Family Law is an ever-changing legal sphere, with new regulations and practices being introduced every year. Internationally, family law becomes even more complex. That’s why it’s essential to work with trusted solicitors who know the relevant legal procedures inside out.

Our Family Law Partner Richard Scott was asked to give his experience of the issues facing families in the UK for Corporate Livewire.

Corporate LiveWire provides business professionals and individuals in the corporate finance sector with information on the latest news and developments from industry leaders from around the globe.

Specialising in all aspects of family law, from divorce and financial issues to cohabitee disputes and domestic, he joined other solicitors practicing in New York, London and Kiev and shared his experience of family law in Cardiff and the UK.

Richard and his contemporaries discussed a number of issues related to family law, from child support and dispute resolution to private investigators and the role of the media in family courts. They also talked about recent changes in their relevant jurisdictions, issues of privacy, the balance between maternal and paternal responsibilities and how different countries take varying roles in safeguarding clients. 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...

Karis Jones, a family law specialist here at Howells has been attending the Huggard Centre, a Cardiff charity once a month to provide their service users and members of the public with free legal advice.

The charity, based on Dumballs Road, is open 365 days of the year. It provides support and accommodation for the homeless and works with authorities and organisations to overcome the problems and barriers which force individuals to sleep rough. The facility also includes a hostel and shared housing which can accommodate approximately 70 people.

During her monthly visits, Karis provides a free legal surgery to service users and members of the public on any issues relating to family law. Due to the significant changes in Legal Aid funding and the quality of advice being provided, Karis’ sessions are very popular at the centre. Karis explains: “The Huggard Centre has been providing frontline services to homeless people for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the economic climate and changes to the allocation of Legal Aid has made it often impossible for everyone to seek legal advice in respect to family matters. The surgeries help those in a vulnerable position and the advice provided is appreciated.” More...

“A Surname given to a child at birth is not simply a name plucked out of the air.  It is a biological label that tells the world at large that the blood of the name flows in its veins” Lord Jauncey in Dawson .v. Wearmouth.

Are you considering changing your child’s surname?

The legal process of changing a child’s surname requires the involvement and consent of anyone with Parental Responsibility for the child.

Separated or divorced parents are advised to contact the other parent and request their consent to the changing of the child’s surname in writing. Mediation could be considered as an option for some parents.

When / If both parents consent to the change of surname, the process can be completed by deed pole. The application for the enrolment of the deed poll must then be supported by the consent in writing of every person with parental responsibility. Our solicitors can help with this for a fixed free. More...