The Public Law Outline (also known as PLO) sets out the duties the Local Authority have when they are considering issuing court proceedings. The PLO process is usually initiated if the Local Authority are concerned about the welfare of a child or the care...
Family and Collaborative Blog
It’s something no one ever really plans for - divorce. As a challenging life event that’s emotionally and physically draining, it’s important to seek support and guidance during divorce proceedings and not to go it alone. At Wilkinson...
In an unprecedented and ground-breaking development, Mr Justice Poole made what is the first ‘Transparency Order’ under the Transparency Pilot scheme which was launched on a trial basis in Courts in Leeds, Carlisle and Cardiff on 30 th January...
After having bounced back strongly following Covid-19, Wilkinson Woodward is well placed for continued growth in 2023, having already strengthened the Family Law team with the appointment of two new solicitors. Our Family Law team, which deals with all...
What can you do if you suspect your partner - or the partner of a friend or loved one - has a history of violence? Your right to ask the police about a partner's history Under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (commonly known as Clare’s...
After a lengthy consultation period, the so-called ‘no-fault’ divorce is due to come into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2022. From this date, separating couples will be able to get a divorce, civil partnership dissolution or legal...
Having social workers involved in family matters can be confusing and distressing so it’s important to get expert legal advice from the get-go. Our experienced solicitors will be able to guide you through the process and ensure you have the best...
Special Guardianship Orders were introduced to bridge the legal gap between long-term fostering and adoption. Wherever possible, the courts have always sought permanence for “looked after children”. However, fostering and adoption did not...
A abused woman who won an appeal over her conviction for murdering her controlling husband can now inherit his estate, a judge has ruled. Sally Challen was given a life sentence in 2011 after being convicted of murdering her husband in 2010....
One of the questions I have started to ask clients when they first come to me for advice about domestic abuse is “Do you watch Coronation Street?” This is because one of the current story lines concerns the character Yasmeen Metcalfe being the...
On 20 th January 2020, Stalking Protection Orders came into effect. These were introduced by the Stalking Protection Act 2019 to protect victims from harassment or intimidation from strangers or non-family members. Under this new legislation, the...
These days grandparents often play a huge role in their grandchildren’s lives, frequently providing child care. Sadly, when parents break up, many grandparents worry that contact with their grandchildren could be affected. If you have found...
Last week the government signalled the long-awaited reform of divorce laws by potentially removing the element of ‘fault’. The Justice Secretary confirmed his intention that couples wanting to divorce should benefit from a less...
Divorce and separation are sadly dominating much of the media this month – the spike in divorce proceedings in January is often the result of additional pressures faced by couples over the Christmas and New Year period. You can get a divorce in...
It is a sad reality that holidays put pressure on family life. This is especially true of the period over Christmas and the New Year. The strain on families over the Christmas and New Year period can often lead to relationship breakdowns. Sadly, statistics...
Family law specialist Clive Masters sets the record straight. The question of whether to re-register a child’s birth if the natural parents subsequently marry can be confusing....
While many parents will greet their children’s return to school with a sigh of relief, for some the end of the summer holidays could also mark the start of a divorce. Alongside Christmas and the New Year, the long summer holidays can represent a...
A recent court of appeal decision reported in the media earlier this week has caused quite a stir. A wife, who petitioned for divorce on the grounds that her marriage had irretrievably broken down because of her husband’s behaviour, has been...
As a family lawyer and mediator I come across many pre-conceived ideas and misunderstandings about rights following a relationship breakdown. A few of the most common : My ex can make me sell our home straight away This is not...
These days, once you’ve met the man/ woman of your dreams, saying “I do” is a remarkably simple process. If the relationship breaks down, for many couples, the prospect of saying “I don’t” is a very daunting...
It is a sad reality that holidays put pressure on family life. This is especially true of the period over Christmas and the New Year. The strain on families over the Christmas and New Year period can often lead to relationship breakdowns. Sadly, statistics...
Although it is over six months since the EU referendum result, we still don’t know for certain how international divorce cases could be affected when the UK leaves the EU. The government has indicated that EU laws will be incorporated into UK...
Recently I came across a court case in New Zealand where a judge expressed the following views about a child’s name "The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child's parents have shown in choosing this...
A recent article in the Daily Mail has highlighted a rising trend in parents using prenuptial agreeme○nts to safeguard their investment when helping children secure a place on the property ladder.0
A recent article in the Halifax Courier reports a decline in convictions for domestic violence. The latest figures (obtained from 31 police forces through a Freedom of Information request) show a fall in domestic violence convictions. Here in West...
It is a sad reality that holidays put pressure on family life. This is especially true of the Christmas period. Here's what to do if this affects you. The strain on families over the Christmas and New Year period can often lead to relationship...