does not consider leave to remove law and Payne v Payne in…

Proving "Alcoholism" (Alcohol Dependence Syndrome) in Family Law: the Implications for testing in London Borough of Richmond v B and Others [2010] EWHC 2903 (Fam) (Mr Justice Moylan) One of the more common reasons for the instruction of…

This case is another illustration of the fact that if judges have concerns about granting permission for relocation-in this case on the grounds of the applicant mother's negative feelings towards the father then it will balance out the…

In order to best instruct and interact with a court-appointed expert psychiatrist or psychological strategist in family law proceedings, your legal adviser must not only have sufficient expertise to understand how those professionals…

There is “patchy understanding” and “ill-founded scepticism” about alternatives to going to court during break-ups according to a new poll commissioned by family law body Resolution. The survey, which was conducted by ComRes, found that…

New research has revealed the welcome news that 87% of fathers who don’t live with their children continue to have regular contact with them. However the report , by NatCen Social Research, Thomas Coram Research Unit and the University of…

The Government has announced that vulnerable children will receive additional help through the introduction of new national standards, which will raise the quality of expert evidence in family courts and end unnecessary delays. Delays in…

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is to transfer to the Ministry of Justice in April 2014. According to Family Justice Minister Lord McNally, the move will allow the welfare of children and families to be…

Women’s Aid has welcomed the news that domestic violence will be considered ‘one of the most serious crimes’ under the newly released Victims’ Code, but warns that police responses to domestic violence are still failing women in many…

The impact on courts and families of legal aid reforms implemented in April 2013 are already becoming evident, says umbrella body National Family Mediation (NFM), with an increased number of court applications and a drop in the number of…

Forty charities, other organisations and academics have joined together to call on the House of Lords to support a once-a-generation chance to change the law so that fostered young people in England can stay with their foster carers until…

My client posted a blog regarding her experiences with Leave to Remove and the court process. The following is the post: Once deciding to take the steps needed to return to my home country with my children I looked for as much information…

The first steps have been taken to implement the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, Justice Minister Lord McNally has announced. Once implemented, the Act will allow same sex couples to marry, while protecting and promoting religious…

A study from Lancaster University has found evidence of a link between England’s World Cup football matches and incidences of domestic violence . Researchers looked at domestic abuse figures from Lancashire police over three different…

The important role played by independent social workers (ISWs) in care proceedings should be safeguarded, according to a new report which is based on the views of senior judges. A senior Oxford University researcher and her team…

Adoptive parents will benefit from new funding worth £19.3 million to access the best possible care for children who have often been victims of abuse and neglect. The Adoption Support Fund will pay for therapeutic services - such as…

Women’s Aid is calling for a joined-up response to domestic violence from police, schools, and Government in response to the Home Secretary’s demand that police forces improve the way they deal with abuse. The charity says the attitudes…

A recent court case has highlighted the importance of full disclosure of assets in a divorce hearing , reports the London Evening Standard . The case involved a couple who divorced in 2009 and had reached a private agreement under which…

The Office for National Statistics has released a bulletin giving annual statistics on adoptions which took place following court orders in England and Wales in 2012. Figures on adoption orders apply to adoptions by relatives and…

The latest figures from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) have revealed that it received a total of 870 applications in July 2013. This is a 13% decrease compared to those received in July 2012, which was…

Celebrity divorces are giving ordinary couples an unrealistic view on what to expect when separating , the Law Society has warned. Nigella Lawson's 'quickie' divorce from Charles Saatchi is highly unusual. The speed at which it is…

The Local Government Ombudsman has found that Liverpool City Council has been failing to pay around 340 foster carers the correct amount of allowances for a number of years. The findings are the result of an investigation that was launched…

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill has now received Royal Assent and has officially become law. The Act, which applies to England and Wales, will: allow same sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies allow same sex couples to marry in…

Skilled joint social work between Cafcass and local authorities can prevent the need for care proceedings , according to a recently published report. In particular, the report found that a model of collaborative working promotes positive…

A pioneering family court service which offers parents a better chance of recovering from drug or alcohol addiction is to be extended across the UK. The Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) - the first of its kind - works with people whose…

A report from the think-tank, The Marriage Foundation, claims to have exploded the myth about a link between divorce and recession. Relationship charities have previously claimed that more married couples break up during an economic…

