Latest News

The very latest news and views from Ashley James Solicitors

The Final Step

The Final Step

On 6th April 2022, the law was changed to remove “blame” from divorce proceedings.  Getting divorced has been made easier and hopefully less contentious, but obtaining a Final Order (previously a Decree Absolute),  should not be the end of the story.  Few people realise that until a final financial order is made, financial claims remain […]

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Obtaining a Financial Order

Obtaining a Financial Order

Getting divorced has been made easier, but obtaining a Final Order (previously a Decree Absolute),  should not be the end of the story.  Few people realise that until a final financial order is made, financial claims remain open, even after a Final Order is made in divorce proceedings. In the case of Wyatt v Vince, […]

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Children’s Commissioner – Family Review

Children’s Commissioner – Family Review

Can you help? The Children’s Commissioner has been asked by the Government to conduct an independent review into family life to look at how families can best be supported.   If you would like to help, please complete the survey at https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/family/family-review/family-review-call-for-evidence/ The closing date to complete the survey is 27th May 2022.

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Spring Cleaning Family law

Spring Cleaning Family law

The new no fault divorce process comes into effect on 6th April 2022.  Under the new process the parties will simply say that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and, except in limited circumstances, the court will accept that statement and after a period of time, the marriage will be dissolved. The FRC Efficiency Notice […]

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Re-Opening and Guidance

Re-Opening and Guidance

We hope you have all been safe and well during Lockdown. We are now following Government Guidance as we re-open. Please note that we are now operational from the office and open during our normal office hours. Please see our website for guidance on client visits to the office or call us for further guidance […]

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How to Part Well

How to Part Well
For many couples, parting is a difficult experience.  On the other hand, there are couples like Wendy Paris and her ex-husband David who have been divorced for seven years. In that time, they’ve both moved from New York to Los Angeles, but have never lived more than three blocks from one another. They still host [...] Read More

CAFCASS guidelines on ‘parental alienation’

CAFCASS guidelines on ‘parental alienation’

Cafcass have released new guidance designed to help welfare officers identify and assess cases which feature parental alienation.  The guidance defines parental alienation as follows: When a child’s resistance or hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent. The guidance explains how Cafcass seeks to […]

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“No Fault” Divorce

“No Fault” Divorce

The Law Society have welcomed the government plans to reform the divorce process to remove the concept of fault.  Many legal professionals feel current divorce law is out of date, particularly following the 2018 Owens v Owens case. The Ministry of Justice issued a consultation on its plans in September 2018.  The consultation closed in […]

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