children, marriage, divorce and living together

 We can help you understand the legal frame work of cohabiting and civil partnerships; the arrangements involving finances and/or children during separation or divorce; options such as injunctions and court orders against domestic violence and more.

31 Jan 2024

Cohabiting

With the number of cohabiting couples increasing, it is important to understand the legal framework which may affect your relationship. A cohabiting couple is a same-sex or opposite-sex couple who are not married or in a civil partnership. When cohabiting, neither party has any legal status as a common law husband or wife. Such terminology […]
 

legal advice
31 Jan 2024

Domestic Abuse

There is no strict definition of domestic abuse but it may include controlling behaviour which results in the victim changing their own behaviour to try and avoid mental, emotional, physical and sexual abuse and threats of violence. The behaviour can be directed towards an adult or a child. A relevant child in these cases is […]
 

legal advice
31 Jan 2024

Mediation

Mediation is not designed to assist parties to reconcile. In mediation it is assumed that your relationship has broken down and the focus is on helping you sort out issues such as separation, divorce, children, property and finances. It is available and applicable to divorcing couples and separating partners. The aim of mediation is to […]
 

legal advice
31 Jan 2024

Relationships: Getting Started

Prenuptial agreement A prenuptial agreement is a formal agreement signed before you get married or enter into a civil partnership. The agreement details who owns which assets and how you think these should be divided should you divorce or separate. The courts are increasingly inclined to consider the terms of such an agreement, although such […]
 

legal advice
31 Jan 2024

Separation

Whether you are married or living together, separation usually means the breakdown of a relationship and often the breakup of a family unit. When this happens, it is important to try to organise things to help you to become more secure and more in control of your own circumstances. In this factsheet we have put […]
 

legal advice
31 Jan 2024

Separation and children

Children One of the greatest anxieties faced by parents who are separating are the arrangements involving their children. Where they are going to live, who are they going to live with and when an absent parent may get to see them, are key concerns. This, at a time when relations are often fraught, can result […]
 

legal advice
06 Dec 2023

Divorce and dissolution

In April 2022, the law on divorce and dissolution of civil partnership has changed to introduce a ‘no-fault’ divorce system. This guidance applies if you wish to divorce or dissolve a civil partnership or have applied to divorce/dissolve a civil partnership on or after 6th April 2022. Please note that any reference to ‘divorce’ in […]
 

legal advice
06 Dec 2021

Divorce and dissolution

In April 2022, the law on divorce and dissolution of civil partnership has changed to introduce a ‘no-fault’ divorce system. This guidance applies if you wish to divorce or dissolve a civil partnership or have applied to divorce/dissolve a civil partnership on or after 6th April 2022. Please note that any reference to ‘divorce’ in […]
 

legal advice
06 Aug 2021

Domestic Abuse

There is no strict definition of domestic abuse but it may include controlling behaviour which results in the victim changing their own behaviour to try and avoid mental, emotional, physical and sexual abuse and threats of violence. The behaviour can be directed towards an adult or a child. A relevant child in these cases is […]
 

legal advice
06 Aug 2021

Mediation

Mediation is not designed to assist parties to reconcile. In mediation it is assumed that your relationship has broken down and the focus is on helping you sort out issues such as separation, divorce, children, property and finances. It is available and applicable to divorcing couples and separating partners. The aim of mediation is to […]
 

legal advice
14 Jun 2021

Cohabiting

With the number of cohabiting couples increasing, it is important to understand the legal framework which may affect your relationship. A cohabiting couple is a same-sex or opposite-sex couple who are not married or in a civil partnership. When cohabiting, neither party has any legal status as a common law husband or wife. Such terminology […]
 

legal advice
14 Jun 2021

Relationships: Getting Started

Prenuptial agreement A prenuptial agreement is a formal agreement signed before you get married or enter into a civil partnership. The agreement details who owns which assets and how you think these should be divided should you divorce or separate. The courts are increasingly inclined to consider the terms of such an agreement, although such […]
 

legal advice
16 Aug 2019

Separation

Whether you are married or living together, separation usually means the breakdown of a relationship and often the breakup of a family unit. When this happens, it is important to try to organise things to help you to become more secure and more in control of your own circumstances. In this factsheet we have put […]
 

legal advice
16 Aug 2019

Separation and children

Children One of the greatest anxieties faced by parents who are separating are the arrangements involving their children. Where they are going to live, who are they going to live with and when an absent parent may get to see them, are key concerns. This, at a time when relations are often fraught, can result […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Administration Order