A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Prest v Petrodel, which was about financial remedies in divorce , has upheld the appeal of the estranged wife. The appeal concerned the position of a number of companies belonging to…

New research from Cafcass, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, has found that the instruction of expert witnesses in cases in family courts involving care applications is decreasing. Experts were instructed in 70%…

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently published data and an analysis on the state of the country’s National Well-being. In a report entitled ‘What matters most to personal well-being?’ the ONS examined the question of what…

Almost ten new child abduction and international custody cases a week are being dealt with by the Foreign Office, according to newly released Government figures. From April 2011 to March 2012, the Foreign Office provided assistance in 512…

New national standards to raise the quality of experts used in family courts and get rid of time-consuming evidence which adds little value in helping judges reach a decision have been announced by the Government. In the latest stage of…

One in ten adults in Britain are in a relationship but not living with their partner - and most of those are incorrectly counted as single in official statistics, according to recently published research. Researchers from the University of…

The government has published ‘Adoption passport: a support guide for adopters’, which sets out the support services adopters can expect from local authorities. Previous research has suggested that up to 650,000 people are considering…

The Office of the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales (the Office) has published its Annual Report for 2012. The Office provides expertise and advice in the field of international family law for the judiciary and…

Children’s charity the NSPCC is calling for a new approach to child abuse, focusing more on prevention as well as protection. It says this should help close the gap between the number of children who are abused or neglected at home, and…

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has continued to see high levels of private law cases in March, with 4,001 new applications passed to Cafcass - a 1% increase on March 2012 levels. The surge in new…

Family law practitioners have reiterated concerns that vulnerable people will be left without legal advice and support during divorce after cuts to legal aid came into force on 1st April. Resolution, the country’s largest association of…

The Ministry of Justice has published statistics on the type and volume of cases that were received and processed through the court system of England and Wales in the fourth quarter of 2012 (October to December). These figures include data…

A recent members’ survey by Nagalro has found that the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is making less use of experienced Children’s Guardian practitioners. Nagalro is the Professional Association for…

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has recently released a list of divorce hotspots in England and Wales. Top of the list, excluding Greater London, is Birmingham Civil Justice Centre and Family Courts, where 2,799 couples filed for divorce…

Recent research from the Law School at Cardiff University has uncovered threats to the effectiveness of the existing system to deal with international child abduction to England and Wales. International child abduction cases are usually…

The Government’s plan to introduce a legal presumption of shared parenting has proved to be very controversial. Criticism of proposals The Government’s proposals mean that if parents were to separate or divorce, there would be a…

A recent report from the House of Lords Committee on Adoption Legislation has said that adoptive parents should receive more support to help them care for vulnerable children . Children adopted from care have often experienced neglect and…

The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships (TCCR) and Family Action are launching an innovative new “More than Mothering” programme to support couples as they resolve relationship issues that can affect their ability to parent their…

Shared parenting charity, Families Need Fathers, has reported that the Government has published its response to the proposals on enforcing court-ordered child arrangements contained in the ‘Co-operative parenting following family…

The past twelve months have seen the Government place great emphasis on improving adoption processes in England for both children and potential adopters. These changes are starting to bear fruit, with the number of children available for…

New measures have been introduced to ensure child care cases are dealt with more quickly and effectively in family courts . This is so children and families are spared unnecessary delays and the cost to taxpayers is reduced. Under these…

The Family Justice Board has published details of the actions the Board and its partners will take to achieve the Government's vision of a family justice system that supports the delivery of the best possible outcomes for all children who…

A wealthy businessman has been jailed for contempt of court after failing to disclose full details of his financial situation during his divorce , reports the Independent . Michelle Young claimed that her husband, who was thought to have…

The Government’s draft Children and Families Bill has recently come under pre-legislative scrutiny by the UK Parliament’s Justice Committee. Pre-legislative scrutiny allows the relevant committee to comment on the draft form of proposed…

In December 2012, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) received a total of 847 applications. This is a 4.3% increase on December 2011 levels, though it is 11% down on November 2012 levels, likely due to the…

The Government has announced that it intends to provide additional funding of £10 million to help couples going through separation and divorce. The announcement comes at the time of year when the number of people considering separation and…

