Family Blogs | Barristers & Solicitors

Stowe Family Law

• Debunking divorce myths: “I’m in a common law marriage”
  Millions of couples in England and Wales believe common law marriage gives them legal protection, but there is no such thing as a common law marriage. Our cohabitation specialists in the UK explain what the law actually says, and what you can do about it. Does common law marriage still exist in the UK?  No, common law marriage was abolished in England and... […]
  Rachel Joyce
• Can my ex claim money from my new partner? 
  Can my ex claim money from my new partner? Our UK cohabitation law experts explain when a new partner’s finances may be relevant in a divorce financial settlement, and when they are not in England and Wales. Can my ex claim money from my new partner in the UK?  No, your ex-spouse cannot directly claim money, assets,... […]
  martha holland
• What should couples talk about before moving in together?
  Moving in together is one of life’s biggest milestones, yet few couples talk about what happens if things don’t go to plan. Divorce & Separation Coach Kate Nestor explores the conversations every couple should have before living together and why they matter. When the Government launched its A Fairer End to Relationships consultation, it sparked... […]
  Kate Nestor
• Living together before marriage: the legal reality
  Thinking about moving in together before you marry? Nowadays, many people do. Yet the law treats cohabiting couples very differently from married ones. Our cohabitation law experts in the UK explain what that really means for you. For many couples, living together before marriage feels like the natural next step. You share a home, split the bills, and maybe raise children together.... […]
  David Allen
• Domestic abuse reform: do Government proposals go far enough to safeguard victims?
  In this article, domestic abuse specialist Judit Kerese explores whether the Government’s consultation ‘A fairer end to relationships’ goes far enough in recommendations for protections for victims of abuse going through divorce, and analyses thought-processes around a new domestic abuse law. The consultation of ‘A fairer end to relationships’ considers whether the law governing financial... […]
  Judit Kerese
• Can you take your child abroad after divorce or separation?
  After divorce or separation, parents will often want to make sure they can make memories with their children in this new phase, including by taking them on holiday. In this article, expert child law solicitor Rachel Fisher explains travelling abroad with children after divorce. Can my ex take my child out of the country? In... […]
  Rachel Fisher
• We’re basically married. So why doesn’t the law see it that way?
  Divorce & separation coach Kate Nestor explores the gap between how cohabiting couples experience commitment and how the law recognises it. She asks whether proposed cohabitation reform in the Government’s ‘A Fairer End to Relationships’ consultation could bring the two closer together. Why do so many couples believe they’re “basically married”?  For many cohabiting couples,... […]
  Kate Nestor
• Does the law on finances in divorce need to be reformed?
  How finances are divided on divorce can be contentious, particularly where there is disparity in a couple’s income, or assets that could be considered non-matrimonial. Anu Kaur, a divorce finance specialist, explores legal frameworks and the Government’s proposals for divorce finance reform. For over 50 years, family lawyers dealing with finances on divorce have been guided by... […]
  Anu-Kaur
• Is three years long enough to qualify for cohabitation rights?
  In this article, Martha Holland, one of Stowe’s cohabitation experts shares insight into the qualifying criteria proposed by the Government in their consultation, which could apply to unmarried couples, if cohabitation law undergoes reform. The Government’s consultation ‘A fairer end to relationships’ is well underway, and the initial stages of the research will close on... […]
  martha holland
• What to know when buying a house together when you’re not married
  If you’re buying a house together but are not married, the law offers you less automatic protection than it does married couples. Our UK cohabitation law experts can help you put the right documents in place before you exchange contracts, so both of you are protected from day one. For many unmarried couples, this comes as a surprise. The good news is... […]
  martha holland