The Court does need to be involved to formalise the divorce process; however, it is possible to resolve the majority of issues (for example matrimonial finances) amicably and by consent. Agreeing matters by consent can provide parties with more control over the outcome and can save tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees. We…
For many separated or divorcing families, this Christmas period may be the first school holiday where everyone is living separately. Organising time with your family can become complicated and this can lead to tensions between parents and children alike, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. If this is the first separated Christmas it…
In a recent Supreme Court Judgement, the Court found that an aristocratic couple who had commenced divorce proceedings in Scotland could continue the wife’s claim for the matrimonial finances to be considered in England. Does this lead the way to divorce tourism? The facts of the case Charles Villiers and his wife Emma Villiers were…
What is an FDR? An FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution) Hearing is one of the stages of a matrimonial financial remedy application. Most commonly these occur during Court proceedings and the Judge will offer his or her evaluation of the likely outcome of the application. It therefore acts as a good indication of what may be…
Lockdowns and social distancing measures have caused court closures, which will increase delays where there are already backlogs. Further disputes involving supply-chain issues, employment disputes and other commercial matters emerging from the pandemic will further increase the backlog of cases. Courts are using video conferencing technology to conduct hearings, but another way to bypass the…
The Marriage Story is a film about a couple and their marriage break up. It is available on Netflix and has been nominated for Golden Globes and Academy Awards. It is based around a couple, Charlie (played by Adam Driver) and Nicole (played by Scarlett Johansson) who decide that their marriage is no longer working…
Since 2018, Litigants in Person (people who do not have legal representation) and 100 law firms have been able to complete their divorce applications online. This was part of a pilot scheme that was launched. HMCTS has now extended the pilot scheme so that all legal practitioners are now able to complete the divorce process…
Independent review website Three Best Rated has once again rated Paul as one of the top three family solicitors in Reading. Paul has been a Partner for many years at Barrett and Co Solicitors LLP and has been advising on family disputes and divorce as his speciality. Family law is a wide-ranging term for the…
For many separated or divorcing families, Christmas can be a difficult time because you are constantly being reminded of spending time not only with your immediate family, but also your wider family. Organising time with your family can become complicated and this can lead to tensions. The fundamental advice is that, wherever possible, try to…
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the number of cohabiting couple families is growing faster than married couples and has increased by 25% over the past decade; making them the second largest family type (the largest being married couple families). It has also been established that one in five cohabiting couples…