Family support charity Family Lives is expecting to see a rise in the number of calls to its helpline over the festive period, from families struggling to help with the stresses and strains of Christmas. Jeremy Todd, Family Lives Chief…

The Metropolitan Police Service has carried out an operation to help victims of domestic violence by targeting known domestic abusers. In the first three days of the operation, the police made 264 arrests. Assistant Commissioner Simon…

Human rights organisation Liberty has helped a man win his legal battle to secure equal pension benefits for his civil partner . John Walker worked for a chemicals group for more than 20 years – and has been in a relationship with his…

The following is an article with advice on the matter of discussing divorce with your children. Prepare yourself and use the resources that are available, many of which are listed in this article below. Kim Leon State Specialist, Human…

Government plans to amend the 1989 Children Act by introducing a presumption of shared parenting are well-intentioned but misguided, say the authors of new research into childhood experience of family break-ups. Researchers at the…

A new report from The Marriage Foundation has found that after ten years of marriage the divorce rate for celebrities is 40%. For the rest of the country, the figure is just 20% over the same amount of time. The report argues that the…

A new study has revealed that fewer American couples got divorced during the recession. Dr. Abdur Chowdhury, chair and professor of economics at Marquette University , has found that divorce rates in the United States actually decreased…

National membership organisation and support charity, Adoption UK , has been awarded the contract for the National Gateway for Adoption, in partnership with Coram and Coram Children’s Legal Centre. The aim of the Gateway is to provide a…

People in London are in favour of better financial and practical help for grandparents raising children because their parents can’t look after them, according to a new poll commissioned by charities Grandparents Plus , the Family and…

A care proceedings pilot launched between three London councils in April is already proving it is possible to dramatically speed up the majority of children’s care cases , including adoption, to hit the government’s target of six months…

Despite the well-intentioned and very significant efforts invested by those involved in resolving private law children disputes within the family justice system (including international relocation or "leave to remove cases"), I do not…

Children from the UK will now have international protection if they move to another country outside the European Union. The 1996 Hague Convention came into force in the UK on 1st November 2012, meaning that countries which have opted in to…

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC) cannot threaten two men with imprisonment if they continue to fail to pay child maintenance arrears, reports the Telegraph . According to the court…

The Economic and Social Research Council has reported on recent research that suggests children's parties or activity days, where prospective adopters meet children awaiting adoption, could be part of the solution to the current adoption…

A service manager at the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), John Mellor, has reported seeing an increase in the number of international child custody cases involving British couples abroad, reports the…

The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a claim that the Official Solicitor’s decision to place a woman’s child into care , and subsequently for adoption, was in breach of the woman’s human rights. The case concerned a woman…

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has commented on recent claims that families who move to England from Slovakia and Russia are being unfairly targeted to satisfy demand from prospective British adopters. BASW professional…

Adoption UK has commented on the recent release by the Department of Education of statistics relating to children in care. The figures show that at 31st March 2012 there were 67,050 looked after children. Around 75% of these children were…

Obtaining a divorce can be a highly emotional process and can be, at times, fairly confusing. If you feel as though your marriage has irretrievably broken down and you have decided that you want a divorce, the first thing you will need to…

Barnardo's has issued a statement welcoming the announcement that the Government is to consult over changes to fostering and adoption procedures. Janet Grauberg, UK Director of Strategy for Barnardo’s said: “As an adoption and fostering…

The Law Commission has published a supplementary consultation paper as part of its project examining a number of different aspects of the law relating to the financial consequences of divorce and of the dissolution of civil partnership…

A recent study from Portugal has found that men are more likely to divorce because of a lack of love, whereas women find lack of communication to be a greater cause of marital breakdown, reports the Portugal News . Other reasons given…

The Government has published draft legislation to implement its proposed changes to the family justice system following David Norgrove’s Family Justice Review. The draft legislation aims to reduce delay and duplication in public law cases…

The Russian Federation and Lesotho have deposited their instruments of accession to the 1996 Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for…

A research study in America has found that couples that have gone through a bitter divorce don't always continue to retain the same level of hostility to each other. The study, by researchers at the University of Missouri , found that when…

The educational attainment of looked after children and young people is improving slowly but there is too much variation in attainment, inconsistent support and a lack of clearly defined outcomes against which progress can be assessed…

Four sisters caught up in an international custody dispute have been allowed to remain with their mother in Australia for a further month after a Family Court judge agreed to another hearing, reports the Brisbane Times . The girls had…

