Ring Fencing Assets on Divorce in the UK
What the Courts Really Consider: Ring fencing assets on divorce is not automatic. Learn here how UK courts assess non-marital assets and what fairness really means in a financial settlement. When couples divorce one of the most common financial questions is whether certain assets can be excluded from the settlement. This is…
Why Building Small Agreements in Mediation Leads to Faster Fairer and More Confident Settlements
Why Building Small Agreements in Mediation Leads to Faster Fairer and More Confident Settlements Ending a relationship is never straightforward. Whether the separation is amicable or tense the practical task of sorting out money, housing, childcare and everyday…
What Happens if Mediation Fails? A Practical Guide
Divorce can be a stressful and emotional process and dealing with financial settlements adds another layer of complexity. Many people choose financial settlement mediation in Hampshire & Surrey as a calm, neutral way to resolve property, pensions, debts and other…
The Benefits of Mediation in Resolving Family Conflicts
Family conflicts are an inevitable part of life. Whether it's a disagreement minor issues or more serious issues like divorce, child custody, or inheritance disputes, conflict is bound to arise. In…
Divorce and Your Mental Health: The Importance of Seeking Professional Support
Divorce is a seismic life event that can have far-reaching effects on an individual's mental health. The emotional toll of ending a marriage is profound, encompassing a range of…
Navigating the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Coping with the First Christmas After Divorce
The holiday season, with its festive cheer and family gatherings, can become a complex emotional terrain for those who have recently gone through a divorce, particularly parents facing their first Christmas without their children. This period demands a unique set of coping strategies, blending both practical…
Understanding Financial Consent Orders: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Financial Consent Orders: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction In the complex landscape of divorce proceedings, financial matters often stand out as critical elements that demand careful consideration. Among the various tools available to safeguard the financial interests of both parties…
The Psychology of Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction. Whether it's a disagreement with a friend, a clash of ideas at work, or a dispute within a family, conflicts…
How to Make Divorce Less Stressful
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Make Divorce Less Stressful Introduction Divorce is a challenging life transition that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from grief and anger to…
Mediation in the Workplace: Enhancing Employee Relations for a Harmonious Work Environment
Mediation in the Workplace: Enhancing Employee Relations for a Harmonious Work Environment In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, conflicts among employees are inevitable. Whether rooted in differing perspectives, communication breakdowns, or competing interests, these conflicts can create tension and disrupt the overall…
A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Communication
Embarking on the journey of mediation is a unique opportunity for positive change. It's a chance to address conflicts directly, fostering resolutions that benefit all…
Mediation in the Digital Age: Navigating Conflict Resolution Online
In today's digital age where the virtual realm is deeply integrated into our daily lives, it's no surprise that mediation, a traditional form of conflict resolution, has adapted and embraced digital transformation. This evolution is often referred to as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), a…
Co-Parenting Success: Tips for Effective Communication After Divorce
Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, especially when children are involved. However, it doesn't mark the end of your relationship with your ex-spouse; it transforms it into a co-parenting partnership. Successful co-parenting hinges on effective communication, which benefits not only you but, more…
The Impact of Divorce on Children
The Impact of Divorce on Children: Signs to Watch For and How to Help Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged experience for all parties involved, but…
The Benefits of an Amicable Divorce Settlement
Divorce is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences, both emotionally and financially. The dissolution of a marriage often involves a complex web of emotions, legal processes and financial considerations. However amid the…
Impact of Social Media on Divorce
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It connects us with friends, family and…
What is Parental Responsibility?
