Welcome to Myerson News and Events

A Guide to Prenuptial Agreements

A prenup is a legal agreement  made  between two individuals before they marry or enter  into  a civil partnership.   The agreement itself can set out a variety of provisions as to how the couple intend to divide their assets in the event of any...

What is Domestic Abuse, And Does it Include Financial Abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour. It can take many different forms, such as coercive control, psychological or emotional abuse, physical abuse...

The Danger Of Overlooking Pensions And The Motherhood Penalty

When couples are separating, often their immediate concern will be about where they are going to live rather than thinking about their income in retirement. It is very easy to overlook pensions, as retirement can seem a long way off, and you may be...

Do I Have To Share My Inheritance In A Divorce?

It is well-known that sorting out the finances on divorce can be a complicated and lengthy process. It involves unravelling financial situations created and intertwined over the course of a marriage, which can span decades in some cases. Often, it...

Stranger Danger: Co-Parenting & Associated Risks

Co-parenting websites provide a way for individuals to find a platonic partner to have a biological child. These websites are becoming increasingly popular; however, individuals seeking to embark on parenthood using this medium should be alert to...

Pension vs. The Family Home – Is It Ever a Fair Deal?

When parties go through separation, the number one priority is often housing. The stress of ensuring immediate housing needs are met can often result in parties overlooking the importance of pension assets. When considering finances on separation...

Can I Preserve My Family’s Wealth With a Prenuptial Agreement?

If you are contemplating marriage or a civil partnership, entering into a prenuptial agreement is an effective mechanism to ensure your family wealth is ringfenced and preserved. A prenuptial agreement is a transparent contractual agreement which...

Financial Provisions for Unmarried Couples: Claims under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989

Schedule 1 to the Children Act can be used to provide financial support for a child where the parents of a child have not been married or civil partners. In these circumstances, the Court does not have the wide powers it has on divorce or the...

What Am I Entitled to if I Divorce My Spouse?

Financial obligations exist between married couples, which do not end automatically once the divorce process is complete. Accordingly, it is important to consider resolving finances on divorce .  If the parties can reach an agreement between...

How Can My Spouse Be Provided for Without Causing Damage to the Farming Enterprise?

The division of a farm on divorce can be a highly complex and sensitive matter. The court is often faced with a dilemma in weighing up the need to provide for the non-farming spouse fairly on divorce whilst preventing irreversible damage to the...

Starting Divorce Proceedings: What Is Required?

Making the decision to get a divorce can be a particularly emotional and stressful time in someone’s life. However, the process of getting a divorce does not need to be complicated, especially with the use of the services of a specialist family...

DIY Divorce: The Cost & Process of Divorcing Without a Solicitor

Changes to the procedure for applying for a divorce in England and Wales mean that all divorces are now applied for online, and as a result, more people are starting to apply for their divorces, often to try and circumvent the legal fees of...

Divorce Considerations Around Christmas Time

For many separating couples, deciding to apply for a divorce is not an easy step, and our Family lawyers understand that Christmas can be a difficult time if you are considering separating.  How do you initiate a divorce? The introduction of...

Can I Travel with My Kids at Christmas Without the Other Parent's Consent, or Is It Abduction?

You may be planning to take your children away over the Christmas period to visit friends and family who do not live close by or to have a festive holiday. If this is your plan, you need to be aware of the legal requirements in relation to...

Resolution Awareness Week: Mythbusting Common Law Marriage

Resolution is a group of family law professionals who are committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues that consider the needs of the whole family. The annual Resolution Awareness Week takes place in the last week of November...

I Can’t See My Children at Christmas – What Should I Do?

The festive period is a time for families to come together. However, child contact arrangements over Christmas can be difficult to navigate for parents who have separated, particularly in reaching an agreement as to who spends time with the...

Debunking the Spousal Maintenance Myth: A Clearer Perspective

There is a popular misconception that the payer needs to pay spousal maintenance pursuant to a joint lives order until the death, remarriage or cohabitation of his or her ex-spouse. Historically, joint lives orders were made to protect the...

How Do The Courts Regard Personal Injury Compensation When Distributing Assets of the Marriage?

