Family Law

Sadly (some would say) the CSA has not gone away - it has just had a few makeovers since it was first introduced by the Child Support Act 1991. Even specialist family Solicitors have been bemused by the Government’s various proposals and initiatives over the years relating to the CSA. It was not that many years ago that the CSA was re-launched, to a silent fanfare, as the catchily named Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC).

“…I have no shame in saying to the injured spouses of the world’s billionaires, if you want to take him to the cleaners darling, take him to the cleaners in London”. Commenting after the recent Russian Oligarch case involving Ibramovich, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, somewhat controversially invited divorcing wives around the world to take their chances in the London Divorce Court.

Christmas: The time for peace on earth and goodwill to all men - and the latest divorce rate stats from the Office for National Statistics(ONS).

North Devon Divorce Solicitor, Paul Jordan reviews the decision in Kernott –v- Jones and issues a warning to unmarried couples and Cohabitees

Leonard Kernott’s 50% share of a property he bought with his former partner, Patricia Jones was sensationally slashed in November 2011 to just 10% by the highest court in the land, The Supreme Court.  The decision has sent a tsunami through the legal world.

Family law solicitor, Paul Jordan, assesses the recent decision in Kernott -v- Jones and its implications for non-married joint property owners.

Many clients are under the misconception that mediation is a form of counselling in an attempt to reconcile the marriage or the parties’ differences, perhaps concerning contact with the children.

Some would say this is a given. But, unfortunately, in some cultures, it is not. The law now finally offers protection to those who are most vulnerable in these circumstances.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 in force from 25th  November 2008 has been inserted into the Family Law Act 1996 as a new part 4A. A court order made under this section can protect anyone from being forced into marriage, any attempt to be forced into marriage, or already forced into a marriage.

Couples going through a divorce have an obligation to one another and the Court to be honest and forthcoming about their financial affairs. However, the issue of confidentiality has traditionally been something of a grey area.

Civil Partnerships came into operation in the United Kingdom in December 2005. A civil partnership is the means by which a same sex couple can register their relationship. In many ways it is similar to a marriage, carrying many of the same laws, only under a different name. Unfortunately though, just like marriages, Civil Partnerships don't always work out.

In spite of the 2003 reforms, the Child Support Agency (CSA) continues to fail to meet its objectives, with nearly 4 billion pounds of unpaid child maintenance estimated to be outstanding.