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When a couple with children separate or divorce, they will need to make decisions about where the children will live and how much time they spend with each parent. There will also be decisions to make about their upbringing, such as education,...
The short answer: it depends. Both spouses will need to provide full details about their assets and income, with documentation in support e.g. bank statements, pay slips, property valuation, mortgage statements. This is so that the court can...
This is a time of year when families and friends come together for celebration and festivities. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when cracks within relationships can show themselves. Christmas on the one hand can be a joyous time. On the other...
You may be familiar with the term “Gaslighting” but may not fully understand what this means. Gaslighting is a subtle, yet dangerous form of control and the victim is usually unaware that they are experiencing it. In simple terms it...
When in the middle of either Financial Remedy Proceedings or Children Act Proceedings, it can be tempting to post about the court proceedings on personal social media accounts. Although this may seem like a good idea at the time, it is not something you...
For separated and divorced parents, navigating the complexities of sharing time with the children during the holidays can be challenging. The significance of co-parenting during the holidays is a testament to the commitment of both parents to...
Over the last decade, injunctions made under the Family Law Act have increased by around 50%, as the law related to Domestic Abuse has continued to expand. Obviously, there are many cases in which people need the protection of the Court, and an Order is...
The divorce and dissolution process in England and Wales changed on 6th April 2022, allowing couples to divorce or end their civil partnership without blaming the other for the breakdown of the relationship. The new ‘no fault’ system allows...
Although efforts have been made to make the law surrounding divorce and custody disputes, more ‘user friendly’ there are still some terms which can remain a bit of a mystery to non-lawyers! One of those terms is habitual residence. It crops up...
We are often approached by fathers who worry that after a divorce they will only get weekend access to their children. The reality is that this type of arrangement is now very rare. The approach of the Family Court is to involve both parents in their...
The introduction of ‘no fault’ divorce in April 2022 is perhaps the biggest shake-up in divorce law for decades. The aim is end the “blame game” and reduce acrimony and hostility which can be made worse under the old regime. Now,...
Parents are often unsure whether they need consent from their ex to take their children on holiday. We provide a handy guide from the perspective of Family Law in England and Wales. Holidays Abroad The first thing to consider is who has parental...
Many separated families spend time discussing and resolving the best arrangements for their children to move between their homes, and ‘special days’ can often be the hardest. For Father’s Day, we will generally advise our clients to...
When parents are unable to come to an agreement regarding whether their child should be vaccinated, they will need to seek an order from the Family Court. The Family Court will determine whether the child should receive the vaccine by focusing on what is in...
Although there is the prospect of current Covid-19 restrictions easing on a stage-by-stage basis, it can be difficult for separated parents to understand what is permitted in relation to child contact arrangements; so we thought it would...
The paramount consideration of the court in determining arrangements for children is ‘what is in the best interests of the child?’ The court will apply, as previously explained in earlier blogs, the welfare checklist which does include taking...
Whilst 2020 has been difficult for everybody, it has been particularly difficult for separated parents trying to accommodate child arrangements, whether they have a court order, or not. This has not been helped by conflicting government guidance and...
In court proceedings concerning children the general rule is that each party will pay for their own legal costs. The reason for this is that the Court does not view these cases as having a ‘winner’ or ‘loser’. Rather, the court makes...
This question has always existed but has been exacerbated by the travel restrictions and anxiety brought on by Covid-19. The law is actually very straightforward. If you have a residence or ‘lives with’ Court Order than you can usually...
The government has confirmed that arrangements for children to move between the households of separated families is permitted. Parents are being asked to carry out a sensible assessment of the circumstances before deciding what the arrangements should be....
Q. Since the lock down effective 23.3.2020, can children still leave one house to see the other parent? A. Whilst advice is changing quickly, the current advice is that children can still move between houses and should still see both parents, where it...
As a consequence of so many anticipated changes in the coming weeks and months, it is important for parents to consider the impact, if any, on Child Arrangements Orders and any informal arrangements. This is not only due to the likely extended...
When considering relocating your children, both an internal relocation (within England and Wales) and external relocation (from England and Wales to other parts of the UK) requires the consent of the other party. Internal relocation cases, just like...
Raising a child in more than one country can trigger tricky legal issues, for both Royals and non-Royals, in the unhappy event of a future separation or divorce. As we all know, Meghan and Harry are currently finalising their personal and official...
A Child Arrangements Order is an order made by the court stating where children will live and how and when they will spend time with each parent. If the terms of the Order are not being met, by one party or the other, there is...
A parent who does not live with their child may be liable to pay child maintenance to the parent with primary care for the child until the child turns 18 or ceases full time secondary education. Child maintenance may,...
In some circumstances it is possible to adopt stepchildren. However, it is always advisable that you seek legal advice on the circumstances of your case and to consider if adoption is a necessary and most favourable option for your family. It is sometimes...