The Court will consider a list of factors under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 when deciding how assets, including any compensation/ damages received, will be decided on divorce. The welfare of any children of the family will be a...

I Don't Live in England or Wales. Can I Apply for a Divorce There?

The jurisdiction where your divorce takes place can substantially impact your financial settlement. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules for resolving finances on divorce, and you may end up with vastly different outcomes depending on where...

Inheritance and Divorce – Is Inheritance Included in a Divorce Settlement?

Upon divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership , both parties will usually have a strong claim to share all matrimonial property. Ordinarily, matrimonial assets (assets acquired throughout a marriage or civil partnership) are considered by the...

The Importance of Obtaining a Clean Break Order

A clean break is a type of financial settlement that dismisses any future claims parties may make against the other. It is a court order that legally cuts financial ties between you and your former partner. The effect of a clean break order is to...

Can I Ask My Future Spouse to Sign a Prenup?

Couples planning to marry or enter a civil partnership may want an agreement to determine what they intend to happen to their money and property if the marriage breaks down. In England and Wales, prenuptial agreements are not strictly binding in...

Agricultural Divorces: A Field of Their Own

Agricultural divorces are often complex and require expert attention. Some farms are very successful enterprises: they may comprise valuable properties and land holdings, machinery and stock. The farm may have diversified into several areas, each...

Can a Maintenance Order be Varied?

A spousal maintenance order, also known as a periodical payments order, is an obligation for one party to pay the other a sum of money on a weekly or monthly basis. If the court grants a spousal maintenance order, it will need to determine whether...

Can I Move Abroad With My Child?

There are many reasons why people want to move abroad. It may be reasons associated with family , friends, culture, work, or personal preference. There are several logistical factors to consider when moving abroad. One of the most difficult...

What Will a Narcissist Do When You Divorce Them?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined in the dictionary as "a person with an excessive interest in themselves". It can generally be characterised by an inflated feeling of self-importance and the desire to be acknowledged for achievements...

Understanding Family Law and Expert Valuations: Insights from Legal and Financial Experts

UK200Group Forensic Accounting & Family Law Webinar, 22 June 2023.  With speaker: Jane Tenquist (Myerson Solicitors) & chaired by Andrew Donaldson (Dains Accountants). Family law cases often involve complex financial matters, including the...

How are Personal Possessions Dealt with on Divorce?

Divorce is undoubtedly a very stressful time for couples. During the marriage, spouses will have accrued valuable personal possessions, whether purchased jointly, individually, or obtained as a gift, for example, a special piece of jewellery...

Businesses on Divorce: Getting Divorced When You Work With Your Husband or Wife

If you work at your spouse's company, you may be considered an employee, and you may have employment rights. It is important to remember that employee status and employment law rights apply to spouses employed in a family business, regardless of...

How Much Spousal Maintenance Can I Claim On Divorce?

Spousal or civil partner maintenance is also known as a periodical payments order. This is an order that either party to the marriage or civil partnership shall make to the other periodical payments (maintenance) for such term as specified by the...

Can I Apply to Divorce in England and Wales?

You may be able to apply for a divorce in England and Wales if you currently live overseas or you are not a British passport holder in certain circumstances. You must fall within certain criteria outlined below in order to be able to issue divorce...

How Are Businesses Dealt With On Divorce?

The value of a business and its income will be considered an available resource of the marriage on divorce. That is not to say that the family court would order a sale of the business.  The court recognises that the business provides an income, the...

Separating Families Facing Mandatory Mediation

On 23 March 2023, the government released a press release announcing their proposals to make mediation mandatory in thousands of suitable low-level family court cases. They describe it as a  “major shake-up to the family justice system” , whereby...

Changes to Capital Gains Tax Legislation and Lifetime Allowance Provisions

Recent changes to the rules in relation to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) apply to the transfer of assets between spouses and civil partners who are in the process of separating . The aim is to provide spouses/civil partners with more time to transfer...

How Do You Deal With Separation When Children Are Involved?

Separation and divorce can be challenging and upsetting for all involved, especially children. It is important to remember that although the relationship between the parents has ended, their role as parents will continue. Therefore, separating...

