How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell
As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it’s not the couples […]
New law on tipping to take effect as WJM employment law expert provides guidance
October will see new legislation come into force, requiring employers to pass on 100 per cent of gratuities to staff, without deductions. Employment law expert John Grant, from Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), has produced a handy guide to help both employers and employees cut through the jargon and for the […]
From launch to succession; the culture and business of law
Victoria Cannon joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast to discuss her experiences of launching, running and ultimately exiting her family law practice. With a relatively unique journey into the profession, Victoria brings a range of life and personal experiences to her role now, as Head of the Family Team at Hugh James. She talks […]
Lawyer comments on Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas divorce
Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and pop star Joe Jonas reached a divorce settlement, agreeing to let their children split their time between the UK and the US. Rosalyn Jacobs, Associate Solicitors at Ellisons Solicitors, has given her thoughts on the couple’s agreement, considering the implications of children splitting their time between the UK […]
Domestic Violence – the misconceptions, employers duties and what the future holds
Domestic violence is usually perceived as acts or aggressive behaviours from one person towards someone else in a relationship that result in physical scars or harm, and can also include threats of abuse. For years, domestic violence in a relationship in the form of controlling behaviour went undetected. This behaviour could go on for years, […]
Law Society comments on first AI treaty
Human rights, democracy and the rule of law will be further protected from potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) under a new international agreement to be signed by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood on Thursday. The new framework has been agreed by the Council of Europe commits parties to collective action to manage AI products […]
AML and sanctions data collection – What you need to know
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently requested law firms complete an anti-money laundering and sanctions data collection exercise. The SRA is required by Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) to take a risk-based approach to supervision and is requesting firms complete the requested information as full as possible. It will, they say […]
Are women taking the lead on divorce?
The ONS reported that there were 80,058 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2022. The rates were 6.6 for women per 1,000 of the same-sex married population. The latest statistics are yet to be reported, but I would take a guess at the percentage rate increasing. Albeit due to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation […]
Could Lauryn Goodman face jail sentence for her harassment of Kyle Walker?
Kyle Walker recently underwent a very public legal dispute with influencer Lauryn Goodman and whilst those proceedings have now concluded, it has been reported that Goodman is continuing to cause Walker difficulties by regularly posting about him, his Wife Annie Kilner and their four young children on social media. Walker is now believed to be […]
Molly-Mae’d to Last? Exploring the legal balance of Love Island’s power couple upon separation
Love Island and Family Law enthusiasts alike, please gather around the fire pit. Last week, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury announced their separation. The reality power couple, both 25, met on the 2019 season of the hit UK reality TV show. In January 2023, Molly-Mae and Tommy became parents to their daughter, Bambi. Shortly after, […]
New guidance to help bosses support disabled employers with hybrid working
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance to help employers understand their legal obligations and the steps they can take to support disabled employees with hybrid working. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the new resources was designed for small and medium-sized employers so they can support disabled staff with […]
New guide empowers lawyers to ‘prioritise children’s voices in family law’
A renowned family law specialist has released a new book that will provide crucial advice for lawyers and the public in navigating the complexities of child welfare disputes. Tom Quail, head of family law at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), has released his timely guide, A Practical Guide to Contact and Residence Disputes, amid […]
Making Change Part of the Furniture: Lessons from Paul O’Neill and Alcoa
Change is often perceived as a disruptive force, an unwelcome visitor that turns our routines and structures upside down. However, there are powerful examples from history that demonstrate how change, when integrated thoughtfully and systematically, can become as integral to an organization as the furniture within it. One of the most compelling cases is the […]
Preparing for Legal Directories Season
You’re invited to Preparing for Legal Directories Season, an exclusive, insight-packed legal directories session providing a deep dive into the world of legal directories, unpacking the research process, methodology, rankings and editorial calendar. This online event will be hosted by LexRex Communications, join managing director and resident legal directories specialist, Victoria Moffatt, and LexRex brand […]
Are cohabitee rights fit for purpose?
Around one quarter of all couples in the UK now cohabit outside of marriage, with this being particularly common in younger age groups. Meanwhile, the proportion of those aged 16 or over fell, for the first time in 2022, below 50 per cent. What this shows us is that the structure of society is evolving, […]
Costs orders in private children proceedings
Many parents agree the arrangements for their children after they separate or divorce without the involvement of lawyers, or the family court. An increasing number cannot do so, and this has led to applications in private children proceedings rocketing in recent years. The family courts are generally overwhelmed, and steps have been taken to encourage […]
Ben and Jen – their family lawyers are likely to be busy
If the rumours are to be believed, Ben and Jen (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck for any avoidance of doubt) may be heading for a divorce. The celeb gossip fan in me has been following the story closely, but the family lawyer in me can’t help thinking of all the issues that could arise in […]
Family Courts are in crisis, we need to embrace technology
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice reported that more than 100,000 children are trapped in a backlog of cases at Family Courts across the country. Vital decisions about their future are being held up for months, as the Courts struggle to deal with the sheer number of cases. As the new Government gets its […]
Princess Sheikha Mahra divorces husband on social media – is this a cultural statement or new phenomena?
Islamic divorce and its legal status in the UK The daughter of Dubai’s ruler, Princess Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently made headlines by not just announcing her divorce via an Instagram post, as is often the way with high-profile divorces, but using the post to ‘initiate’ the divorce. The post itself […]
Overwhelming majority of parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on their child’s wellbeing
Results from NSPCC’s new survey reveal that 86% of UK parents – more than eight out of 10 – whose children play, believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing. The YouGov survey of over 1,000 parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62% of respondents, whose children play, would […]