Millions of unmarried cohabiting couples could get stronger rights and more financial security
Recently the Government launched a consultation which could see cohabiting couples – who live together, but are not married – given automatic inheritance rights and financial protections upon separation, or if their partner dies. It marks a dramatic shift in a legal system that has previously left millions of people with little or no legal status and protection when a live-in relationship breaks down, regardless of how many years they devoted to a family or home. This disproportionately effects women, who are often the financially weaker party at the end of a relationship, and facing greater hardship afterwards.
Britain’s longest divorce case ends in £6.6 million payout for wife after it’s proved husband hid significant assets
Divorce proceeding times can vary enormously. For a no fault divorce in England and Wales which is simple and non-contentious, 26 weeks should be the norm. This timeline is mainly driven by a mandatory minimum 20-week reflection period between the initial application and the Conditional Order, followed by an additional 6-week waiting period before you can apply for the Final Order that legally ends the marriage.
Donna Ockenden delivers findings from three year review into maternity failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
In 2023, families affected by Nottingham maternity service failings, were delighted at the appointment of Senior Midwife Donna Ockenden to chair the ongoing Independent Review into Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. They wanted Ms Ockenden to take charge to ensure the truth was uncovered, so other families could be safeguarded in the future.
The rise of later life divorce
In the UK, around 42% of marriages end in divorce, and there’s a common assumption that these splits usually happen to young couples growing apart, the stresses of raising children, or the infamous ‘seven-year itch’. But this is not the case.
Does your GP surgery advertise the potentially life-saving Jess’s Rule?
It’s nearly six months since posters advertising Jess’s Rule were rolled out to every GP surgery in England. Does your surgery have this relevant information on prominent display? If not, they should!
Can my spouse hide assets in divorce?
If you are preparing for a divorce, or just started going through the process, one of the most difficult things you must do as a separating couple is to deal fairly with the division of assets. A fair split of your combined assets is the best outcome.