Is My Spouse Entitled to My Pension on Divorce?

In proceedings for divorce or dissolution of civil partnership, the court has the power to redistribute pension benefits between the parties. Pensions must be noticed in divorce as pension rights often form the second largest asset after the...

Can You Divorce Without Sorting Out Finances?

Couples increasingly choose to separate and divorce without having sorted out their finances, which could be attributed to the advent of a more accessible online divorce service, but there are implications for not finalising financial matters by...

Can I Apply for Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance can also be referred to as a periodical payment order. One party must pay the other spouse/civil partner a sum of money on a weekly or monthly basis.  Whilst there is an expectation in the eyes of the court that both parties...

Nuptial Agreements – To What Extent Can They Be Challenged?

Whilst prenuptial agreements are not formally binding in England and Wales, the Family Law courts have regarded them as persuasive and even decisive. The court in the landmark case of  Radmacher (formerly Granatino) v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42  set...

Setting Aside Financial Orders and Barder Events

Whilst financial orders in family law are intended to be final, an application to set aside a financial order can be considered in certain circumstances. These cases are referred to as set aside applications.  The set aside application can only be...

Agricultural Divorce

Any interest either party to a divorce has in a farm or farming business comprises one of the assets that the court will consider when approaching the matter of distribution upon marital breakdown. Complex methods of ownership, liquidity issues...

January Blues – Managing Child Contact Arrangements Over Christmas

The festive period can be a very difficult time for parents who have separated when it comes to child contact arrangements. It can be extremely stressful given the expectations parents have for contact with their children over Christmas, and...

Divorce and Separation During the Cost of Living Crisis

Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. Over the last few months, there has been extensive media coverage about escalating mortgage rates, energy bills, and the price of food and other essentials. The future feels bleak for...

Non-Matrimonial Wealth – Can This Be Protected On Divorce?

Upon divorce, assets acquired or accumulated during the marriage are generally divided equally. However, you may feel that these assets should be protected if you have entered the marriage with significant pre-acquired wealth...

How to Agree Christmas Contact Arrangements

Child Arrangements  With Christmas approaching, you might be worried about sorting out the arrangements for the festive period and the time that your children will spend with you if you are separated or divorced. It is important that children can...

Is Conduct Ever Relevant in Financial Proceedings? 

Divorce proceedings are highly emotional for everyone involved. Our team of expert family lawyers are often asked whether conduct is going to be reflected in the ultimate financial settlement. It is easy to understand why one party to the...

Changing Role of Men in the Household – House husbands

During the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of men taking on the role of a house husband. The migration of employees working from home has contributed to this, with more workforces offering flexible...

How to Cope With Finances on Divorce in the Current Economic Climate

Fed up With Paying Spousal Maintenance? What Can You Do?

A Spousal maintenance order, also known as a periodical payments order, is an obligation for one party to pay the other a sum of money on a weekly or monthly basis.  If the court grants a spousal maintenance order, it will need to determine whether...

Parental Responsibility: Who Has It?

Parental Responsibility concerns the rights, duties, powers and responsibilities that a parent has by law towards a child. For example, making decisions about where a child should live and agreeing to their medical treatment. If a child's mother...

Surrogacy: Route to Parenthood

Surrogacy is the process by which a child is carried through pregnancy by a woman who had entered into an arrangement with the intention that, at birth, the child and parental responsibility for the child will be transferred to another person or...

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Divorcing?

We appreciate that separation and divorce can be a highly traumatic, emotional, and stressful time.  It can feel very confusing, and it is important to try to take control of the situation and seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.  We have...

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Causing Relationship Breakdown

It is common for spouses to cite difficulties experienced in coping with their former partner’s extreme personality traits as a reason for the breakdown of the marriage. Frequently, a former partner is labelled as having a narcissistic personality...

Will Divorce Affect My Social Life? 

Though  divorce  may not carry the same stigma as it once did, divorce has widespread implications, not just financial ones. Divorce is rarely consensual. In most cases, one party decides to leave the marriage well before the other party has been...

What Are The Common Reasons For Family Breakdown And Divorce?

