Family Life

As couples self-isolate due to coronavirus, lawyers expect a rise in divorces

Contrary to popular belief, there is just one “ground for divorce”. The irrevocable breakdown of the marriage. In UK law, before a couple can be granted a divorce, they must prove that their marriage broke down for one of 5 reasons. These are adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, living apart for 2 years (with consent) or living apart for 5 years (without consent). You’ll notice that coronavirus isolation isn’t on that list.

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Separating or divorcing parents can still get advice on childcare during COVID-19 outbreak

DON'T USE AS FAMILY LAW HAVE ALREADY POSTED VERY SIMILAR

PARENTS who are separating or divorcing can still receive help and advice surrounding the care of and access to their child from a legal practice during the current COVID-19 outbreak (March, 2020).

Children in the Middle says courts are currently running virtually, so concerned mums and dads should not be worried as cases about the care of their children will continue.

Getting a Divorce: What You Need to Know

Getting a divorce can be a challenging and emotional experience for the couple involved. It could be made even more difficult if one party wants to end the marriage and the other doesn’t. However, short-term marriages where there is little ownership of possessions, no children or property involved are much easier to manage.

If couples work together and aim to settle a divorce through calm negotiation, it will make the experience far less gruelling and expensive.

Covid-19: How it affects child contact if you’re a separated parent

Specialist family lawyer Hannah Porter from The Family Law Company explains what government recommendations about social distancing mean for separated parents deciding whether contact between children and the non-resident parent should go ahead.

Associate Solicitor Hannah says, “We are all now aware of advice regarding staying at home, social distancing. and avoiding any gatherings with friends and family.

Divorce rate falls for heterosexual couples in England and Wales

The divorce rate for opposite-sex couples in England and Wales is at its lowest level in almost half a century, but marital bliss isn’t entirely to blame for this decrease. Instead, problems processing applications for divorce are holding things up, leading to a fall in the overall number of finalised divorces.

Confused about pensions? What you need to know

More than three-quarters of employees across the UK were members of a workplace pension scheme last year – a new record high, official figures reveal.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 77% of employees were in a workplace pension scheme in 2019, marking the highest membership rate since comparable records started in 1997.

Spring-clean your finances with these seven simple steps

We can all become complacent with our finances, but as with any bad habits, the first step is admitting something needs to change – and spring is an ideal time to give your money habits a deep clean and refresh.

But, once you’ve decided to improve your money habits, where do you start?

Here are some ideas from TopCashback.co.uk UK director Adam Bullock, for spring cleaning your finances and taking some steps towards a brighter financial future…

Spring clean your finances with these seven easy steps

Ten fragrant gardening gifts for Mothers

So many plants offer fantastic scents – the sweet headiness of lily-of-the-valley in spring, the strong perfume of roses, mock orange and lilies through summer.

From shrubs whose scent is carried in the wind and can be enjoyed out on the patio, to houseplants that fill a room with fragrance, along with scented balms, oils and candles aimed at gardeners, your mum can inhale the joy of her garden with a fragrant Mother’s Day gift.

Here are some of the most perfumed offerings to buy now… Fragrant gifts for Mother's Day

Bringing Home Your First Pet? Here's What You Need to Prepare

You might have recently decided to adopt a new friend. Or maybe you’ve gone out with the family after talking it over, and decided to find a breed for a pet to add a new addition for your family. Either way, you aren’t quite sure the next few steps to take when you bring home your pet. There are a few key points to take into consideration when you first bring home your new family member. Different pets handle differently so the steps you take when owning and bringing home a dog may vary from what you would do when preparing you and your home to take in a new feline friend.

Divorcing or separating? Did you know you can access a barrister direct?

CHANGES in the law mean separating or divorcing parents struggling to make arrangements to see their children can have direct access to barristers to represent them inside and outside court (February 2020).

In the past a solicitor was required to instruct a barrister, but due to rule changes under the Public Access Scheme, members of the public are now able to instruct barristers direct.

Good parenting tips

It takes a lot of work to be a good parent. Not all kids will have the opportunity to grow up in an environment that is loving and nurturing. It is the responsibility of parents to provide such an environment to ensure that the kids are growing up to be respectful members of society. You’ve probably been Googling on what makes a good parent when you have moments of self-doubt. This is something that is normal. There are some key traits that a lot of good parents possess and we’re going to highlight some of them.

A Good Role Model