Mixed reaction to claims cohabitation reform has no public mandate
Lawyers have rejected claims by Baroness Deech that cohabitation reform has no public mandate and will create “profound constitutional change”. In a statement accompanying her response to the government’s consultation on cohabitation rights and proposals for automatic legal rights, the baroness, Ruth Deech, issued a warning to justice secretary Alex Norris. Marriage and civil partnerships […]
Cohabitation rights create ‘profound constitutional change’ with no mandate, justice secretary warned
The government has no clear public mandate for introducing automatic legal rights and obligations for cohabiting couples without their consent, Baroness Ruth Deech has warned the justice secretary, Alex Norris. In her response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation A Fairer End to Relationships, the crossbench peer (pictured) argues if the government concludes unmarried couples need […]
As cohabitation consultation deadline looms, legal sector shares responses
With the government’s consultation on its proposals to reform rights for cohabitating couples set to close at 11.59pm on 14thAugust, representatives from the legal sector have begun to share their responses. The Law Society of England and Wales welcomed plans to provide a clearer financial framework for families ending a marriage or cohabiting relationship, but […]
Justice reform must centre family legal aid, Law Society president warns
Mark Evans, the president of the Law Society of England and Wales, has called for the government to place family legal aid at the centre of its plans for justice reforms. Writing exclusively for Today’s Family Lawyer, Evans (pictured) said “chronic under-investment” has forced legal aid solicitors out of the sector, denying expert legal advice […]
Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast hits 10,000 download milestone
The Today’s Family Lawyer podcast has achieved 10,000 downloads since launching, welcoming over 70 individuals, firms and business who contribute to the success of the family law sector. Launched in 2022, the podcast has tackled topics as varied as cohabitation and domestic abuse, to nuptial agreements and technology. Amongst the most downloaded episodes are a discussion […]
New free search site lists all solicitor firms and legal aid data with no paid rankings
A new free search site lists every solicitor firm in England and Wales, along with legal aid data, without any paid rankings, sponsored listings or paid lead generation. LawStreet is the first in the UK to combine the full Solicitors Regulation Authority register with legal aid data, so people can see which firms will take […]
Cohabitation reform: A step forward, but questions remain
The government’s consultation on strengthening the rights of cohabiting couples is one of the most significant family law reform proposals seen in decades. With more than 3.5 million cohabiting couples in England and Wales, the law has long lagged behind the reality of modern relationships. For years, family lawyers have seen the consequences of what […]
Mark Evans: Why family legal aid must be at the heart of justice reform
Research from the Law Society of England and Wales highlights how Legal Aid Agency bureaucracy is placing additional pressures on providers and diverting time away from clients. Society president Mark Evans explains why investment in family legal aid should form a central part of efforts to improve outcomes for vulnerable families, and sets out practical […]
Remarrying before sorting out finances: the risks clients often overlook
Remarrying can bring unresolved financial issues from a previous marriage back into focus. From financial claims and maintenance to wills, pensions and nuptial agreements, there are important issues clients should address before saying “I do”. Sarah Whitelegge, legal director at Myerson, explores the risks of remarriage and explains what family lawyers should advise clients to […]