There are all sorts of reasons why a marriage or a relationship can break down, and it is important that you obtain legal advice at an early stage if you are contemplating a divorce , to obtain advice on your finances, or to agree on arrangements...

Are You Prevented From Seeing Your Children?

If you have separated or are in the process of separating, we understand that one of the hardest things is not seeing your child every day. If it is not possible to reach an agreement with the other parent about the time your child spends with you...

Can I Relocate With My Child Abroad?

If you are separated or divorced and want to move abroad permanently with your child, you must obtain written consent from the other parent and/or any other person who has parental responsibility for the child. If the other parent will not agree to...

Can I Stop Paying Child Maintenance if My Ex Stops Me Seeing the Kids?

Parents have a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their children even if they no longer live with or spend time with them. Often, children who have separated parents spend more or all of their time with one of their parents. The...

Is a Business an Asset in Divorce?

The value of business assets will be taken into consideration on divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership . As part of the financial disclosure process, it is standard to provide copies of the full sets of the financial accounts for the...

Immediate Financial Needs on Divorce or Separation

When going through a divorce or separation, your financial position will likely be one of your biggest worries. In this article, we look at different ways in which you can meet your immediate financial needs.  If you have children, then child...

What Is the Difference Between Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) came into force on 6 April 2022.  The Act introduces ' no fault divorce ’ in that it removes the requirement to establish a fact as to the reason for the divorce and allows either or both...

Consent to Fertility Treatment 

If you are considering fertility treatment to start a family, you should get legal advice regarding the consent required for treatment before treatment starts.  The law surrounding fertility treatment is complex, but we will try and simplify the...

Rights as a Parent: Parental Responsibility

Parental responsibility is all the legal rights, duties, and responsibilities that a parent has in relation to a child. Those with parental responsibility have the right to make decisions in respect of a child, such as where they will go to school...

Agreeing on Contact for Father’s Day

With Father's Day approaching, you might be worried about sorting out the arrangements for your child to spend time with you if you are separated or divorced. It is important that children can have a meaningful relationship with both parents...

A Guide to Fact Finding Hearings

There has been increasing research into and awareness of domestic abuse and the harm it causes children.  When the court considers applications for child arrangements orders and the arrangements for where children live, and the time they spend with...

Relocating With Children in the UK: Do You Need the Other Parent’s Consent?

If you would like to relocate to a different part of the UK with a child, all those with parental responsibility should agree.  There is no legal requirement to obtain formal consent from the other parent where you are relocating within the UK, but...

No Fault Divorce: Have You Been Reticent to Place Blame? 

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 changed the law relating to divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships on 6 April 2022. Prior to this, the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage was proven by one of five facts: Adultery...

No Fault Divorce: Will “Behaviour” Manifest in Other Ways?

The introduction of no fault divorce removes the need for one party to blame another and intends to help separating couples deal with separation in a constructive manner.  Before the introduction of no fault divorce, the court could not make a...

No Fault Divorce and Service Issues: What if My Spouse Refuses to Engage in the Divorce Proceedings?

Our latest series of blogs have been covering the changes to divorce law in England and Wales with the implementation of ‘ No Fault Divorce ’ on 6 April 2022. A frequent question we are asked is what happens if your spouse refuses to engage in the...

Do the Grounds for Divorce Affect Financial Settlement?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020) brings about the biggest changes in divorce law for more than half a century. The introduction of no-fault divorce means that a spouse or a couple jointly can apply for a divorce by stating their...

FAQs: What Does No Fault Divorce Mean for Me?

From 6 April 2022, the introduction of ‘ No Fault Divorce ’  is to be implemented across England and Wales, and parties will be able to apply for a divorce on the basis that they consider the marriage to have irretrievably broken down. Under the...

International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ukraine 

Many intended parents, including those from the UK, will use international surrogates in their route to parenthood. In fact, Ukraine is a global surrogacy hub, and prior to the ongoing war, Ukraine was a popular choice to find a surrogate.  Within...

No-Fault Divorce

The introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will change the law relating to divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships from 6 April 2022. The law provides that there is one ground for divorce , which is that the marriage...

