Family Life

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.

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The latest in Family Life

Life Insurance After a Divorce - What Happens?

There’s nothing in life quite as complicated as human relationships. Whether it’s with your parents, friends, or loved ones, there are often problems and misunderstandings that could easily lead to the faltering of those relationships. One of the worst and most difficult things a person could go through is a divorce. It is an emotionally charged time where spouses divide their assets, and they go through all the complications of separation.

What if ‘Divorce Day’ 2020 is the day you make a life-changing decision?

Each new year brings so-called ‘Divorce Day’; the first Monday in January when most people return to work after the celebrations of Christmas and New Year. In 2020 this will be January 6.

“In theory, it’s the day when family lawyers see a spike in initial enquiries about divorce,” explains Senior Associate Solicitor Imran Khodabocus from The Family Law Company.

“And although it shouldn’t be taken literally, it is true that the stresses of the festive season can bring additional pressure to couples who aren’t getting on so well, sometimes bringing them to breaking point.”

Raising a more sustainable generation of kids

For many years, parents have repeatedly been faced with the question of how best to bring up their children so that they become independent, critical, self-confident and self-conscious people. Nowadays, the aspect of sustainability is becoming increasingly important, especially for environmentally conscious parents. On the one hand, the upbringing style itself should be sustainable, that is, one that offers the child a constant basis on which it can build a healthy personality.

Rules for a successful relationship

There are relationships that leave us brokenhearted. Only with time, we are ready for dating someone again. Then true life-long love is found.

No ‘Holly, Jolly Christmas’ for parents separated from children

AS THE famous festive song crooned by Andy Williams proclaims ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ but not for all families says a unique legal service (December 2019).

Children in the Middle warns of Christmas heartache for estranged parents and asks others to spare a thought for those who are prevented from seeing their children this yuletide.

Change to law means equal civil partnerships

A family law specialist believes the recent announcement on civil partnerships to be a positive step towards levelling the playing field for different relationship choices.

Since December 2, mixed-sex couples can now register their intention to enter into a civil partnership; before this date civil partnerships were only available to same-sex couples.

Solicitor Sasha Walton from The Family Law Company said: “This is a significant step in the recognition of changes to the way families operate in today’s society.

How to Get Your Dog to Smile for Photos?

1. Timing

How to Dress Your Baby for the Cold

There's no denying it. Babies are very fragile and finicky beings. Care must be taken to ensure your child is comfortable and safe at all times by controlling the environment around them. One of the most significant ways a parent can accomplish this task is by carefully selecting how they dress them for the world around them. Winter can provide a lot of challenges when it comes to finding apparel for your little bundle of joy.

Child cruelty and neglect crimes continue to rise in the South West

Recorded child cruelty and neglect offences in the UK continue to soar with crimes increasing by nearly a fifth in the last year alone, the NSPCC reports.

The charity has analysed police data for the whole of the UK over the last five years and found child cruelty and neglect offences has risen every year.

There were 20,024 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in 2018/19, which has more than doubled since 2013/14 where there were 9,518 crimes of this nature.

Free adult course on business start-ups to launch at Exeter College

Hopeful business entrepreneurs are being given the chance to level up their skills thanks to Exeter College’s free qualification on creating a business start-up.

Any adult with an interest in developing their business skills or starting their own venture can attend free of charge, whether they are just curious about the subject area or already have some skills they want to develop.