Whilst Valentine’s Day is more commonly thought about in the context of romantic love, other types of love can be celebrated on this day. Why not celebrate familial love this Valentine’s Day by considering the ways your
What is a Special Guardianship Order? A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a long lasting, Private Law Order, made by the Family Court. The Order appoints one or more individuals to become the child’s ‘Special Guardian.’ This
As the new year has begun, here is what you can expect to see in the year of 2024. Media in the Family Court (The Transparency Pilot): For decades there have been calls for more transparency in
When deciding on the fairest division of the assets, the Court will take into account factors listed in section 25(2) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. One such factor is the conduct of the opposing party, but
A Legacy Contact is a person you can choose to access your accounts (e.g. Apple, Instagram or Facebook) after your death. This gives the nominated person access to certain elements of your account and allows them to
When a couple obtain a divorce it is important to have a Financial Order from the Court – more often than not this Order can be agreed, meaning no Court attendance or formal court application. This is
1. Network The legal industry is huge and these days there are so many different kinds of events that provide the opportunity to network with different individuals, both online and in person. You can learn so many
Family Law Practitioners receive a higher volume of calls in and around the first working days of the New Year from people deciding to take steps to end their marriage and issue a divorce application. This has
In this article we explain the concept of the statutory legacy, when it applies, and how it can impact the distribution of a deceased spouse’s/civil partner’s estate. What is Intestacy? When a person dies without a valid
A sibling assessment will evaluate the bond and relationship between siblings. A sibling can be defined as a person whom you share at least one biological parent with. An assessment will consider the sibling dynamic, and the
It’s that time of year, the Christmas party season is underway which coincides with the national Christmas drink drive campaign. That means there will be more stops and more prosecutions due to an increase in police patrols
Going through a divorce and organising child arrangements with an ex-partner can be very stressful. However, with the festive period approaching, this stress can be exacerbated and causing this to become a very worrying time. Below are
Following the conclusion of financial remedy proceedings, your situation could change unexpectedly, and you may feel that had this happened during the course of the proceedings, it would have affected the outcome of those proceedings. The Courts
When the Local Authority considers that a child is at risk of significant harm, they can apply for a Care Order or an Interim Care Order. This would only be granted if the Court finds reasonable grounds
Japanese Knotweed is an intrusive plant that spreads swiftly. The roots can reach depths of up to three meters and it can seriously damage infrastructure and buildings. Concrete cannot withstand its strength, which is why it is
When someone dies, in order to access assets held with financial institutions, sell assets, and even pay any debts that the deceased held on their death, a legal document known as a Grant of Representation is required.
Communicourt is an intermediary service mostly funded by HMCTS, with no charges or payments required by parents or legal professionals. In the context of Care Proceedings, their aim is to assist a parent who has a communication
What is a Child Protection Conference? A Child Protection Conference is a multi-agency meeting arranged by the Local Authority. The purpose of the conference is for family members and professionals involved in a child’s life to share
A new scheme will be launched in the East and West Midlands, which will see offenders that pose a threat to their former partner and/or their children, being subject to electronic tagging. This will help protect victims
It is an offence if you fail to provide details of a driver, to the police, at the time an alleged offence has been committed, under S172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The registered keeper of
Your baby being placed for adoption against your will is referred to as a non-consensual adoption or contested adoption. The term ‘forced adoption’ is not a term that is used within the Family Court but is used
Why have I been asked to provide proof of identification? As a firm of solicitors, under the Money Laundering Regulations we must comply with the requirements for proof of identity and money laundering. This is a legal
What is a Guardian appointed by my Will? If you die leaving children under the age of 18, you can make provision in your Will for who you would like to look after your children if there
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is widely recognised as a month to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in our society and what can be done to stop it. It is a problem
For many people, a large part of the Divorce process will revolve around how their financial assets will be divided. However, for those who work in the public sector, the value of their pensions has been unusually