How to Support Children in Divorce

Separation and divorce can be a challenging and upsetting time for all involved. But even though the relationship between the adults has ended, their role as parents has not stopped. It is important to make sure the children get the support they...

Are Prenuptial Agreements Legally Enforceable?

Couples planning to marry or enter a civil partnership may want an agreement that sets out what they intend to happen to their money and property if the marriage or civil partnership were to end.  In England and Wales, prenuptial agreements are not...

Parental Alienation: Steps to Take

Unfortunately, when assisting in child contact arrangements on a relationship breakdown, it is not uncommon to hear statements such as "my partner is telling lies about me to manipulate the children" or "the children do not want to see me because...

Variation of Financial Remedy Orders

You may be in a situation where you have previously agreed on a financial settlement with your ex-spouse / civil partner, which has formed part of a consent order or, you have been in proceedings, and there is a final order which determines what...

Can I Claim Spousal Maintenance on Divorce?

When a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, the court can consider how the family’s finances and property are divided to consider each parties future income needs and whether those needs can be met from the available income. The court has a...

Funding Legal Fees on Divorce

Going through a divorce or separation can be very difficult emotionally. Compounding this stress can be worries about how you might pay your legal fees.  Spousal Maintenance  It is common for one spouse to have a lower-paid job than the other or...

Divorce and Pensions Explained

Pensions on Divorce When couples are separating and going through a divorce, their immediate concern will be about where they are going to live, rather than thinking about their retirement.  It is easy to overlook pensions, as retirement can seem a...

Women Divorcing Later in Life

Divorce Statistics A grey social revolution is happening, with people in their late 50’s and 60’s divorcing at a higher rate than ever before. In the last decade, the Office of National Statistics reported that in the 65+ demographic, there had...

Prenuptial Agreements: Not Just for the Rich and Famous

Prenuptial agreement It is a common misconception that prenuptial agreements are for the very wealthy. However, prenuptial agreements should be used in every case where one party wishes to protect their pre-marital (or even expected) wealth.  In...

What Are the Grounds for Divorce?

A divorce cannot be applied for until a couple has been married for at least one year. Currently, in England & Wales, it is not possible to obtain a divorce immediately without alleging that the other spouse is at fault ( due to adultery or...

No-Fault Divorce: Ending the Blame Game

Ministers announced on 7th June 2021 that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 would come into force on 6th April 2022. No-Fault Divorce The Act introduces no-fault divorce as it removes the requirement to establish a fact as to the...

10 Steps to Take When Leaving a Relationship

Leaving a relationship We appreciate that separation can be a highly traumatic, emotional and stressful time. Whilst it may feel impossible, it is very important to try to take control of the situation and seek legal advice at the earliest...

Financially Controlling Behaviour: What to Do

The introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 aims to provide clarity about what behaviour constitutes domestic abuse. Under the Act, the behaviour of a person towards another person is domestic abuse if: Both parties are each aged 16 or over and...

Good Divorce Week: Parenting Through Separation

A guide to parenting through separation Good divorce week is an annual campaign run by Resolution and is taking place this year from 29th November until 3rd December. Resolution is an organisation of family justice professionals who work with...

The Danger Of Offsetting The House Against The Pension

At Myerson, we understand that if you are thinking about separating, your immediate concerns will be where you and any children of the family are going to live. It can be tempting to ignore pensions and agree to take a larger share of the family...

Addiction and Divorce 

The link between addiction and divorce In recent years, there has been increased societal awareness of mental health, and it is recognised that there is often a link between mental illness and substance abuse. As family lawyers, we recognise and...

Farming Divorces – How Do They Differ?

Farming Divorces  In any divorce, the divorce procedure and the range of financial remedies available to a spouse are the same. Divorcing spouses have financial claims in relation to capital, property, income and pensions. However, agricultural...

Silver Splitters

A grey social revolution is happening, with people in their late 50’s and 60’s divorcing at a higher rate than ever before. Divorce Stats In the last decade, the Office of National Statistics reported that in the 65+ demographic, there had been a...

