Recession fears fuel rise in 'HP Divorces'

The media, it seems, is constantly full of the threat of a new recession.

As all of us have witnessed that economic downturn has consequences not just on the financial markets but in families too.

Family law solicitors at Pannone have reported a growing trend in the structure of divorce settlements influenced not only by the effects of the 2008 slump but by fears that Britain is about to plunge into the second half of the dreaded 'double dip' recession.

Partner Ed Kitchen has written a fascinating article on the topic for the Huffington Post

The issues Ed discusses make it all the more important for you to obtain divorce advice before agreeing the terms of a financial divorce settlement.

For more advice on divorce read our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @Divorce_experts.

Clamp down on new dads?

The government is considering a number of proposals designed to force new dads to sign their children’s birth certificates, it was reported in The Telegraph today.  Surprisingly, around 50,000 babies born each year in the UK do not have their fathers named on their birth certificate.

Currently, only mothers are required to be registered, despite the 2009 Welfare Reform Act which states that mums must provide the name of the baby’s father, risking a £200 fine and imprisonment for perjury if they fail to do so.  Since the coalition government came to power this requirement has not been enforced, despite David Cameron’s well publicised attack on absentee fathers, whom back in June he likened to ‘drink drivers’.

Forcing fathers to sign birth certificates could help to ensure new dads fulfil their responsibilities to their children, including financially.  All parents who are registered on their child’s birth certificate automatically have Parental Responsibility.  Along with certain responsibilities, this also affords rights which may otherwise only be acquired by agreement between the parents, or court order.

Signing your child’s birth certificate can therefore be a crucial passport to greater involvement in the arrangements for your child’s care.  If you are at all unsure about your parental rights and responsibilities you should speak to one of our expert Family Law Solicitors today. 

For more advice on issues involving children, or for Divorce Advice, follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @Divorce_experts

Getting tough on Parental Child Abduction

Today's Daily Telegraph reported a call by the Lord Chief Justice for tougher sentences to be imposed on parents who are convicted of abducting their own children, opening up the possibility that they should be charged with the  serious offence of kidnap which can carry a life sentence.

The Lord Justice described abducting parents as causing 'unspeakable cruelty' and referred to the increase in cases where abducted children are taken abroad, sometimes for very long periods - a reflection no doubt of the 'global village'

Hopefully this will act as a deterrent but in addition to the criminal law, families who find themselves in this heartbreaking situation can also turn to Family Law Solicitors for help.

Specialist Family Law lawyers in the field of child abduction can act very quickly to ask the court for an order for a child to be returned from abroad under the terms of an international treaty.

For more advice on family law follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @Divorce_experts

CHRISTMAS WISH?

It is reported in the Mail and other papers today that an unhappy wife has announced her desire for a divorce from her husband by putting a homemade banner near to the M4 announcing “For Xmas Dan, Jude wants a divorce”.

We frequently see on roundabouts and other prominent positions, birthday greetings and other forms of congratulation but it is more unusual to be so public about your unhappiness.  Having said this, Jude will not be the first person who has sought to shame her partner and make public a desire for a divorce.  There have previously been complete billboards referring to the other spouse’s infidelities.            

The question in the Reading area will no doubt be ‘who is Jude’, ‘who is Dan’ and ‘what exactly has Dan done ?’

Most people do not seek to ‘go public’ about the breakdown of their marriage as for most people it is a very personal situation.  People seek the advice of friends and family who can provide huge moral support and advice.

However, if you are in a situation where you see your relationship as at an end and you want divorce advice, you should contact a family law Solicitor.

For more advice on divorce, follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @divorce_experts.

Nuclear Doom

The Daily Mail has reported findings from a new think tank that show that only 1 in 6 people now consider themselves to be part of a “traditional” family structure. They explain that people living in nuclear families with married parents and siblings are now in the minority.

Whilst these findings have come under heavy criticism from other analysts, statistics do indicate that more and more people are choosing not to marry. The reasons why individuals are less inclined to marry will vary but a fear of divorce is likely to be a common theme.

There is lots of misunderstanding about divorce law and in particular divorce settlements. Family Law Solicitors can offer advice regarding all types of relationships including: marriages, civil partnerships and cohabitation.

For more divorce advice follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @Divorce_experts".

Will Divorce Lead to More Sex in the City?

It has been reported in the media that Candace Bushnell, the author of Sex in the City, is to divorce her husband of nine years. Candace is likely to be one of a growing number of women who are wealthier than their spouse and as a consequence may have to pay money to her husband as part of their divorce. There is likely to be speculation about their financial settlement including whether they have a pre-nuptial agreement. Pre-nuptial agreements may not be considered romantic, but they should be given serious consideration by the financially independent women, who are portrayed in Sex in the City, if they are planning to marry. At least Candace will be able to recoup any financial loses caused by her divorce by writing about her experience.

For more advice on divorce follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter@Divorce_experts".

Is the tax man going to be collecting more than just your tax....?

Child maintenance may be deducted directly from a parent’s earnings by the taxman, under proposals which have been announced by the Government. The Work and pensions minister Maria Miller has suggested that the new scheme would make it harder for ‘wayward parents’ to avoid paying for the upkeep of their children.

In addition payments would ordinarily be based on the non-resident parent's gross income from the most recent tax year, which could be obtained directly from HM Revenue and Customs. This would, in the Government’s view, make it harder for a non-resident parent to avoid payment by not disclosing their full income.

The proposals are likely to be music to the ears of those parents who find their former spouse or partner attempting to avoid their financial responsibilities. Although it will not answer the problem of self employed business people who want to avoid payment. Others will also no doubt wonder whether the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission which replaces the CSA can be trusted not to make mistakes?

For more advice on child maintenance or issues surrounding separation and divorce follow our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @divorce_experts.