Legal Resources and News

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.

Adopting your partner’s children is often referred to as step parent adoption. Legally there are clear consequences of adopting in this way. It means that the person adopting takes on full parental responsibility for the child.

In January 2022, Beth Woodward posted the article below reflecting on how pets are treated by the courts when their owners divorce.  42 Bedford Row are a set of barristers with expertise in family law who have recently set up a new practice area specialising in animal welfare. The group is in a unique position to advise and advocate on the increasingly important and changing issues impacting on animal welfare post Brexit and in the light of recent legislation.

When you go through a separation or divorce it is ultimately because your relationship has broken down. You may feel hurt, angry and resentful and furthermore, the trust you once had with your ex-partner may have diminished completely.