High Court Report: Dubai Ruler Hacked Ex-wife Using Pegasus Spyware

Abuse of Power and Trust This week, a High Court judge has found that the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, hacked his ex-wife's phone using controversial Pegasus spyware in an unlawful abuse of power and trust. Princess Haya...

Pension Sharing on Divorce

Recent Findings on Pensions Within Couples  The University of Manchester has published a report which has found that men within couples have substantially more private pension wealth than women . The report gives statistics on pension wealth across...

The Impact of the Pandemic on Financial Orders

Setting aside financial orders Financial Orders made prior to March 2020 may now be difficult to implement and/or enforce due to financial hardships caused by the impact of the pandemic on the economy. This was particularly an issue when a...

The Effect of the Pandemic on Existing Family Court Orders

Variation of financial remedy orders Orders that can be varied are defined in section 31, Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (MCA 1973). With very limited exceptions, it is mainly only income and maintenance orders that can be varied. Orders for capital...

Increase in Cost of Family Justice

Family Court Fees The Ministry of Justice has confirmed last week that it intends to plough ahead with its proposal to increase the cost of Family Court fees. The fees for filing an application for divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution...

The Impact of COVID-19 on Couples Wishing to Separate

The Impact of Covid-19 Financial and emotional stresses caused by the Coronavirus pandemic have placed intolerable strains on many relationships. For some, this period will be a catalyst for change. The lockdown restrictions may have wreaked havoc...

How COVID-19 Restrictions Are Causing an Increased Risk of Relationship Breakdown

Increased Risk of Relationship Breakdown The government restrictions imposed on everyone since March 2020 will undoubtedly lead to a rise in those wishing to call time on their relationship with their partner. Earlier in the pandemic, we as family...

Enforcement of Child Arrangement Orders

Child Arrangement Orders were introduced in 2014 to replace Residence Orders and Contact Orders. They are put in place to regulate who a child is to live with or spend time with. However, issues can arise when parents or individuals named on the...

Departure from Equality in Agricultural Divorces

Resolving agricultural divorce Agricultural divorces can be "notoriously difficult to resolve" (Wilson J in R v R [2004] FLR 98).  There is often a departure from equality in farming divorces due to the non-matrimonial nature of some farming...

Three’s a Crowd -Third Party Interests in Financial Remedy Proceedings on Divorce

Financial remedy proceedings on divorce The recent ruling in the Akhmedov case highlights the Family Court’s powers to make court orders against third parties in financial remedy proceedings on divorce. In this particular case, the court ordered...

The Gates' Divorce – Splitting in the Pandemic

Splitting in the Pandemic Bill and Melinda Gates have recently announced their divorce after being married for 27 years. This has inevitably drawn much media attention around divorce and separation caused by pressures of the pandemic. The couple...

Have you missed out on a financial settlement on divorce?

Financial Settlement on Divorce At Myerson, we understand that a lot of marriages break down because of fault on both sides. It can be quite common that one party may feel a huge sense of guilt if they have left their spouse or civil partner. The...

Can My Ex Make a Financial Claim Even When We Are Divorced?

Financial Claim Even When Divorced At Myerson, we regularly speak to clients who have separated and divorced but not formalised their financial arrangements. There are many reasons why people do not deal with financial matters at the time of the...

Domestic Abuse Bill Update

Update to the Bill This month, the House of Commons is due to consider Lords amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill 2019-21. The Domestic Abuse Bill introduces measures to help raise awareness of domestic abuse and is aimed at providing more...

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

The Voucher Scheme On 26th March 2021, the Government launched a scheme to provide around 2000 families with a £500 voucher to be used towards the cost of attending mediation. Cases eligible for the scheme include matters involving disputes about...

Pre-Nuptial Agreements on a Farm

Income and Assets From Agriculture A pre-nuptial agreement is an agreement that a couple signs before their wedding that outlines how they wish their assets to be divided in the event of divorce or separation. It can also cover the expected use of...

Guide to Fertility

Guide to Fertility Nichola Bright , a Senior Associate in the Family department, discusses fertility law in our latest video. She covers specific areas, such as: The law and fertility treatment The anonymity of donors Parental rights Here to Help...

