Legal Resources and News

There are so many things to consider when you make the decision to divorce or dissolve your civil partnership. Senior Associate, Heidi Fleming, sets out some practical steps to take before saying to your partner that you want a divorce.

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has recently launched a new initiative called Planning Together for Children on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, replacing the ‘Separated Parents Information Programme’ (SPIP) which any parent who has been through the court process regarding their children will likely be familiar with.

I would like to move away with my child. What do I need to know?

Relocation within England and Wales

If you wish to relocate within the jurisdiction (England and Wales), it is sensible to consult any others who have parental responsibility for the child. Any person who has parental responsibility has the right to be consulted on important decisions in a child’s life. 

When parents separate, it is important to ensure from the outset that a good relationship with both parents is encouraged. Sometimes parents can experience a deterioration of the relationship with their child or children post separation. Where this resistance is caused by the behaviour and attitude of the other parent, we describe this pattern as ‘parental alienation’.

People have different views about the right time to take legal advice when considering a separation. Some will come to see a solicitor before they have even told their partner of their decision. Others will wait until they simply cannot see a way forwards without the benefit of legal advice.