Parental Responsibility (PR) is a legal term that outlines the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority parents have regarding their child’s upbringing and well-being. In…
Representing Yourself In Court
A litigant in person, often referred to by the abbreviation "LiP," is an individual who has made the conscious decision to represent themselves…
The Phenomenon of Grey Divorce
Navigating Life's Later Chapters In recent decades a new trend has emerged in the realm of relationships and family dynamics: the "grey divorce." This term refers to the increasing number of divorces among couples who are in the later stages of their lives, typically over the age of 50…
The Emotional Toll of Divorce
The Emotional Toll of Divorce: Navigating a Sea of Emotions Divorce is a life-altering event that marks the end of a significant chapter in a person's life. Beyond the legal and financial aspects, divorce takes an immense emotional toll on all parties…
Managing Long-Distance Child Arrangements
Nurturing Relationships In today's increasingly globalized world it is not uncommon for parents to find themselves living in different cities, counties or even countries. When a family faces the challenge of managing long-distance child arrangements, maintaining strong parent-child relationships becomes…
Being a Litigant in Person in Financial Proceedings
Navigating the Legal Landscape Alone: Financial proceedings within the United Kingdom's legal system can be intricate and demanding, particularly during divorce or separation. When one embarks on this legal journey without legal representation, a party is referred to as a "Litigant in Person" (LiP). This approach, while challenging, is…
Adversarial Court Process
Navigating the adversarial court process for financial orders during a divorce in the UK can be a challenging and complex experience. In the United Kingdom, obtaining a fair and…
Achieving Fairness in Marital Financial Settlements
Marital financial settlements hold immense importance in divorce proceedings within the UK, ensuring an equitable division of assets and liabilities. This article delves into the factors and legal framework specific to the UK that contribute to achieving fairness in these settlements. Understanding Marital Financial Settlements Marital…
How To Be A Good Single Parent
Navigating Parenthood Solo: A Guide to Being a Good Single Parent Introduction Being a single parent comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. It necessitates strength, resilience and love beyond measure. The journey…
The Pitfalls of a 'Kitchen Table Agreement' in Divorce Financial Settlements
Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process, especially when it comes to dividing assets and settling financial matters. In some cases, couples attempt to reach an agreement without involving formal…
How to Broach the Subject of Divorce
A Guide to Delicate Conversations. Divorce is a deeply personal and emotionally charged topic and discussing it with your spouse is a delicate matter. This conversation can shape the future for both parties, impacting not only the couple but also children, family and friends. It is…
A Guide to Life After Divorce
Life After Divorce in a Digital Age Divorce remains a significant life-altering event and the process of adjusting to life after divorce continues to evolve. The Legal Landscape in 2023: The introduction of a no-fault divorce option has…
Who Are CAFCASS?
CAFCASS stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service It is an important agency in the United Kingdom, operates independently and is responsible for representing the interests of children involved in family court cases. Its primary role…
Most Common Reason for Divorce in the UK
The reasons for divorce in the UK are many and varied: here are some of the re-occurring and most common reasons: Communication Breakdown In many cases, the breakdown of effective communication within a marriage serves as a primary catalyst for divorce. When couples fail…
The No Fault Divorce System in the UK
The UK’s No-Fault Divorce Process: A Breakthrough in Marital Dissolution Divorce has long been a challenging and emotionally taxing process, both for the…
Pension Sharing on Divorce
Pensions are considered to be marital assets and must be taken into account in the divorce financial settlement. A pension can be either: • Defined benefit pension or a defined contribution pension. • Defined benefit pension is based on salary and the number of…
What If I Do Not Agree to Mediation?
