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Last year, the case of Standish v Standish sent ripples through the family law community when it ruled on how assets within a marriage can become “matrimonialised”. Matrimonialised (or matrimonialisation) means an asset that began as one person’s own becomes treated as part of the couple’s shared finances and on divorce it can be divided.
Remote mediation has become the new normal for many couples engaging in this process. The critical question is no longer whether remote mediation works at all, but we should continue to think about when it works best and where its limitations lie.
Family Mediation Week 2026 is the perfect moment to clear up some persistent myths about mediation — and to highlight why it remains one of the most constructive, child focused and empowering ways for separating families to move forward.
In 2025, barrister Christina Warner launched a campaign called Ruby’s Law aimed at safeguarding pets in situations of domestic abuse. The proposal seeks amendments to the Family Law Act 1996 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to explicitly protect pets in households where abuse occurs.
Divorce is rarely simple—especially when significant assets and business interests are involved. As we come into the festive holidays, we wonder what would happen if Mr and Mrs Claus decided to separate?
Christmas is all about giving – but what happens when the relationship doesn’t last? Who keeps the luxury watch? What about the car that was given as a present? And what if the gift was a treasured family heirloom? These questions can feel awkward and emotional, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of separation.
Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. For children, it’s about excitement, family traditions, and making memories. But when parents live apart, the festive season can quickly become stressful. Who gets Christmas Eve? What about Boxing Day? How do you make sure the children feel loved and secure without turning Christmas into a battleground?
For many people, a pension is one of the most valuable assets they own. It’s easy to focus on the family home when thinking about dividing assets, but pensions can often hold a significant value and will have a big impact on financial security later in life. So, what can the Family Court do about pensions when a couple divorces?
A significant change is coming to family law in England and Wales. This week, the Government announced plans to repeal the presumption of parental involvement, a principle that has shaped child arrangements decisions for over a decade.
In May 2025, the Family Justice Council released new guidance on covert recordings in family law cases involving children. As technology evolves, more parents are presenting secret recordings in court - this guidance addresses the growing trend and its implications.
When Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban recently announced their divorce, the headlines weren’t just about celebrity gossip. What stood out was the calm, considered way they’d agreed to co-parent their teenage daughters. No courtroom drama. No mudslinging. Just a privately worked out - and allegedly detailed - parenting plan.
When family relationships break down, it can be difficult for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family members to maintain contact with the grandchildren, nieces and nephews that they love. If you're considering taking steps to resume contact, it's important to understand the legal framework in England and Wales, what your options are and the practical considerations you need to think about.