Category: Family
“Family” is a collection of helpful legal articles focusing on everyday family law issues in the UK. These articles cover things like marriage, divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and wills. They’re here to give you practical advice and guidance on handling these sometimes tricky situations. Whether you’re wondering about court procedures, your rights as a family member, or how to resolve disputes, these articles aim to give you the knowledge and tools you need to deal with family matters according to UK laws.
Special Expenses: How They Affect Child Maintenance Payments
Introduction to Special Expenses in Child Maintenance Special expenses are specific costs that a parent can ask the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to take into account when calculating child maintenance payments. These expenses are not part of the standard calculation and are considered separately to ensure that the payment amount reflects the true financial circumstances…
Understanding Conditional and Final Orders in UK Divorce
Introduction to Conditional and Final Orders Introduction to Conditional and Final Orders When you go through a divorce in the UK, two key legal milestones mark the formal end of your marriage: the conditional order and the final order. Understanding what these orders are – and how they fit into the divorce process – is…
Separation Agreements: Legal Overview for the UK
What is a Separation Agreement? A separation agreement is a written contract made between couples who have decided to live apart but are not yet divorced. It sets out clear arrangements covering important issues such as how finances will be managed, how property will be divided, and how children will be cared for. By agreeing…
Foreign Marriages and Partnerships: Legal Overview
Introduction to Foreign Marriages and Partnerships When a marriage or civil partnership takes place outside the UK, it is known as a foreign marriage or partnership for legal purposes here. Whether such a union is recognised under UK law depends on several factors, including the laws of the country where the ceremony took place and…
Dying Without a Will (Intestacy): Legal Overview
What Does It Mean to Die Without a Will? When someone dies without leaving a valid will, this is known as dying “intestate.” Intestacy means the law decides who inherits the person’s estate, rather than the wishes of the deceased. In the UK, the distribution of assets in these cases is governed by specific laws,…
How to Change a Child Maintenance Order: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Maintenance Order and Variation Process Understanding the Maintenance Order and Variation Process A maintenance order is a legal arrangement that sets out how much a non-residential parent must pay towards their child’s upbringing. In the UK, these orders are often managed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which calculates payments based on factors…
Essential Pre-Application Steps for Divorce in the UK
Understanding the Pre-Application Stage Understanding the Pre-Application Stage The pre-application stage is the crucial first step before formally starting divorce proceedings in the UK. It involves gathering information, understanding your legal position, and ensuring you meet the necessary requirements to apply for a divorce. Taking time to prepare at this stage can help avoid delays,…
Forming a Civil Partnership: UK Legal Overview
What is a Civil Partnership? A civil partnership is a formal legal relationship that offers many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Introduced by the Civil Partnership Act 2004, civil partnerships are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples across the UK. Forming a civil partnership gives both partners legal recognition and protection,…
Funerals in the UK: Legal Steps, Costs and Your Rights
Introduction to Funerals in the UK A funeral is a ceremony or gathering held after someone dies, providing an opportunity for family and friends to say goodbye, honour the person’s life, and begin the process of grieving. In the UK, arranging a funeral is not only a deeply personal matter but also involves important legal…
Eligibility and Grounds for Child Maintenance Variation UK
Introduction to Variation of Child Maintenance When it comes to child maintenance payments in the UK, a “variation” refers to a formal request to change the amount of money one parent pays to support their child. This adjustment can be made when circumstances change, such as a shift in income, extra costs relating to the…