To apply a Child Arrangements Order, the law requires you to first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, often referred to as a MIAM. This is a meeting with a qualified mediator who will inform you about forms of alternative dispute...
Any parent is automatically entitled to apply for a Child Arrangements Order irrespective of whether they have parental responsibility for the child or not. If you are the guardian or special guardian for a child, you can also apply. There are certain...
Whether you are a parent or grandparent of a child, you are able to apply to a Court for a Child Arrangements Order (often referred to as a CAO). Typically, although not limited to, individuals apply for a Child Arrangements Order where either separation of...
It is finally happening. ‘No fault’ divorce is approaching and approaching fast. The change in law does coincide with my own personal nuptials. I hope this doesn’t provide a bad omen for my relationship. EDIT: This blog was originally...
When you decide to separate or divorce, a huge worry for many couples is what will happen to the family finances, particularly the family home. This can be an extremely stressful time for separating couples and the prospect of having to discuss and agree on...
Here at Thornton Jones Solicitors this Family Mediation Week we are drilling down on a number of really important aspects of mediation and focusing on those aspects to ensure that when you do embark on family mediation, that you do so primed and ready to...
When parents separate, children of all ages can be left feeling a variety of emotions including anger, confusion and upset. They often feel that decisions are being made about their future over which they have no control over or say, and this can build...
Co-parenting after divorce is rarely easy. Often, the breakdown of the relationship will have been an emotional and stressful one, and you may have negative feelings towards your ex-spouse. Where relationships break down, the division of the assets can lead...
After another turbulent year thanks to the pandemic, families have again been put under increased strain in 2021, whether that be due to having to live and work in close quarters, increased financial challenges, or the very direct impact on families...
I read with interest an article which appeared in the Law Gazette recently about plans that Dominic Raab has to keep individuals from bringing their family disputes to Court. These plans include making mediation the default process in family disputes and...
Today marks the start of ‘Good Divorce Week’, an annual campaign led by Resolution in an attempt to change practices and behaviours so that when divorce happens, the impacts on everyone involved are kept to a minimum. What...
In my role as a family law solicitor, I often find that clients are confused by pensions and are reluctant to deal with or consider either their own or their ex-partner’s pensions when separating or divorcing. Given that there are...
I recall one time I had afternoon tea with several members of my family and we had an interesting discussion about divorce and what getting divorced actually means for individuals going through the process. Throughout our discussions, I was reminded of...
Here at Thornton Jones we love to stay engaged and involved and when the topic is relevant to our business we love to take part in The Law Society's #SolicitorChat that they hold weekly on Twitter. This week our super Family Lawyer, Hannah Bowes...
Yesterday, I was ecstatic to learn that the new No Fault Divorce Bill has finished its journey through Parliament and even though the new legislation will not be accessible until autumn 2021, this marks a significant change in the law....
I for one can understand and relate to the significance and importance of a child’s relationship with their grandparents. However, in the legal world, whilst a Court would acknowledge the importance of their role in a child’s life, their rights...