Supporting early talent into Family Law
A trainee lawyer’s experience. Different routes into family law and why you chose Cilex There are various different routes into the legal industry. Outlined below are the different ways in which you can enter a career as a Solicitor, including their steps to qualification: The law graduate route – including the completion of a law […]
Good Business Management is Good Risk Management
In this article covering the launch event in the Today’s Training Risk Management series, we summarise the panellists’ views on the risk and regulatory landscape currently facing the legal services profession. The audience for the well-attended webinar heard from specialists in law firm regulation, insurance and management. Some questions prompted disagreement amongst the panel, most […]
Who Gets the Dog? The Changing Role of Pets in Divorce Settlements
When couples separate, much of the focus tends to be on dividing financial assets and property. But one issue is increasingly taking centre stage in divorce cases: who gets to keep the family pet? Historically, English and Welsh law has treated pets as “chattels” – in the same legal category as a piece of furniture […]
Insights from new book: How listening, not talking, can transform co-parenting
In her latest book The Co-Parenting Method: Six Steps to Raise Happy Kids After Separation and Divorce, family communication expert Marcie Shaoul delivers a powerful message – “when we change the way we speak with our co-parent, we change the whole dynamic of the conversation”. The Co-Parent Way is a co-parenting methodology developed by Shaoul; […]
Marriage evolves, so should your prenup?
Prenuptial agreements (PNAs) are always ‘hot topic’ for family lawyers and are rarely out of the legal headlines. The Law Commission’s scoping report published in December 2014 has ensured there is no sign of this changing. The Law Commission were specifically asked to look at whether the issue of nuptial agreements needed to be reviewed […]
The Evolving Landscape of Legal Recruitment and Employment
The legal sector, traditionally known for its steadfastness, is undergoing a profound transformation. As a recruitment agency specialising in this dynamic field, we’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts reshaping how firms attract, retain, and engage talent. Three months into our journey, we’re sharing our insights on the evolving landscape. One of the most polarising debates […]
Splitting hairs: Cut off levels and consistency in hair strand testing
In the latest episode of the podcast, host David Opie sits down with James Nutt, Laboratory Operations Manager at Cansford Laboratories, to explore a fresh perspective on the use of hair strand testing in the family courts. This episode delves into the complexities behind what many might see as a straightforward scientific process. James offers […]
Children Law in the Global Mobility Space
Global mobility is on the rise. It is increasingly a key element of strategy for businesses and individuals alike. For businesses there are several key driving factors, for example in the face of economic uncertainty looking to scale into new geographies where costs are lower. The ability to move top talent across borders is crucial […]
Helliwell v Entwistle Live
The Court of Appeal heard the case of Helliwell (respondent) v Entwistle (appellant) and many lawyers had the benefit of watching the livestream of the hearing via the Court of Appeal website. Mr Entwistle seeks to appeal a final order made by Mr Justice Francis on 15 March 2024 which required his ex-wife (Ms Helliwell) […]
Will Disputes Involving Autistic Individuals: Legal Considerations for Practitioners
More than one in 100 people in the United Kingdom are autistic, with an estimated population of over 700,000 autistic adults and children. Given this significant demographic, it is increasingly likely that legal professionals practising in the field of Wills, Trusts and Probate will encounter cases where autism is a material factor – either in […]
One Lawyer, One Solution: The Rise of Resolution Together
The concept of one lawyer representing two clients is not a new one but is currently in the spotlight thanks to Resolution. They have been campaigning for their model, Resolution Together, which is now widely recognised, for some years and is now part of our day-to-day practice. At first I will admit that I had […]
National Dispute Resolution Day
To mark Resolution’s National Dispute Resolution Day on 4th April 2025, Anna Cross, Legal Director in Ellisons’ family team explains a little bit more about what NCDR means in the area of family law, raising important awareness for separating families as to how they can resolve both children and financial issues arising out of their […]
Gifts from the family of an ex-spouse: Blood is not always thicker than water
Disputes about the categorisation and treatment of funds advanced by family members to a spouse arise often in financial remedy proceedings. In P v Q (Financial Remedies) [2022] EWFC B9 His Honour Judge Hess provided guidance to distinguish between gifts and loans. To qualify as a gift, the advance of money generally requires the animus […]
Family Law Dilemma: Paternalism versus Autonomy
Introduction In recent years, family law has witnessed a growing commitment to principles of individual autonomy, especially in the context of the law surrounding financial settlement upon divorce. There has been a discernible move from paternalistic concerns for welfare, towards embracing and promoting ideas of personal responsibility and economic self-sufficiency. Both concepts have their own […]
Rewriting Retirement: The Impact of Pension Sharing Orders on unemployed women
This year marks the 25th anniversary of pension sharing orders in this country. While this date may not loom large in many calendars, this date marked a fundamental shift in family law. Unfortunately, despite their usefulness, pension orders have not become widespread. A 2021 Manchester University report highlighted the difficulties pensions can cause as part of divorce proceedings, […]
Special educational needs and family law – how we can support families
Podcast host David Opie is joined by Rukhsana Koser and Sarah Palmer, Solicitor’s at Enable Law, to discuss Special Educational Needs (SEN) and family law and shed light on the increasing challenges families face and how legal expertise can make a significant impact. With personal experience growing up alongside siblings with learning difficulties, Rukhsana brings […]
200 Years of the Law Society – A Moment to Reflect about Legal Aid
By Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales The 200th anniversary of the Law Society of England and Wales marks an occasion to celebrate but also to reflect on the continued erosion of legal aid, our recent wins and the urgent need for sustainability. Legal aid seems as if it has […]
Dispensing with a surrogate’s consent in difficult circumstances
Surrogacy has been on the family law radar for several years now as an area in need of reform. Intended parents of children born via a surrogate are left worryingly vulnerable with the status of parenthood upon the child’s birth, whether or not either or both parents are biologically related to the child. In England […]
A Mediator’s Take on the Trump-Zelenskyy Clash
How did the recent clash between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy unfold? It was conflict in its purest form. Joint Managing Director, Family Lawyer, and seasoned mediator, Norman Hartnell, offers his perspective from a mediator’s lens. A key role of mediation is to guide each party towards a genuine understanding of the other’s stance. When that […]
Increase in fees for family proceedings
In early April 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Justice will increase 171 court and tribunal fees to account for changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The income generated from these uplifts will help to support the efficient and effective running of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). Most notably […]