If you choose not to agree to mediation in the UK, there are several potential consequences that you should be aware of. Mediation is a process that involves a neutral third party assisting disputing parties in…
Consequences Of Not Following A Child Arrangements Order
In the UK when a court issues a child arrangements order, it outlines the specific arrangements regarding the living and contact…
Effects of Separation and Divorce on Children
The effects of parents splitting up on children are profound and far-reaching, influencing their emotional, psychological and social well-being. Divorce or separation can introduce significant challenges and changes into a child's life, often leading to a range of emotional responses and long-term consequences. While each child's experience is unique,…
When A Child Doesn't Want to Visit Other Parent
Navigating a Delicate Situation: When a Child Doesn't Want to Go to the Other Parent Divorce or separation can be a tumultuous experience for all parties involved, especially children. One common challenge that arises in these situations is when a child expresses a strong reluctance or refusal to spend time with…
What Is A Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) in the United Kingdom is a legal instrument of considerable significance, established under the aegis of the Children Act 1989. This legislative provision is designed…
Mediation Services in the UK
Mediation Services in the UK: Facilitating Resolution and Enhancing Relationships Mediation has emerged as a vital and effective process in resolving conflicts across various domains within the United Kingdom. With its emphasis on fostering open communication, understanding and compromise, mediation services play a pivotal role in reducing the burden…
Your Guide To Child Maintenance
Child maintenance is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of children after a separation or divorce. In the United Kingdom, the government has established guidelines and systems to facilitate fair and consistent child maintenance arrangements. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive…
A Comprehensive Guide to Child Arrangements
Child arrangements (often referred to as child custody or parenting plans), play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and stability of children whose parents are separated or…
Ultimate Guide To Mediation
Mediation is a process of resolving conflicts between parties with the help of a neutral third party, often referred to as a mediator.…
Impact of Going to Court for a Child Arrangements Order
Going through a child arrangements court case can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience for all parties involved - most importantly, the children. • Emotional Stress Child arrangements cases often…
Financial Considerations Relating to Separation & Divorce
A divorce or breakdown of a marriage can have significant financial implications for both parties involved. Some of the key financial aspects to consider are: 1. Division of Assets: One of the primary concerns in a divorce is the division of marital assets, which can include property,…
Family Mediation
Family mediation can help you resolve issues arising from relationship or family breakdowns. It can also help you save money by avoiding using expensive solicitors whose charges can easily run away with you. If you end up…
Pension Sharing on Divorce
The value of any pension assets must be taken into account in any divorce settlement (also applies to civil partnerships) If there is a disparity in how much each party has by way…
Financial Consent Orders
WHAT IS A CONSENT ORDER? Sometimes referred to as a 'clean break order', a consent order is an agreement between two consenting adults which details how their marital assets will be split and makes that agreement legally binding. Most divorcing couples think…
No Fault Divorce
No fault divorce came into effect in England and Wales in April 2022. This means that couples are now able to get divorced without one person needing to blame the other.…
5 Considerations For Couples Who Have Decided To Separate
CONSIDERATIONS 1. Remember that your partner might not be on the same page as you. You may have decided that you want to separate a long time ago but that’s not necessarily the case for your partner. Whereas you may have had time to come to terms with separating and…
Mediation V Court - Pros & Cons
COST Mediation: is a much more cost effective way to resolve a dispute. The role of a good mediator is to get you to an agreement as quickly as possible, thereby avoiding the need for endless sessions of…
What are the benefits of family mediation?
For people that have decided to separate, divorce or are trying to deal with changes in family relationships, mediation is an invaluable tool in helping to reach an agreement. Mediators…
Is mediation effective?
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution (ADR) that is actively encouraged and sometimes mandatory, by the courts as a way of settling disputes…
Mediation or meditation?
After asking anyone who stood still for long enough, ‘what is mediation?’ it has become apparent that most people do not really know what mediation is. It is also apparent that…
How neighbour disputes can get out of hand.
Dealing with nuisance neighbours can take over your life. Whether the dispute is over noise, boundaries, kids or shared access to driveways, a poor relationship with those that live close to us can cause untold stress and misery not to mention a fortune in legal bills. A report published…
How Do I Resolve a Dispute with my Builder or any other Tradesman?
If you have had any work carried out at your home and there is a problem which has been caused by the tradesman, you are entitled to get…
A true life example of why you must try mediation.
Jack and Jill were a couple: they were young, inexperienced and naïve, yet despite the difficulties and challenges in their…
European Code of Conduct for Mediators
The European Code of Conduct for Mediators sets out the following principles: 1. COMPETENCE AND APPOINTMENT OF MEDIATORS 1.1 Competence Mediators shall be competent and knowledgeable in the process of mediation. Relevant factors shall include proper training and continuous updating of their education and practice…
How Does Your Mediator Add Value?
Guest post by Bernard Morrow - Morrow Mediation
Most of us don’t go to the symphony to watch the conductor or to a sporting event to see the referees in action but imagine the chaos without their participation. In the same vein, you’re unlikely to have a productive mediation without an effective mediator. So,…
High Hedge Disputes and How to Resolve Them Successfully
In this article, we are going to look at the problematic subject of high hedges and what you can do to resolve disputes on this subject. There is no doubt that this is an issue that can cause untold misery, cost, hostility and the breakdown of previously cordial relationships. So…