The High Court has ruled that social workers were wrong to obtain consent from a woman to take her new-born baby into care when she was still under the affects of drugs administered during a difficult birth, reports the Daily Mail . The…

We live in an increasingly globalised and fast-paced society. It is more common than ever for us to move overseas to work, and marriages between partners of different nationalities are on the increase. This creates obvious problems where…

The case, reported in the Telegraph , concerned a Canadian divorcee who had been living in the UK with her former husband and two children. The woman wished to return to her native Canada after her divorce, and take her young children…

Adoption UK has issued a statement in response to recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show that there has been a 6% increase in the overall level of adoptions in England and Wales. Janet Smith…

The latest Lord Chief Justice’s Report has been laid before the House of Lords. The Report focuses on the work of the courts and on the wide range of statutory responsibilities which guide his role. With regard to the family justice…

Mr Justice Ryder’s report into the modernisation of Family Justice has now been published. Mr Justice Ryder was appointed in November following the Family Justice Review, with a brief to make recommendations by the end of July after months…

A new report from think tank the Centre for Social Justice has called for a widening of the offence of domestic abuse to include cruel mind games. Under the proposal, a man (or woman) who resorts to “mental torture” to subjugate a partner…

A recent study from Australia has found that equivalised household income after divorce declined for women but not for men. The research, led by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, found that some women were able to recover their…

A recent study from Australia has found that equivalised household income after divorce declined for women but not for men. The research, led by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, found that some women were able to recover their…

The Chair of the Justice Select Committee, the Rt Hon Sir Alan Beith MP, has written to the Prime Minister in relation to the Government’s proposals to change the Children Act 1989 in an attempt to promote shared parenting . In the letter…

The Prime Minister has announced plans to reduce radically the time it takes for a baby to move in with their permanent family. The Government will take action to put children’s interests first and legislate to make fostering by potential…

A new law is now in force to tackle cases of causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult. The offence, part of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012, came into effect on Monday. It…

A wealthy couple from New York, who divorced in 2009, have had their divorce settlement reopened after Daniel Shak raised a fresh suit, claiming that his ex-wife's shoe collection should have been included in the assets that were divided…

The Government has unveiled plans to set up an Innovation Fund to promote collaborative parenting in families going through separation or divorce . The fund will be worth up to £14 million over two years, and will be used to provide…

The Family Rights Group has responded to the news that a new select committee investigation into the adoption process in England and Wales has been launched. Cathy Ashley, Family Rights Group Chief Executive, said: “We welcome politicians’…

Children who go missing from care are being systematically failed and placed in great danger by the very professionals who are there to protect them, according to a parliamentary inquiry report. The report, by two influential All Party…

Ministers have put forward proposals to strengthen the law to ensure that children can continue to see both parents if they separate or divorce where it is safe and in the child’s best interest. The consultation sets out four options for…

A new study by charity Grandparents Plus has revealed that lack of support from Government and local authorities means that many grandparents face poverty after dropping out of the labour market to raise their grandchildren. Around 200,000…

Forcing someone to marry will become a criminal offence in England and Wales, the Prime Minister has confirmed. The decision to create a specific offence of forced marriage follows a twelve week consultation which took views from the…

Victims of domestic violence will have an additional source of help when new domestic abuse guidance for general practices is released this June. The guidance includes key principles to help GPs and healthcare staff respond quickly and…

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has published new research which shows that local authorities are acting more quickly to keep vulnerable children safe. Cafcass represents children in family court cases…

A recent American survey has found that almost half of divorced or separated adults questioned regret not spending more time discussing finances before they got married. This view is shared by over a quarter of currently married…

The Commons Public Accounts Committee has published a report of its review of the the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission's (the Commission) cost reduction plans. The Committee is encouraged that the new management at the…

A new study from America has found that marriages involving military personnel are no more vulnerable to divorce than civilian marriages, despite the long working hours and frequent prolonged separations. Researchers sought out to compare…

The Government has recently published the first local authority adoption scorecards, which have revealed widespread delays throughout the adoption system in England. The publication comes after just 3050 children in care, including just 60…

The Government has announced its intention to introduce a Children and Families Bill, which would deliver better support for families by reducing delays in the family justice and adoption systems, and ensuring vulnerable children get the…

The Minister in charge of the child maintenance system has pledged the Government will take greater action to tackle parents who avoid their child maintenance responsibilities.