Find out more about how an Administration Order works and which debts you can use it for. Then talk to a free debt specialist about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  How an Administration Order works  Can I apply […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Bankruptcy

  It’s important to think carefully about declaring yourself bankrupt. Find out more about what it means then talk to a free debt adviser about whether bankruptcy is the best way to pay off or clear your debts. This information is for you if you live in England or Wales only. What’s in this guide […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Best ways to pay off your debts – Scotland

  Are you struggling to pay day-to-day bills, or to keep up with loan repayments and other financial commitments? Find out about the options available to clear your debts. However, it’s important not to make any decisions on your own – before you do anything, get free, independent expert advice. What’s in this guide Speak […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Debt management plan (DMP)

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) allows you to pay off your debts at a rate you can afford. Find out more about how it works and which debts you can use it for. You can also talk to a free debt adviser about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

  Find out more about how a Debt Relief Order (DRO) works and which debts you can use it for. Then talk to a free debt specialist about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  How a Debt Relief Order […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

How to declare yourself bankrupt?

It’s important to think carefully about declaring yourself bankrupt. Find out more about what it means then talk to a free debt adviser about whether bankruptcy is the best way to pay off or clear your debts. This information is for you if you live in England or Wales only. What’s in this guide Speak […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Individual Voluntary Arrangement

Find out more about how an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) works and which debts it covers. Then talk to a free debt adviser about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  Which debts can you pay off with an IVA?  […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Options for clearing your debt – Northern Ireland

If you’re struggling to pay day-to-day bills, or to keep up with loan repayments and other financial commitments, there are a number of options open to you to help clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  Debt solutions overview  Debt Management Plan  Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)  Debt Relief Order  […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Options for clearing your debt in Northern Ireland

If you’re struggling to pay day-to-day bills, or to keep up with loan repayments and other financial commitments, there are a number of options open to you to help clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  Debt solutions overview  Debt Management Plan  Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)  Debt Relief Order  […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

Options for clearing your debt in Scotland

Are you struggling to pay day-to-day bills, or to keep up with loan repayments and other financial commitments? Find out about the options available to clear your debts. However, it’s important not to make any decisions on your own – before you do anything, get free, independent expert advice. What’s in this guide Speak to […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

What is a Debt Relief Order (DRO)?

  Find out more about how a Debt Relief Order (DRO) works and which debts you can use it for. Then talk to a free debt specialist about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  How a Debt Relief Order […]
 

legal advice
03 Jun 2024

What is an Administration Order?

Find out more about how an Administration Order works and which debts you can use it for. Then talk to a free debt specialist about whether it’s the best way to pay off or clear your debts. What’s in this guide Speak to a free debt adviser  How an Administration Order works  Can I apply […]
 

legal advice
02 Jun 2024

A guide to mortgage payment holidays

If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, you might be able to apply for a mortgage payment holiday. Find out how mortgage payment holidays work, the circumstances in which you might be granted one and the pros and cons of getting one. What’s in this guide Back to top  What is a mortgage payment holiday? […]
 

legal advice
02 May 2024

Where can I get help and advice about benefits?

