In today’s blog, we take a look at a recent family law case that has been dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons. We are, of course, referring to the unusual case of Owens v Owens where, despite His Honour Judge Tolson QC finding the marriage had broken down, he refused to grant Mrs Owens’…
The 36-year-old American socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian has been a prime example of the fact that divorce doesn’t have to be the end. In fact, it can be the start of a happier, more successful life. Kim is no stranger to divorces, after all she has had two past ones herself. And yet these…
First things first: you are not alone. Whatever the reason is for you reading this article, one thing remains applicable to almost everyone: we know someone who is or was divorced. Going through divorce can be a long and difficult process and a relationship can begin to fester a long time before seeing a…
Earlier this year a UK court awarded one of the largest ever UK divorce settlements. It ordered that an un-named Russian billionaire pay his estranged wife £453m. But apart from this eye-watering amount, what does this case tell us about divorce settlements in the courts of England and Wales? Three important observations can…
Marriage is full of ups and downs: celebrations receiving a sparkly engagement ring and marking each passing year with an anniversary; and sometimes, sadly, relationship breakdown and break up. Time passes by quickly when you are having fun, but it can be painfully slow if a stressful separation is not handled carefully and efficiently. One…
Once a divorce has passed the Decree Absolute stage (the final stage of the divorce process), the general expectation is that spouses are to move on with their lives and put their failed marriages behind them. In particular, it would seem rather incredible that a former spouse could be able to make a claim for…
It’s one thing for a child to have to witness some animosity between parents who are unable to separate amicably. At least there is some truth to it, and at least it eventually sinks in that mummy and daddy are simply happier apart. It’s a whole other story, however, for children to find themselves rejecting…
In a recent interview for BBC Radio, Tom Hanks revealed that he was distraught by his parents’ divorce when he was a child. In partic ular, he expressed how lonely he felt and that the most difficult part for him was that was that he was never really told what was going on. Like most…
Step-parents inevitably become an important part of a child’s life. However in the early stages of building that relationship there are some common pitfalls and step-parents should tread carefully. Here are some top tips to avoid getting into a war with the child, your partner and the ex. 1. Bad-mouthing the ex It can often…
It’s well-known that the courts of England and Wales are amongst the most generous in the world when it comes to post-divorce financial support – but what does this actually mean for those getting divorced? And how do they make their decisions. No set formula, general principles and a discretionary system Unlike some other countries,…