Tips for separated families during school summer holidays

Posted by Liz Hebden Jul 19th, 2010, in Family law update

With the school summer holidays fast approaching, there is the potential for this to be a minefield for separated families, with children being caught in the crossfire between warring parents. Avoid summer fun turning to misery with the following advice:-

- Make your holiday plans early to avoid clashes.
- Communicate with your former partner to put your children’s needs first. Co-operate with each other and ensure clarity of arrangements, preferably in writing.
- Be open and honest as to your holiday destination – provide details of flights, accommodation, contact details etc. It provides security not only for the children but also for the other parent.
- Do not ask the children to choose. As adults you need to take the responsibility of making decisions.
- Do however allow the children to express their views as to how they want to spend their summer holidays. When you have made the decision, explain it so they know what’s going to happen.
- Do make sure the children have the opportunity to spend time with their friends over the holidays.

By adopting these simple tips, your holidays will hopefully be a happy occasion for both parents and their children.

Poll Watch

Posted by Liz Hebden Mar 8th, 2010, in Family law update

A new study commissioned by a leading London firm to mark the 20th anniversary of the Children Act 1989, has found that large numbers of parents refused to deal with a divorce amicably.   (more…)

Landmark Victory over Pre-nuptial Agreement

Posted by Liz Hebden Jul 15th, 2009, in Family law update

A ruling earlier this month by the Court of Appeal has held that Family Courts should take account of pre-nuptial agreements when dividing assets following the breakdown of a marriage.

One of Germany’s richest women, Katrin Radmacher has successfully challenged a decision by the High Court last year awarding her former husband £5.85m for his own use, despite a pre-nuptial contract being in existence. That award has, on appeal, been cut to about £1m by way of lump sum in lieu of maintenance, together with a fund of £2.5m for a house which will be returned to Ms Radmacher when the youngest of the couple’s two daughters, who is 6, is 22 years old. (more…)

‘Common law marriage’ – a myth

Posted by Liz Hebden Mar 30th, 2009, in Family law update

A Look at the Injustices of Cohabitation Law

Attempts to modernise Family Law on cohabitation are being backed by Resolution, an organisation of 5,000.00 lawyers who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to Family Law matters.  Resolution has joined forces with Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC who has introduced a Cohabitation Bill which will end the injustice and financial hardship to thousands of people who live together. (more…)

Financial settlement of divorce – Impact of credit crunch

Posted by Liz Hebden Feb 9th, 2009, in Family law update

The credit crunch is affecting the complexity and length of time it takes to conclude a divorce.

In my experience, there are an increasing number of cases that cannot be finalised because the major asset within the marriage (the parties’ home) cannot be sold.
It may be that settlement has been achieved several months previously, either by agreement or court order, but that order cannot be implemented and clients are unable to move forward. (more…)

Parents be warned – Don’t breach contact orders

Posted by Liz Hebden Jan 16th, 2009, in Family law update

New powers introduced in December could see mothers and fathers forced to attend parenting classes, fined or ordered to pay compensation for breaching contact orders.

Under the new powers contained in the Children and Adoption Act 2006, Judges and Magistrates can also order those that default to carry out up to 100 hours of unpaid community work. (more…)