Domestic Abuse Act 2021: how will the new law help to protect victims of domestic abuse?

On 29 April 2021, the Domestic Abuse Bill passed through both Houses of Parliament and was signed into law.  The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is landmark legislation that will provide further protections to the millions of victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales.   The new measures include: A wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse, which…

‘The Review Issue’ – Will Covid-19 hamper the FJB’s two-year family justice plans?

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…

Captain Tom 100 Challenge – Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service

The Captain Tom Foundation is encouraging people to celebrate the amazing achievements of Captain Tom on what would have been his 101st birthday on Friday 30 April 2021. Everyone is invited to build on his legacy by taking on a challenge around the number 100, over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend. Colemans staff members will be…

Relationship Breakdown: Frequently Asked Questions

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…

Private Children Law: Frequently Asked Questions

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…

Capital Gains Tax on Divorce

Tax is often quite low down the list of priorities as something to think about, particularly during a relationship breakdown. However, we recommend taking tax advice at an early stage during divorce proceedings. Unless you are properly advised by a taxation specialist, an unexpected tax bill may arise, which is the last thing you will…

The Importance of LPAs

The nightmarish experiences of Kate Garraway in trying to cope with the consequences of her husband Derek Draper’s incapacitation by COVID have been made even worse, as she has explained, because the couple had not made Lasting Powers of Attorney. This has left her unable to get hold of critical financial assets, and with no…

How can we help you with the least disruption to your daily life?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to everyone’s lives. Although the government guidance evolves on a daily basis, the current advice is to stay at home unless it is necessary to leave home. This, of course, is impacting the way that we work with our clients. We have, however, introduced new and efficient ways of working that we will continue…

What if I die without a Will?

Basic principles – the Three Steps First, if you own something jointly with someone else, then property law may operate automatically to pass your share to the surviving co-owner/s, outside your estate. This applies only to joint assets held under a ‘joint tenancy’.  If an asset is jointly-owned under a ‘tenancy-in-common’, then your share does…

Caroline Shone