Recent research has unveiled a new societal trend, one which directly opposes the accepted norms. Those who grew up in the much vaunted 1960s and experienced firsthand the emancipation of social and sexual restrictions are now at the spearhead of another revolution; that of divorce after retirement.

According to the latest figures, those over the age of 60 are getting divorced more regularly than any other age group in the UK. In the past year alone there have been 15,275 divorces recorded for those over the age of 60, which represents a staggering 50 per cent increase on the figures for the year 2000.  

These figures show just how dramatically the social sphere of pensioners has changed, primarily a result of a dramatic increase in living conditions. More...

Howells has started working very closely with the University of South Wales at its Legal and Financial Advice Clinic.

The clinic, which is based at Atlantic House in Cardiff, allows small businesses and the general public to access free professional advice over a range of different legal and financial areas. One of Howells’ family law solicitors, Hannah Magee, is in attendance at the clinic every Tuesday, mentoring students and providing free advice to the public.

Between the months of October and April in term time, clients can benefit from free advice and legal assistance on a number of different issues, including:

•    Business and consumer debt
•    Discrimination cases
•    Employment issues
•    Housing problems
•    Litigation queries More...

The Legal 500 UK 2013 guide recognises the very best lawyers, solicitors and barristers who set the benchmark for excellence across the UK market. In this year’s edition of the guide, Howells Solicitors are delighted to have received recommendations from the esteemed publication.

Five solicitors from Howells have been recommended for their private client expertise, and Margaret Phillips, head of the firm’s Family Law and Matrimonial team has been listed in the elite ‘Leading Lawyers’ list, a guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide.

Richard Scott, partner, and Margaret Phillips, have been individually recommended for cases involving substantial assets, including offshore trusts, whilst Jayne Hunt, partner and branch manager of the Caerphilly office, has received a recommendation for her family law work.

Claire Davis, partner and branch manager of the Newport office and John O’Connell, equity partner, have both been recommended for their work involving specialist personal tax, trusts and probate cases.

The family law departments in the firms Cardiff, Swansea and Caerphilly offices have also been individually recognised. More...

Following their introduction in 2005, well over 120,000 people have entered into a civil partnership. However, the latest statistics show a considerable rise in the number of gay couples seeking a dissolution to their civil partnership. So, is the honeymoon period coming to an end?

Recent research shows that during the last year alone there was a 20 per cent rise in the number of gay couples seeking to dissolve their civil partnerships, only 8 years after their introduction.

Statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that there were 794 dissolutions for the year 2012, of which 60 per cent were between lesbian couples. More...

MISTAKE 1: Not spending enough time with your children

Whether you are happily married, about to divorce or already separated, spending as much time as you can with your children will do nothing but benefit them (and you). This can be anything from helping with homework, eating dinner together, fixing a bike tyre, helping them clean their room, taking them to a medical appointment, shopping for their needs etc. Statistics show that children who have a lot of time with both parents excel academically, socially and personally. If you wind up in a custody contest, your track record of constant contact may save you in court.
 
MISTAKE 2: Leaving the marital home More...