Particularly if you are separated or divorced, in order to take your child abroad, you will need written permission from everyone with parental responsibility. The child’s mother automatically has parental responsibility, but this is not always the...
A Child Arrangement Order is a court order regulating arrangements concerning with whom a child should live, spend time or otherwise have contact. We often come across situations where the children themselves voice that they no longer wish to visit...
You will all be aware of the recent headlines regarding the ‘Rotherham Rapist’ and the steps taken by Rotherham Council when they contacted Mr Hussain about care proceedings regarding the son he fathered through the rape of his mother. What...
In many cases, the choice of school is straightforward but what happens when parents who are divorced can’t agree on a choice of school? Where parents both have parental responsibility for their child, major decisions relating to the child,...
For separated parents there can often be a worry that as a result of living apart from your child , your parent-child relationship may start to suffer. In extreme cases, children can become estranged from one parent as a consequence of the other...
Becoming a parent is momentous and, with all the life changes, brings the rights and responsibilities every parent needs to care for their child properly. The legal term for these rights and duties is 'parental responsibility'. This term is...
It is around this time of year that families start to plan their summer holidays but, if you are separated from the mother or father of your children, what do you need to do legally before you book your holidays? If you have a Residence Order or a Child...
Some of you reading this may have watched Eastenders recently, whereby there was a delay in Martin returning the children to Stacey following contact. The programme showed Stacey calling at Martin’s home address with the Police to collect the...
There is no automatic right in England & Wales for grandparents to see their grandchildren or to have any involvement in their upbringing. However, the Courts are beginning to recognise the often invaluable role that grandparents can play both in...
Recent news that another Supported Child Contact Centre is closing its doors should give us all cause for concern. When parents separate, the relationships between adults can be difficult and the months following a separation can be enormously painful....
'The team at Harrowells are a perfect size. Big enough to have the coverage and expertise we need, but small enough for us to feel we know all involved and that we are an important client.'
'Matthew Rowley was exceptional and a real pleasure to work with. I would recommend him without hesitation.'
Feedback published in Legal 500 (2025 edition), Corporate & Commercial
'First class client service making clients feel that their needs are top priority Don’t get hung up on administration and seamlessly incorporate it into workflows, no compliance dramas.'
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Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Commercial Property
'Our solicitor had great experience in the field of agricultural sales, which reassured us that the often archaic laws will be adhered to.'
'A strong team able to cover the breadth of expertise our client-base demands. There is strong synergy with their other departments, such as private client, to ensure their advice is robust. A good geographic spread of offices to ensure clients have the ability to meet their solicitor at mutually convenient locations.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Agriculture & Estates
'Their knowledge of insolvency has assisted in allowing our team to progress cases swiftly, and always with a positive outcome (or sensible resolution).'
'Richard Hugill and Paul Burkinshaw both continue to provide a pragmatic approach to a number of scenarios provided over the many years we have worked together.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Commercial Litigation
'Simon Black - I found him to be an exceptional lawyer who was thoroughly on top of his file and prepared to go the extra mile for his clients. He was also a hugely persuasive force at mediation and precisely the kind of lawyer you would want in your corner.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Contentious Probate
'Always available to talk and always supportive. Professional, knowledgeable and supportive, as well as kind and welcoming. Richard Wood always went the extra mile and was exceptional to work with.'
'I cannot recommend Harrowells highly enough. Their team, led by Richard Wood, who was my solicitor, were informative, speedy and exceptionally capable. I didn’t ever have to chase for a response, and updates were frequent and clear.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury
‘The support provided by the Harrowells family team, headed up by the extraordinary Amy Foweather, has been absolutely exceptional. Always highly engaged, friendly, attentive to all details, responsive and with a good understanding of client's needs.'
‘Amy Foweather is an exceptional lawyer. She is highly organised, extremely efficient, knowledgeable and caring, offering well researched and pragmatic advice. Amy has been an absolute pleasure to work with.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Family Law
'When dealing with Harrowells as a customer, you very soon become aware of their exceptional professional skills. You are carefully guided through the various processes involved in your case. Whatever you ask is answered and fully explained in great, but understandable, detail.'
Feedback published in the Legal 500 (2025 edition), Trust & Probate
Am I legally liable for the behaviour of my employees at our Christmas party?
It is important to realise that a work’s Christmas party is a work-related event and it should be treated as an extension of the workplace. So, you can be legally liable for the behaviour of members of staff whilst at a Christmas party. The best way...
It’s common for parents to want to help their adult children financially, for example, providing support when a couple buy their first home together. But how should this money be dealt with if the couple are married and later divorce? When the...
"We both want the dog!" - who keeps your pet when you separate or divorce?
As a nation of pet lovers, you may expect there to be clear rules about what should happened to a family pet when a relationship comes to an end. Sadly, this is not the case, and pets are treated as chattels – the same as any other personal...
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