Change in Court fees
Generally, when an application is made to the Court a Court fee is required. As of 30th September 2021, the HMCTS have raised their Court fees in respect of Family matters. Therefore, the Court fees are now:
Family Law
Can I take my child on holiday if the other parent does not consent?
Now that the national lockdown has lifted and the possibility of international travel is an increasingly more viable option, many will be looking to get away and go abroad for some proper summer sun. Issues often arise
Do I need a Consent Order?
We are often asked if a Consent Order is needed in divorce proceedings the answer is yes, it is advisable and recommended. A Consent Order is a document that is entered into willingly by both parties and it
What can I do if my spouse doesn’t respond to my divorce papers?
When the Petitioner makes an application for a divorce, the spouse, known as the Respondent, is sent a copy of the application along with a form to complete called an Acknowledgement of Service (AOS). They are required
Covid-19: What if parents cannot agree on vaccinating their child?
The decision as to whether to order the vaccination of a child has been an issue for the Courts for many years before the existence of the Covid-19 virus. Now that the roll-out of the vaccines for the
How do I complete a Form E?
When you are going through a separation, your first thought might be to start divorce proceedings, but it is important to try and reach an agreement in relation to the finances at the same time. This can
What can I expect if I apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
It is common that when a relationship breaks down, conversations need to be had about the arrangements for the children to be able to spend time with both parents. It is always best if parents can reach
Special Guardianship – An Agenda for Change
In August and November 2019, I wrote articles considering whether Special Guardianship Orders required reform. The case of Re P-S (Children) [2018] EWCA Civ 1407 spurred the need for change. Developments continue within this area of law. Recently,
Is it normal to exchange financial disclosure to reach a financial settlement in divorce?
Trying to agree a financial settlement during a divorce can be an intimidating and daunting prospect. In order to ensure a fair and reasonable settlement, we always advise clients of the need to exchange full and frank
What is the role of mediation in family law matters?
When a relationship breaks down, many issues can need resolving such as finances, divorce proceedings and often child arrangements. Sometimes it can be difficult to resolve these issues with your former partner and conversations may become heated.
Does lockdown affect whether I can spend time with my children?
As England is placed into another national lockdown, many parents will have concerns about what impact this has on Child Arrangements. The government have released national lockdown guidance which includes direction for child arrangement matters. The government
Domestic Abuse – Am I eligible for Legal Aid?
Legal Aid is the provision of financial assistance to people who are unable to afford legal representation and access to the court system. Legal Aid is payment from public funds, and only provided in cases of need.
What can I do if my ex-partner is stopping me from seeing my child?
Many parents experience problems securing contact with their children following the breakdown of a relationship. Are you one of them? If so, this article may help. In accordance with the Children Act 1989, as long as it
Remote Hearings in the Family Justice System: A review of the Rapid Consultation by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.
It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact in virtually every aspect of our lives. Arguably, one of the most significant changes for us at Johnson Astills, and for our clients, is
How am I meant to engage and follow a remote / hybrid Family Court hearing?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, Family Court hearings moved to remote hearings which take place over the telephone or via a video platform to allow for social distancing restrictions. Initially, all major hearings
What do the Court consider when making a financial order?
When the Court decide how to distribute assets following the breakdown of a marriage, they have to consider the checklist contained within Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. The main principle is that the settlement
Human Rights – How they protect children and parents in care proceedings
A person’s human rights are protected under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights. The protection of a person’s human rights is paramount in all aspects of law, and this is of
“Divorcing? Think of the children…”
Recent research reported in the press has revealed that divorced parents are often in denial with regard to the impact of the breakdown of the relationship upon their children. Three quarters of parents surveyed thought that their
