Divorce Finances: Birch and Birch : Supreme Court

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A few days ago the Supreme Court clarified a question concerning the court’s powers on divorce. Divorce courts only have the powers given to them by parliament so are not free to do anything outside that “toolbox” of powers. Often divorcing couples wish to agree matters outside the power of the court. For some time… Read more »

Justice Matters

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This is the title to a new video posted on YouTube by HM Courts and Tribunal Service promoting a promise of a huge investment to revolutionise how justice is administered through using digital services and an online court. For divorce a simple online system is promised. We are all used to government making promises and… Read more »

Fault Based Divorce or Not

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Since 1973 the only ground for divorce has been irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.This can only be proven in one of 5 ways: adultery, unreasonable behaviour and 2 years separation with the consent of the other party being the most commonly used. This immediately creates a hostile situation, as one party has to successfully raise… Read more »

Divorce Rate Declines

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Recent figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that the divorce rate has declined by 27% from 2003, to the 2014 figure of 111,169 divorces in England and Wales. Of these, the most was in the age group 44/49 for men and 40/44 for women. Nicola Haines, of the Office for National Statistics,… Read more »

Declining Popularity of Marriage

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According to the recent ONS report, the percentage of the population who are married or in a civil partnership continues to fall. In 2002 the figure was 54.8 % which compares to the latest figure of 50.6 % of the population aged 16 and over in 2015. In terms of numbers, the 50.6% represents 23.8… Read more »

State Pension Sharing on Divorce; Changes from 6 April 2016

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For anyone reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016 you need to be aware that the rules on what pension sharing orders can be made in divorce, nullity and on dissolution and annulment of a civil partnership will change. For people reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, there… Read more »

What Happens if I go to Court over the Money?

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Have you wondered what happens about finances when you have to go to court ? It is sensible to consider this question when deciding whether or not to use family mediation to resolve issues about how to split your finances. Here is a link to a recent 1 hour discussion on the subject on Radio… Read more »

Finances in Divorce Faulty Court Form E

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When involved in divorce proceedings (or dissolution, nullity or judicial separation proceedings) concerning finances couples have to fill in a very long form called a Form E. This is intended to be a complete disclosure of the parties respective financial positions (i.e. assets and liabilities). Parties and courts make final decisions and orders on financial… Read more »

Divorce Statistics

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The Office for National Statistics have published (23 November 2015) more information showing how marriage and divorce in England and Wales have fared over the last few years. The rate of divorces fell in the years 2003/2009. The rate was then steady until 2010 when there was a 4.9% increase after which the rate was… Read more »

Declining Popularity of Marriage

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The Office for National Statistics (Families and Households survey, released 5 November 2015) has shown that unmarried living together is the fastest growing family type. The statistics disclose that in 2015 there were 3.1 million opposite sex cohabiting couple families, an increase from 14% of all families in 2005 to 17% in 2015. This difference… Read more »