On Friday 15th January, Fiona Wood’s blog highlighted the importance for the unmarried father who is not named on the birth certificate to acquire Parental Responsibility by agreement or by court order if he wishes to be endowed with status allowing him a voice in the major decisions in... read more
Welcome to the Family Law Blog
Our blog aims to keep people informed on developments in family law from all angles, whether it's changes in the law, comments on celebrity divorces or suggestions for help through the process of separation. It's popular and has attracted the attention of the national press - they tell us that they use it to keep abreast of new trends in family law. It's intended to inform, educate and entertain. It may even do all three at the same time.
If you have any comments or wish to send us your views, please email us. We'd like to hear from you.
Unmarried Fathers - What Are Their Rights?
By Fiona Wood in Help through separation on Friday, January 15, 2010
When a relationship ends and there are children involved parents often worry about their "rights" concerning the children. This is particularly true for unmarried fathers, who often wonder if they have less rights because they are not married to their child's mother. Mothers of all children... read more
Occupation of the Family Home
By Cara Nuttall in Help through separation on Tuesday, January 12, 2010
As is widely reported, January is traditionally the month which sees the highest number of separations and people filing for divorce. When couples separate, one of the first decisions they face is who will live where; whether they will both remain living in the family home or whether... read more
French Government intend to make shouting at your partner a criminal offence
By Joanne Radcliff in Family law in the news on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The French Premier, Francois Fillon, has announced the government’s intention to create a new criminal offence of ‘psychological violence’ where couples are married or cohabiting. This would mean that verbal abuse directed towards your spouse or partner would be against the law. It is... read more
Today, being the first working day after the Christmas break, is traditionally the busiest of the year for family law solicitors. As a result it has become known as ‘D day’ with the D standing for Divorce.There appear to be a number of reasons why today is the one which people choose to make... read more
When is adultery not adultery?
By Claire Lawson in Family law in the news on Wednesday, December 16, 2009
After claims by Tiger Woods that he was taking time out from the golf course to work on his marriage and spend time with his family, rumours are now rife that his wife, Elin Nordegran, has sought legal advice from a top US divorce lawyer. Were Woods and Nordegran to get divorced in... read more
Beware the dangers of the office party…
By Phillip Rhodes in Family law in the news on Friday, December 11, 2009
It’s that time of year again – office parties, boozy lunches or a quick drink at the Christmas markets after work. But don’t fall into the trap of becoming one of the post-Christmas divorce statistics. Divorce lawyers frequently cite the period just after Christmas as one of their busiest... read more
Should the children be with me on Christmas Day?
By Katie Lowe in Family law in the news on Friday, December 11, 2009
The Christmas period can create problems between separated parents in respect of the arrangements for children. The arrangements should be considered in sufficient time ahead of the Christmas holidays to try and avoid problems. Some families find that they prefer to share Christmas... read more
Can pre-nuptial agreements be varied?
By Ben Attwood in Family law in the news on Friday, December 4, 2009
Divorce solicitors are anticipating an increase in enquiries concerning pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements following media reports that Tiger Woods's wife is considering reviewing her pre-nuptial agreement. Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren Woods, reportedly have a... read more
Should a child always live with a biological parent?
By Joanne Radcliff in Family law in the news on Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Family solicitors in Manchester will have noted with interest the case of Re B (a child) (Residence Order). The case concerned the question of whether a four year old boy should continue to live with his maternal grandmother who had cared for him since his birth, or live with his father and his... read more


