When a marriage breaks down most people focus on the family home. However, for many couples, pension savings built up over years represent an asset worth considerably more than the house and the law provides clear tools to ensure that they are dealt with. Understanding how pensions are treated on divorce could make a significant…
We wanted to share with you an open letter from the Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza written directly to divorcing and separating parents, to try and keep the focus on children and their wellbeing: Dear Parent, I know that going through a separation or divorce can be an incredibly challenging time, not…
A Special Guardianship Order (otherwise known as an SGO) is a Court order designed to provide children with a secure, long term home when they cannot live with their parents without completely severing legal ties in the way that adoption does. What is an SGO? An SGO appoints one or more individuals as a child’s…
A divorce does not automatically sever financial claims between spouses. Without a Court approved financial order, either party may be able to make a claim against the other in the future, even many years after the divorce is finalised. Assets built up during the marriage are usually considered to be “matrimonial assets” but in some…
When parents separate, one of the most important and often most emotional questions is what happens with the children. Whether you are going through a divorce, ending a relationship or simply trying to clarify responsibilities, understanding how child arrangements work can make the process smoother and less stressful. “Child Arrangements” refers to the practical decisions…
When a child’s parents no longer live together they may need help deciding with whom the child will live or when they will spend time with each parent. If the parents cannot agree they may make an application to the Court. The Judge has to follow the law when making decisions about children, known as…
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) were introduced under Part 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and are the first order in England and Wales that can be made available across family, civil and criminal Courts. The order takes the strongest elements from the current jurisdictions and serves it up as a powerful tool, where…
In England and Wales, grandparents do not automatically have the right to see their grandchildren. If you are a parent whose name is on your child’s birth certificate you automatically have parental responsibility for your child and an automatic right to apply to the Court for any issues relating to your child. This means that…
We, at RJT solicitors appreciate how difficult it is if you or your partner reach the conclusion that the marriage is over. We conduct ourselves in a sensitive and professional manner in guiding you through the process. Some matters to consider are:- Parties need to be married for at least 12 months before starting the…
With the school summer holidays fast approaching many families are considering booking a trip abroad. However, there is much to think about in addition to simply the actual booking of the holiday. Establishing who has parental responsibility is key where parents have separated. Parental responsibility means all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which…