Sadly there is increasing media coverage regarding “honour killings”. The stories are horrific, tragic and to many completely unbelievable. The current statistics, that there are 12 killings a year, is likely to be only the very tip of the iceberg if the take up of the protection afforded by... read more

A north-London couple have hit the headlines this week for attempting to become the first man and woman in Britain to enter into a civil partnership (CP).  Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle’s request was turned down by the local authority in Islington on the grounds that CPs are reserved for... read more

Society is becoming increasingly familiar with the term "pre-nuptial agreement". This is a contract two people sign before they marry/enter into a Civil Partnership setting out how they would like their financial resources to be divided in the event their marriage... read more

In the case of Re B, published this week, the House of Lords was asked to consider whether a 4 year old boy, who had been living with his grandmother since he was born, should continue to do so despite the boy's father wanting his son to live with him. The boy had... read more

It is well known that on divorce claims for financial relief, or financial settlement can be brought against your ex-spouse. Cohabiting couples do not have the same rights when they separate from their partners.  The Law Commission's recent proposals for changes... read more

When Peter Sellers died he was estranged from his wife and in the process of divorcing. He had not updated his will to take into account their separation, although it was revealed this week that he was in the process of doing so at the time of his death. However, as they were still... read more

Oscar Wilde is quoted as once having said that "long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's charater before marriage, which is never advisable."  The sad fact is that it is not uncommon for engaged couples to separate before they make it down the aisle and... read more

Under suggested reforms announced this week by the Law Commission, couples that have cohabited for at least two years would inherit at least some of their partner’s estate if their partner were to die without leaving a will. This once again focuses public debate on the rights of those who... read more

Former-model Michelle Young has been ordered to leave her £8666-per month Regent’s Park home in the latest twist to her divorce from one-time property tycoon Scot Young.  Mrs Young seeks £200m from her husband after twenty years of marriage. Whilst he claims that his £400m fortune has... read more

Gordon Brown, when giving evidence on the 20th October to the Speaker’s Conference in regard to modernising parliament, suggested that gay and lesbian couples should have the same privilege as their heterosexual counterparts by being allowed to celebrate their union in the Palace of... read more