When a married couple (or those in a civil partnership) separate one of the first things that a family lawyer will try to ascertain is the “relevant date”. So, what is the relevant date and why is it so important?
[Read more…] about What is matrimonial property and why is the date of separation so important?
When The Family Law Scotland Act 2006 came into force it abolished the ability for couples to begin to establish marriage by way of cohabitation with habit and repute. Despite that being some 14 years ago I still, every so often, come across someone who believes that they have a “common law marriage.”
I don’t want to mention the “C” word. However, the reality is that I have to. Coming into week 5 (I think?!) of lockdown the impact of the virus is becoming abundantly clear. The immediate implications including domestic abuse, surrogacy, compliance with court orders and maintenance orders have all been covered by my colleagues. My thoughts now turn to settlement of financial claims.
The Supreme Court has made a declaration that preventing different sex couples from entering into a civil partnership is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). [Read more…] about Supreme Court backs civil partnerships for all
Attending Families Need Father’s Scotland meetings on a regular basis clearly highlights that there are still issues surrounding father’s involvement with their children post separation in Scotland. [Read more…] about Families Need Fathers…as well as Mothers
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. The shops are filled with red and pink hearts, giant teddy bear chocolates and of course sparkly engagement rings. One of the most romantic days of the year, around 10% of marriage proposals happen on Valentine’s Day. [Read more…] about Hearts, Flowers and Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Imagine, in the course of negotiating your divorce settlement, you tell your partner that they can keep one of their biggest assets and they don’t have to give you anything in return. Doesn’t sound like a good idea, does it? [Read more…] about You Keep Yours and I’ll Keep Mine
When is a child a qualifying child and so within the jurisdiction of the Child Maintenance Service?
In our latest blog we explore how jewellery and other assets obtained during a marriage are valued and divided on separation and divorce.
We explore some of the misconceptions about what rights cohabiting couples have on the breakdown of their relationship or on the death of either partner.