Financial Rights of Unmarried Parents

Financial Support for Unmarried Parents Nichola Bright , a Senior Associate in the Family department discusses the financial rights of unmarried parents, including: What to do if an agreement cannot be reached; The types of order the court can...

Surrogacy: The Legal Implications

A Guide to Surrogacy In our latest video guide, Nichola Bright , Senior Associate in the Family department discusses the legal implications of surrogacy. The guide covers areas concerning: How you can find a surrogate. Reasonable expenses for...

Matrimonial Finances

Financial implications of divorce In our latest video guide, Jane Tenquist , Partner, and Head of the Family department considers the financial implications of divorce. Areas covered The guide provides a better understanding of the options...

Wealth Protection and Relationship Breakdown

Ensuring Protection of Wealth Before and After Marriage In our latest video guide, Jane Tenquist , Partner and Head of the Family department discusses wealth protection and relationship breakdown. Areas to be discussed How can you protect your...

Do Unmarried Fathers Have Parental Responsibility?

The Parental Responsibility of Unmarried Fathers In our latest Family Law video guide, Sarah Whitelegge , a Senior Associate in the Family department considers what parental responsibility is and what it means in relation to a child. Areas Covered...

Disagreements Relating To Children

Disagreeing on Issues Relating to Children We have made a short video guide that considers your options if are unable to reach an agreement with your former partner about issues concerning your children. Common areas of dispute include relocation...

Child Arrangement During a Divorce

Making Arrangements for Your Children Myerson have made a short video guide to consider how you can sort out the arrangements for your children when you divorce or separate. Sarah Whitelegg e , a Senior Associate in the family department sets out...

Wedding Delayed? Time to Think About a Pre-Nuptial Agreement

Effects of lockdown on weddings and civil partnerships As a result of the national lockdown weddings and civil partnerships can only take place with up to six people and only in exceptional circumstances for example where one party is seriously ill...

Divorcing In A Pandemic

Navigating a divorce during the pandemic Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences in a lifetime. Divorcing in a pandemic can present even more challenges for separating couples. The pandemic has created a lot of...

Resolution Good Divorce Week: Taking Care Of Yourself

Taking Care Of Yourself Going through a divorce or separation can be as difficult as bereavement and it is normal to go through a wide range of emotions. It is important that you understand how your feelings can affect you and how you can manage...

Resolution Good Divorce Week: Supporting Your Children

If you are separating you will likely be worried about how you will tell the children. Every child and family are different so think about your children and your family situation before doing anything. If you feel that you can, it is good to try...

Resolution Good Divorce Week: Alternatives to Court

Every family is different and at Myerson, we understand that what suits one family may not suit another. There are a range of options available to separating couples, including alternatives to court where they are appropriate, which can help you to...

Resolution Good Divorce week: Sorting Out Your Finances

Sorting Out Your Finances When you separate you will likely be concerned about where you will live and how you will divide the assets of the marriage. The court will give first consideration to the welfare of any children of the family and will...

Resolution Good Divorce Week: No-Fault Divorce

No-Fault Divorce The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill received Royal Assent in June 2020 and means that no-fault divorce will soon become a reality. Currently, when applying for a divorce it is necessary to show that your marriage has...

Financial Abuse in Divorce

Abuse can come in many forms, emotional, physical, psychological and financial. Financial abuse tends to build up over time, and it may isolate those who experience it from family and friends if they do not have money to socialise. Financial abuse...

Freedom for Couples to Choose Where They Marry

The Law Commission has begun reviewing the current laws on how and where couples can get married. As many couples have experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic, the laws governing marriage are outdated and unnecessarily restrictive. The Commission...

RC v JC: a landmark case in relationship generated disadvantage

A wife has been awarded £400,000 in compensation for sacrificing her career as a solicitor during her marriage. The judge in the divorce case of RC v JC [2020] EWHC 466 (Fam) found that there was sufficient ‘relationship generated disadvantage’ to...

Ending the Blame Game: The “No-Fault” Divorce Bill 2020

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill 2020 (or the "No-Fault" Divorce Bill), became an Act of Parliament on 25 th June 2020. Resolution campaigned extensively for the Bill, with widespread support from family law professionals. The...