Working out what benefits or tax credits you’re entitled to can be tricky, especially with recent welfare changes. Find out where to get free expert advice online, face-to-face or by calling an advice helpline. What’s in this guide Citizens Advice  How to get access to a food bank  Law Centres  Macmillan benefits advisers for people […]
 

legal advice
Women in accounting news thumbnail
07 Mar 2024

Women in accounting

A new study by occupational charity caba, shows that there are still significant challenges to overcome if the industry is to become a truly inclusive space for women.

news
16 Feb 2024

Dealing with Builders

We frequently speak to callers who are unhappy with a builder or other tradesman and the standard of their work. Problems with builders experienced by our callers include: the builder does not turn up when arranged the builder has walked off site the quality of the work is not satisfactory the quality of the goods […]
 

legal advice
16 Feb 2024

How to challenge a Parking ticket

Parking tickets can be issued by official bodies, such as councils and the police, or private parking companies. It’s crucial to know which applies, as they can look very similar but the appeals process is different. Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or Excess Charge Notice (ECN) from the council – these are issued on public land, […]
 

legal advice
16 Feb 2024

Motoring Offences

It all begins with a Notice of Intended Prosecution If a road traffic offence has been committed, then the police will issue a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). An individual must be informed by way of a NIP before they can be charged for certain driving offences. In some cases the driver can be warned […]
 

legal advice
16 Feb 2024

Shopping – Buying Goods

Today, we can buy goods 24/7. In this factsheet we look at the law which applies to those transactions and any legal redress you have when things go wrong. When buying any goods or services, it is helpful to know that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) sets out what a consumer should expect from […]
 

legal advice
16 Feb 2024

Small Claims Court (SCC)

Our advisors speak to a number of callers who may for a variety of reasons want to recover money from an individual or a business. Having exhausted all other options, callers frequently feel taking legal action in the Small Claims Court (SCC) is the only remedy they have left.  The purpose of this factsheet is […]
 

legal advice
16 Feb 2024

So you are buying a used car

Used motor vehicles – consumer rights Buying a used car can be problematic when things go wrong. This factsheet is designed to provide some tips to help with buying a car and what to do when things go wrong. When you buy a car from a trader i.e. a garage or car dealership you enter […]
 

legal advice
14 Feb 2024

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

In this factsheet we set out how Capital Gains Tax (CGT) works and when it may apply. We deal with many calls about CGT. Callers are naturally concerned that it may apply when selling an asset, particularly shares and property. A common misconception is that if you dispose of an asset but do not receive […]
 

legal advice
14 Feb 2024

Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Inheritance tax (IHT) is a popular subject with callers to our tax line. Whether you are looking to protect your assets to benefit future generations, help your children get on the property ladder or help loved ones pay off debts, it is understandable that you may wish to minimise any tax payable. This factsheet sets […]
 

legal advice
14 Feb 2024

Personal Injury

We frequently talk to callers who have suffered a personal injury as a result of an accident. Some callers ask for advice on bringing a claim for the injuries they have sustained. In some cases, an accident can happen and is no-one’s fault, meaning there is no action to take. A personal injury claim can […]
 

legal advice
02 Feb 2024

Disability benefits and entitlements for children

If your child has a disability or long-term health condition, you might be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for them as well as other financial support. It’s important to know what disability benefits and entitlements your child might qualify for and how to claim them. What’s in this guide Disability Living Allowance  Personal Independence […]
 

legal advice
26 Jan 2024

Social Media

We frequently hear from employers and employees, about the use of social media in the work place. The concern, is often, whether comments made on social media breach a policy (if there is one), or is conduct which can be disciplined. Use/misuse of social media, either in or out of the workplace can both be […]
 

legal advice
24 Jan 2024

Business transfers and TUPE

It may be the case that your employer’s business, or part of it, is transferred to another business. Similarly, it may be that your employer takes over an existing business or part of it. In those circumstances, all or some employees may be transferred with the business. If this happens, you could be protected under the Transfer […]
 

legal advice
24 Jan 2024

Constructive Dismissal

Sometimes an employee’s relationship with their employer breaks down and cannot be repaired. We speak to many employees who feel this has happened to them and are wanting to know what they can do if the situation cannot be resolved. Some callers have heard the words ‘constructive dismissal’ and want to know about it and if it […]
 

legal advice