Fathers who divorce or separate from their partners are at a greater risk of unemployment, taking sickness absence from work or suffering from mental health issues. These are the findings of a study commissioned by the All-Party…

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults and the APPG for Looked after Children and Care Leavers has taken oral evidence from witnesses as part of its inquiry into the care and support provided…

Recent research from America has found that married couples have a much higher level of personal wellbeing than people who are divorced or separated.

A pilot study by researchers at Lancaster University and the University of Bradford has found that involving children’s guardians in vulnerable families may avoid the need for care proceedings. The pilot study, listed in the Family Justice…

Barnardos has issued a statement following the release of figures by Cafcass, the children's court advisory service, which show that the number of applications from local councils to take children into care in England has exceeded 10,000…

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the 'divorce' settlement paid to a gay man after the break up of his civil partnership should be reduced by over £200,000, reports the Independent . Don Gallagher, an actor, and Peter Lawrence, an equity…

The charity Family Rights Group has warned that family and friends carers are not receiving adequate support from local authorities to help them raise some of the country's most vulnerable children.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has carried out a recent survey into cohabitation, marriage and divorce in America, reports Yahoo! News . The study found that around half of first time marriages break up within 20 years. The…

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in the case of Gas and Dubois v. France that the refusal to allow a woman to adopt her same-sex partner’s child was not discriminatory. The applicants, Valérie Gas and Nathalie Dubois, are…

A new report by think tank Policy Exchange has claimed that non-resident fathers on benefits should be made to work if they refuse to take financial responsibility for their children.

Six major children’s charities have joined together to voice concerns that children will be denied access to justice in proposed changes to legal aid.

The home secretary has announced that police forces in Greater Manchester, Gwent, Nottinghamshire and Wiltshire are to pilot a new domestic violence disclosure scheme (DVDS).

Ofsted has warned local authorities that, under new adoption inspection arrangements, they will only be able to achieve an ‘outstanding’ judgement if they ensure all children identified for adoption are placed within twelve months. These…

A new arbitration scheme has been launched to enable family disputes to be resolved without going through a formal court process.

A recent study by researchers at Michigan State University have found that divorce at a younger age hurts people’s health more than divorce later in life. According to Hui Liu, the author of the study, the findings suggest older people…

A recent research project in America has found that a 'good divorce' is almost impossible to achieve, in terms of the impact divorce has on children, reports the Daily Mail .

Nagalro, the professional association for court guardians, has welcomed the government’s commitment to reducing delay in the family justice system, but has raised concerns that the proposals may harm children’s interests.

The government has published its response to the recommendations of the family justice review panel, in which it outlines proposed reforms to tackle delays, streamline processes and rebuild trust.

In this two-part article Richard Gregorian and Gavin Emerson of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors explain the difficulties with the arguments relied on by critics of Payne v Payne and explain why the focus in defending these…

An article by Richard Gregorian, principal of Gregorian Emerson Family Law Solicitors and Gavin Emerson, Brief Strategic Therapist. The globalisation of personal failure, in the form of broken marriages and relationships…

Richard Gregorian, family law solicitor, explains the practice model which he advocates for enabling psychiatrists, psychological strategists and other mental health experts to have a far greater influence in determining the outcome of…

Following his article in Family Law Week (1) in which he argued for the greater use of non-legal skills in the family justice system, Richard Gregorian, family law solicitor, explains in more detail the practice model which enables…

Following his article in Family Law Week (1) in which he argued for the greater use of non-legal skills in the family justice system, Richard Gregorian, family law solicitor, explains in more detail the practice model which enables family…

The Implications for testing in London Borough of Richmond v B and Others [2010] EWHC 2903 (Fam) (Mr Justice Moylan) One of the more common reasons for the instruction of experts in family law cases is in the "proving" of alcoholism…

It is estimated that family breakdown directly affects approximately one-third of the UK population*. Many parents who find themselves in this situation dread the English family law courts, according to Gregorian Emerson Family Law…

A commercial litigator presents a highly personal view of some perceived procedural and evidential flaws in leave to remove / international relocation cases, borne out by his own experiences in successfully defending an application through…