Covid-19 and the Family Courts: The Rise in Private FDR Hearings

It is a fallacy that all disputes on divorce are resolved by having to go to Court. During the Covid-19 lockdown, parties can still engage in mediation albeit online, and methods like arbitration can be a very effective forum in reaching a...

Family Arbitration: An Alternative Means of Dispute Resolution

As we enter another week of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are mindful that there may be some hesitation in starting divorce proceedings or children matters in the courts. The courts are still functioning remotely but for some seeking an...

Divorce and COVID-19: How the Court Can Help if You Now Face Financial Difficulties

For those going through financial proceedings as a result of relationship breakdown, you may be concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on your settlement and your ability to meet financial obligations under any potential court order. Adjourning...

Separated parents – advice on contact arrangements for children

The Government has confirmed that children of parents who are separated are able to move between households during the Coronavirus lockdown. This is an exception to the mandatory Stay at Home Rules . This may ease the worries that parents have when...

FAQs on Remote Hearings in The Family Courts during COVID-19

Are the Family Courts still open for business? Although the Family Courts across England and Wales are not ‘open’ to the public, they continue to function fully, with administrative staff working to progress matters as normal and Judges continuing...

A Different Kind Of Romance: Civil Partnerships Become Available For Heterosexual Couples

Monday 2 nd December 2019 marked the day from when male and female couples can enter into a civil partnership, as opposed to civil partnerships being restricted to only same-sex couples. Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan’s long-fought legal...

Child Arrangements During The Christmas Period

Whilst it may be the most wonderful time of the year for many, for separated couples Christmas provides the opportunity for heated disputes over which parent the child should spend Christmas Day with causing inevitable distress for both the child...

Is Surrogacy Law Soon To Be Rebirthed?

In 2018 the Law Commission, alongside the Scottish Law Commission, launched its three-year review into surrogacy believing that the current legislation to be outdated and in need of reform to better support the child , surrogates and intended...

Shared Parental Leave – Are men entitled to the same pay as women on maternity leave?

If you’re having a baby or adopting a child, you and your partner may be able to get Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Shared Parental Pay. You can share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between you in the first year after your...

Controlling and Coercive Behaviour

Controlling and coercive behaviour is a form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is when someone close to you such as a spouse, partner or family member causes you physical, social, mental, financial or emotional harm. Domestic abuse occurs across...

Divorce Consent Orders - What You Need To Know

A Consent Order is the single most important document that any divorcing couple are likely to sign. The agreement will cover what is to happen with their financial assets. A Consent Order is a legally binding document between two people who have...

Single Parent Surrogacy

Single parents who have had a child born through surrogacy can now apply for parental orders and obtain a UK birth certificate. This means that they can become recognised as the child’s legal parent, extinguishing any rights and responsibilities of...

How much does a divorce cost?

Although the divorce process is relatively simple to navigate, it can be an expensive process. In order to avoid increasing tension, it is sensible to agree the basis for the divorce while also agreeing who will pay for the divorce before...

Fraud in Divorce - is your ex crying poverty?

When going through divorce, full and frank disclosure is an essential element upon which financial negotiations and proceedings are based. For there to be a fair settlement, all assets and income need to be identified and valued. Occasionally...

Staying together for the sake of the kids

Separation and divorce can be a challenging and upsetting time for all involved. But even though the relationship between the adults has ended, their role as parents has not ended. It is important to make sure children get the support that they...

Co-Parents find each other online

More and more individuals are using the internet and more specifically, co-parenting websites, to locate others to conceive a child with them. Usually, via artificial insemination. Websites such as Co-Parents.co.uk, Co-ParentMatch.com and...

Myerson Sponsor Women’s Health & Wellness Expo

The Reproductive Health Group are delighted to be hosting the first Women’s Health & Wellness Expo. This is the first event of its kind for the Daresbury based fertility clinic and will feature a collaboration of 10 companies. Guests will receive...

Marriage versus Civil Partnerships

Prime Minister, Theresa May, has announced that opposite sex couples will be allowed to enter civil partnerships as an alternate to getting married, a right only previously awarded to same sex couples. Civil partnerships have been open to same sex...