Young love- will it all end in tears?

Although the overall number of divorces in England and Wales in 2009 fell to its lowest level since 1974, the divorce rate among 25-29 year olds was twice the national average. This latest information from the Office of National Statistics suggested that couples in their 20′s were the most likely group to divorce. As couples were [...]

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Mediation- the story so far….

The new changes in the way in which contested applications are to be dealt with are receiving the thumbs up from those in Manchester. The new rules mean that anyone setting out to contest the terms of their separation must first consider mediation. Mediators in Manchester have informed Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly that early signs indicate that a [...]

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What’s in a name?

Apparently, an estate worth £486,000. Melita Jackson, who died in 2004 left her entire estate to animal charities, cutting out her only daughter Heather Illott. Why you ask? As she did not agree with the choice of name for her 5th grandchild, Ellen, named after the deceased’s sister-in-law whom, you’ve guessed it, she did not like. Mrs Illott in [...]

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From Russia with love, or not

A Russian student has been awarded £2.8 million in a divorce settlement after an 18 month marriage. Elena Golubovich a 27-year-old fashion student married Ilva Golubovich, an international financier in August 2007. The couple, from rich Russian families, separated in July 2009 but not before they managed to spend £2million during the course of their marriage, which also [...]

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Granny power!

In a sweeping review of the family justice regime commissioned by the Government, it is being recommended for the first time that separating parents be expected to ensure that grandparents continue to have a role in the lives of their grandchildren. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister last year said it was “crazy” that millions of grandparents lose [...]

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Congratulations on your new arrival, now about a divorce….

In a major review of the family justice system, former civil servant David Norgrove has suggested that upon new parents attending to register the birth of their child, that they be provided with a leaflet spelling out their parental responsibilities, in case of divorce or separation. Parental responsibility is a term under the Children Act 1989 that sets [...]

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