Since the coronavirus pandemic’s first lockdown in March 2020, there has been disappointment for many betrothed couples who have had to postpone and rearrange their weddings on multiple occasions. Some have gone ahead, where possible, but restrictions have forced them to dramatically change their original plans.

With both the marriage act and the Government’s decisions forcing big changes to weddings in 2020 – with some only allowed 15 guests – many people are now pondering whether the marriage act is still fit for purpose.

For example, to be legal, wedding ceremonies must be held in a registered venue and strict restrictions mean you cannot get married outdoors – limiting numbers for a covid wedding. Adding a further complication, you must give notice of intent to marry in person. You cannot contact a registrar via phone, post or email – something which has not been possible for many throughout lockdown.

Marriage reform is now being proposed, as a result. More...

In these strange times, there will be some of us who are looking forward to Christmas. A time when families (can hopefully) get together and celebrate the season of goodwill.

Sadly, for some, it can be the total opposite. This can be the case for separated families where one parent does not have the opportunity to spend quality time with their children at this special part of the year.

In this post, our family law experts provide their advice on Christmas after divorce or separation, and will be happy to work with you to overcome any related problems you might encounter this Christmas trying to gain access to your children. More...

The UK government has announced that from 6th April 2020 parents who lose a child under the age of 18 will be entitlement to bereavement leave and pay. 

As a result, the UK will be the first in the world to offer parental bereavement leave and pay.

The regulation known as ‘Jack’s Law’ has been campaigned for, in memory of Jack Herd, by his mother since 2010, when Jack’s father was only able to take three days leave (including the day of the funeral) after his son’s death.

Shockingly, this is not the only case. In some situations, parents have even had to take holiday leave to attend their child’s funeral. More...

The Legal 500 is published annually to recognise the expertise and experience of individual legal professionals and law firms.

The industry leading guide undertakes considerable research to identify the leading legal talent in the market.  We are therefore incredibly proud to announce that several of our solicitors and departments have been recognised in the Legal 500 2019 edition.

The individuals and departments recognised in the guide are outlined below. More...

Domestic abuse statistics are shocking, especially when separation has been the catalyst. Many people are struggling with how to actually handle the situation of being separated and many lose control or remain in the relationship due to domestic abuse.

There are many accomplices to domestic abuse and family life is being devastated by these: drugs, alcohol abuse, and narcissistic personalities, to name a few. All these really do make for dire family life situations. More...