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YouGov survey on shared parental rights sparks calls for a presumption in law

YouGov survey on shared parental rights sparks calls for a presumption in law

Published: 27th June 2019

Shared parental rights campaigners have called for a presumption in law that children will spend equal time with each parent in the event of divorce or separation, following a YouGov survey which highlights that the general public share the same view.

Law Commission report proposes surrogacy law reforms

Law Commission report proposes surrogacy law reforms

Published: 11th June 2019

A new report from the Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission has proposed changes to surrogacy laws that will allow intended parents to assume the same status as legal parents following the birth of the child.

Number of reported forced marriage cases increased 47% in 12 months

Number of reported forced marriage cases increased 47% in 12 months

Published: 28th May 2019

The Force Marriage Unit (FMU) have revealed that the number of cases which required their advice or support has risen by 47% in 2018 when compared to the previous year.

The future of regional divorce centres in question due to delays and inefficiencies

The future of regional divorce centres in question due to delays and inefficiencies

Published: 14th May 2019

The future of regional divorce centres in England and Wales have been brought in to question following high profile criticism from the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane and his predecessor, Sir James Munby.

DfE announce new £84 million projects to strengthen families and keep children out of care

DfE announce new £84 million projects to strengthen families and keep children out of care

Published: 2nd May 2019

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Children Act, the Department for Education have announced plans to invest £84 million in to projects to further strengthen and support families and to help children in and on the edge of care.

Pre-nuptial agreement ignored in divorce that sees husband awarded £1.3 million

Pre-nuptial agreement ignored in divorce that sees husband awarded £1.3 million

Published: 15th April 2019

Mr Justice Mostyn has awarded the lump sum of £1,333,500 to a husband having ignored a pre-nuptial agreement that 'slanted heavily in favour of the wife' and neglected the needs of the husband.

Government publish public guidance for family law disputes involving the EU after Brexit

Government publish public guidance for family law disputes involving the EU after Brexit

Published: 8th April 2019

As Brexit appears to draw closer, many may be wondering what happens in regards to family law disputes involving EU member states, should Britain leave the EU without a deal on April 12th. Concern has not gone unnoticed and the Ministry of Justice has published guidance for family law cases in involving the EU in England and Wales.

Home Office announces new measures to assist male victims of domestic abuse

Home Office announces new measures to assist male victims of domestic abuse

Published: 21st March 2019

The Home Office have announced a new set of measures to help male victims of domestic abuse, with up to £1m being given to charities and organisations supporting males who are victims of gender-based domestic violence and abuse.

New report highlights improvement in police response to domestic abuse victims

New report highlights improvement in police response to domestic abuse victims

Published: 8th March 2019

A recent report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has highlighted a marked improvement in the way the police identify, respond and support domestic abuse victims.

Justice Secretary confirms 'no-fault' divorce law reform

Justice Secretary confirms 'no-fault' divorce law reform

Published: 19th February 2019

Justice Secretary David Gauke has confirmed that he plans to introduce 'no-fault' divorce in the next session of parliament, reforming current divorce legislation by putting an end to the need to allocate blame when a relationship breaks down.

New Research Shows that Living in a Single Parent Household Doesn’t Affect the Wellbeing of Children

New Research Shows that Living in a Single Parent Household Doesn’t Affect the Wellbeing of Children

Published: 11th February 2019

A new research study conducted by Gingerbread – the charity for single parent families – and the University of Sheffield has found that contrary to popular belief, living in a single parent family does not have any adverse affects on the wellbeing of dependent children.

Government Publish Landmark New Domestic Abuse Bill

Government Publish Landmark New Domestic Abuse Bill

Published: 23rd January 2019

On the 21st January 2019, the Government published a new landmark draft Domestic Abuse Bill in order to combat domestic violence in the UK by pursuing offenders and supporting victims and their families in the aftermath.

Government Launch £2.7 Million Challenge Fund to Tackle Parental Conflict

Government Launch £2.7 Million Challenge Fund to Tackle Parental Conflict

Published: 10th January 2019

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced they will be launching a new £2.7 million Challenge Fund that aims to tackle and resolve parental conflict in the UK. As part of the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme, the government-initiated fund will support disadvantaged families who are at risk of parental conflict.

Rapid Evidence Review on Special Guardianship to be Carried Out

Rapid Evidence Review on Special Guardianship to be Carried Out

Published: 13th December 2018

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, the Family Justice Council and CoramBAAF will be working together to address pressing issues regarding Special Guardianship, in the hope to review protocols and deliver Court Orders which are fairer and more family-focused.

Ex Wife of Swedish Racing Car Driver Demands £5 Million after an Unfair Prenuptial Agreement

Ex Wife of Swedish Racing Car Driver Demands £5 Million after an Unfair Prenuptial Agreement

Published: 28th November 2018

The ex-wife of McLaren racing car driver, Kenny Brack, has demanded half of the £11 million family fortune as an appeal court ruled that their Prenuptial Agreement was “unfair”.

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Kulbir Rahi

Kulbir Rahi

Partner at our Ascot office

"I joined K J Smith with an open mind and with the expectation of developing and adding diversity and challenge to my career, having spent 23 years in a comfortable position with a traditional high street practice.

I can honestly say that K J Smith have exceeded my expectations. Since joining, I have felt supported and encouraged by the firm’s continued commitment to growth and improvement. The company allow staff at all levels to have a voice and recognise the importance of investment in their employees at every level."

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