Today marks World Children’s Day, otherwise known as ‘Universal Children’s Day’. This follows a UNICEF initiative, established to focus and promote the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child.

Deciding to take the plunge and meet with a family lawyer for the first time can be a hugely daunting experience.

Where parents have informally agreed arrangements for their children, such as where the children shall live and how much time they will spend with each of their parents, it can be helpful to put this in writing so that it can provide certainty and be referred to in the future. Such an agreement is often referred to as a Parenting Agreement or Parenting Plan.

If your spouse has started divorce or dissolution proceedings, you will be notified by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) who will send you a copy of the issued Divorce Application (also referred to as a Divorce Petition). You will also receive a document called a Notice of Proceedings and Acknowledgement of Service form. The respondent party must be served with copies of these documents within 28 days of the application being issued. The Court will usually serve the documents but your spouse may also provide you with copies.

New protective orders were launched under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Following their announcement Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO), are set to be piloted from November 2024.

The recent case AH v BH has brought attention to the practical implications of pre-nuptial agreements on finances upon separation. The case highlights the importance of drafting pre-nuptial agreements with care, and most significantly, the impact of review clauses and how adherence to the same can impact the implementation of an agreement in the event of a dispute.

A Spousal Maintenance Order, also known as a Periodical Payments Order, is where one spouse makes regular payments to the other spouse to assist with their living costs. In the majority of cases meeting an individual’s essential needs will be the main priority and all that can realistically be achieved, particularly where the finances are limited.

Both parties must be open and honest in disclosing their financial positions on divorce and this will include crypto assets.

Stalking is a more aggressive form of harassment, where someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel distressed, scared or threatened. The stalker will have an obsession with the person they are stalking. This could be an ex-partner, a family member or even a complete stranger.

Neglect is when a caregiver fails to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological needs. Neglect can have severe and lasting consequences, potentially leading to serious harm or even death.

Domestic abuse covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to, physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. It is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members.

Where there are finances to be resolved, it is advisable to obtain a Financial Order to record how the matrimonial finances are to be distributed. The first step to address the finances will be for both parties to complete and exchange their full and frank financial disclosure. People are increasingly treating crypto assets as a hobby or an investment opportunity and, however big or small your current holding, it must be disclosed.