The Pathfinder scheme launched in Birmingham on 28 May 2024 and with it came a fundamental change to Cafcass’ investigative and reporting role within private children law proceedings. Before Pathfinder, Cafcass would often prepare two reports –...
On 28 May 2024, a reformed approach to private children law launched in Birmingham, called Pathfinder. This scheme has previously been piloted in Dorset and North Wales and has now been expanded to Birmingham. This means that all proceedings started after...
When the parties to a divorce exchange financial information through statements known as Forms E there is a question that asks for an overview of the financial position of new partners if you are living together or intend to. You are asked to provide...
Following a divorce, the court has a variety of different powers to divide the couple’s finances and assets. Usually a financial order would be in ‘full and final settlement’ of all claims and there would be very limit circumstances...
The short answer is no. No one should force you into pursuing a settlement that you are not comfortable with. If you want to take less than you have been advised you are entitled to this is your decision to make. You can however expect your...
Currently, unmarried couples in England and Wales do not have any legal rights if they separate, this is very different to couples who are married. Many couples believe that if they have been living together for a number of years then this is classed as a...
Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money and possessions) of someone who has passed away. A person’s ‘estate’ is made up of everything they owned at the time of death, this includes: Money, both cash and money in bank...
The recent ruling given by Mrs Justice Knowles in X v Y (2024) provides insight and guidance to parties going through family proceedings about the need to continually assess whether their differences could be resolved out of court. In the present...
In truth, it is well advised that everyone should consider having a Lasting Power of Attorney. Even though it is uncomfortable to think about, for many of us, there will sadly come a time whereby we no longer have the mental capacity to handle our own...
When you divorce your spouse, you will have claims in respect of one another’s income, capital and pensions. The court will consider each category in isolation and will strive to reach a fair division of the assets between the two parties. To...
