You may have seen that, last week, Channel 4’s Dispatches examined the family courts system and revealed real-life cases where the courts have ordered the police to forcibly remove children from loving homes in private law matters where there have been allegations of “parental alienation” If you did, you may be wondering whether you can trust the…
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There are a number of reasons why a parent may wish to change their child’s name. For example, a parent may be distressed by calling the child by the child’s registered name, for instance, a child named after an absent or violent parent. Or, a parent may wish all the children of the family to…
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If you are planning to get married or enter a civil partnership, you may wish to enter into an agreement that shows what you intend to happen to your money and property if the marriage or civil partnership were to end. For example, what will happen to property that either of you brought into the…
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To end a civil partnership, you or your partner will need to apply for dissolution. To apply for dissolution, you must have been in a civil partnership for at least a year. The person starting the dissolution process is called “the petitioner” and the other person is called “the respondent”. Petition The document that starts…
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To end a same-sex marriage, you or your spouse will need to apply for a divorce. To apply for a divorce, you must have been married for at least a year. The person starting the divorce is called “the petitioner” and the other spouse is called “the respondent”. Petition The document that starts the divorce…
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For most, the breakdown of a marriage induces feelings of fear and uncertainty. This is likely to be exacerbated in the current climate, as the pandemic has brought constant change and ambiguity into everyone’s lives. At Colemans Solicitors, we strive to provide you with some comfort and certainty in challenging times, by offering a fixed…
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This article was published in Resolution Magazine, “The Review.” The Family Justice Board’s has set out its priorities for the next two years, aiming to address the long-term challenges faced across the system. But immediate concerns may intervene… The Family Justice Board is the primary forum for overseeing the performance and aims of the…
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Can I get a divorce? You can get divorced in England and Wales if: You have been married for over one year; Your marriage has permanently (or “irretrievably”) broken down; Your marriage is legally recognised in the United Kingdom; and You (or your spouse) permanently live in the United Kingdom. What are the grounds for…
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My partner and I are separating, what are my rights as a parent? Family lawyers tend to use the term “parental responsibility” rather than “parental rights”. A mother automatically has parental responsibility for her child. However, parental responsibility is only granted to a father if he: Is married to the child’s mother when the child…
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If you and your former partner are thinking of separating and/or getting a divorce, it is likely that you will need to make arrangements and agreements for the future. Family mediation can assist with this by ensuring that any issues that arise on separation are resolved in an amicable and constructive manner, avoiding the need…
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