If the Local Authority are concerned about a child’s health, development or the way that they are being treated, but do not feel that there is an immediate risk to them, they may request that various assessments
By the end of 2023, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk plans to introduce a new law before Parliament which would result in parents who kill their partner or ex-partner with whom they have children to automatically have their
PAMS stands for ‘parenting assessment manual software’. It was an assessment used with parents or carers that have learning difficulties or additional needs. Its aim is to assess the parent’s capacity and to support them in understanding
In March 2023, it was published that the government has plans to enforce tougher sentences on domestic abusers who kill their current or previous partners. What does this mean for those found guilty of domestic homicide? The
Buildings Insurance covers your home in the event that damage that occurs to the structure of the property i.e the actual building. This could be in the event of a fire, flood, storm or if the damage
The recent decision in the Court of Appeal in the case of JW (Child at home under Care Order) [2023] EWCA CIV 944 is a reminder of the approach that should be taken when considering making final
Johnson Astills are pleased to announce that we are taking part in Free Wills Month during October 2023. Free Wills Month brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public the opportunity to
Dissolving your marriage may feel like the end of a very long and turbulent road, and that you have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. However, should you remarry, you may fall foul
A Placement Order is a Court Order which says that a Local Authority can place a child for adoption with prospective adopters, who have passed all the necessary checks and are a suitable match for a child.
What is Intestacy? Intestacy is where someone dies without a Will, or without a valid Will. The Rules of Intestacy means that a deceased person’s estate will be distributed in accordance with these rules, and this may
A Supervision Order is one of many orders that the Court has the power to grant a Local Authority in Childcare Proceedings under section 35 Children Act 1989. The purpose of a Supervision Order is to impose
What is this new law? The Child Support (Enforcement) Bill was introduced by MP Siobhan Baillie and Baroness Redfern and received Royal Assent on 20th July 2023, meaning it is now law. This Act means that the
What is an exchange of contracts? Exchange of contracts is when the buyer’s solicitor and the seller’s solicitor swap the contract documentation to confirm an agreement has been made between each party for the sale of the
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs): Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. Each of these documents allow you to appoint Attorneys to deal
What is a Section 20 agreement? You as a parent can voluntarily enter into a Section 20 agreement. A Section 20 agreement allows your child to be accommodated willingly in either foster care, with your friends, or
The Local Authority will send you a Letter of Intent to Issue Care Proceedings once they have decided that there are significant concerns regarding the safety of your child/children, and the only way to keep them safe
It has been estimated that 1 in 4 women in England and Wales are at risk of return to court within 10 years after the initial set of proceedings. In 2015, findings from Broadhurst et al provided
When a property is sold, generally the seller agrees to sell their property with ‘full’ or ‘limited’ title guarantee. Full Title Guarantee Full title guarantee confirms that the seller has the right to sell the property and
Approximately 25% of people in the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender community suffer from Domestic Abuse within relationships. However, it is considered that domestic abuse within these communities is underreported, as the persons are fearful that their
Leicestershire saw almost twice as many speeding prosecutions in 2022 compared to 2021, reports show. Nationally, the number of drivers receiving a speeding conviction has reached an eight-year high. Most people caught speeding were offered a fine
With the summer holidays fast approaching, many will be seeking some summer sun overseas. However, for some separated or divorced parents, this can be problematic and we suggest having the conversation about holidays as soon as possible,
Substance abuse can have a significant impact on childcare proceedings, as it can lead to social workers having concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children. When a parent or caregiver struggles with substance abuse, it is
People often want to leave money or gifts in their Will to children or grandchildren. There are different ways in which you can do this, and it is important to consider how you want to leave your
What is a section 20? Section 20 is a voluntary arrangement that parents can consent to and withdraw this consent at any time. The agreement allows the child to be voluntarily accommodated in foster care or with
Why would the DVLA revoke my licence? UK law requires motorists to notify the DVLA of any medical condition which could impair their ability to drive. Medical reasons can include but are not limited to: epilepsy diabetes strokes and
