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# Family Law Solicitor

Collaborative Law & Divorce | Colchester | Essex

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/blog/) - Read our blog to find out the latest information to do with family law, collaborative law, mediation, child disputes, financial disputes, divorce and cohabitation.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/)
- [About](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/about/) - By using Collaborative Law and or Mediation, we promote the importance of a negotiated agreement, reducing the need to use the court to resolve disputes.
- [Diversity](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/diversity/) - Diversity data
- [Downloads](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/downloads/) - We have put together a helpful list of downloadable infomation including a voucher for a free 15 minute Collaborative Law session and a Fixed Fee Divorce sheet.
- [Complaints](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/complaints/) - Complaints We want to give you the best possible service. However, if at any point you become unhappy or concerned about the service that Armstrong Family Law has provided then you should inform us immediately, so that we can do our best to resolve the problem. In the first instance it may be helpful to
- [FAQs](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/) - Here are some frequently asked questions regarding separation and divorce, if you can't find the answer you are looking for please contact us for more help.
- [Contact](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/contact/) - Ask us, about your financial or child dispute, separation or divorce. Also ask if the Collaborative Law & Mediation route is suitable for your situation.
- [Covid-19 and how Armstrong Family Law is going to handle it](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/covid-19-and-how-armstrong-family-law-is-going-to-handle-it/) - The current pandemic is a very worrying time for all of us and I understand entirely that this may cause people to think twice before visiting Armstrong Family Law’s offices. Obviously, I am doing everything necessary to ensure that the office is hygienic and following government advice about hand washing and so on. I usually
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - Our Privacy Policy explains what happens to any personal data that you provide to us, or that we collect from you when you are on this site.
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/terms-conditions/) - These are the Terms & Conditions which apply to professional services supplied by Armstrong Family Law, any additional or other terms are agreed with you in writing.
- [Glossary](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/glossary/) - Adultery Adultery is grounds for a divorce (but not for the dissolution of a civil partnership) if the respondent has committed adultery and the petitioner finds it intolerable to live with the respondent. Adultery is sexual intercourse between a man and a woman where one of them is married to someone else. Ancillary Relief Financial
- [Services](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/) - Specialising in Family law since 1996, we act for clients using the traditional court-based process or by using the newer Collaborative Law & Mediation route.
- [Links](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/links/) - Here are some useful links to relevant legal bodies or organisations that will provide further help and information while you resolve your legal dispute.
- [Testimonials](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/) - Read what our clients have to say about the work we have done for them, how it felt to work with us, and their thoughts on the outcome of their case.
- [Subscribe](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/subscribe/) - To get the latest news from Armstrong Family Law please subscribe to our online mailing list where you will receive useful Family Law related news and updates.
- [Sitemap](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/sitemap/) - This is a list view of our whole website for easy navigation.

## FAQs

- [My husband or wife does not want me to use a solicitor. Does using a solicitor make things worse?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/my-husband-or-wife-does-not-want-me-to-use-a-solicitor-does-using-a-solicitor-make-things-worse/) - Most family solicitors are members of Resolution (www.resolution.org.uk), an organisation which is dedicated to promoting a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Its members encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family, and in particular the best interests of children. Armstrong Family Law complies with the Resolution Code of Practice which requires us to
- [What happens if you go away?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/what-happens-if-you-go-away/) - I do occasionally spend time away from the office. Wherever possible, I ask that matters await my return. However, I do appreciate that sometimes emergencies happen and things cannot wait and I am more than happy for clients to contact me while I am away on my mobile or by email. I have access to
- [Is it like it is on television?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/is-it-like-it-is-on-television/) - No. TV and movies almost never get it right.
- [Will I have to sell the house?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/will-i-have-to-sell-the-house/) - Armstrong Family Law can advise you whether or not this is a case where the house will have to be sold. The position will depend upon whether or not you are married. Married and divorced couples - It will depend upon the circumstances of your case, including how much equity there is, what you, your
- [My husband won’t pay me any maintenance. How will I survive?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/my-husband-wont-pay-me-any-maintenance-how-will-i-survive/) - We can advise you about whether or not he should be paying maintenance and negotiate an agreement for you. If matters cannot be agreed, you may need to make an application to the Family Court and we can advise you and represent you during this.
- [My wife won’t let me see the children. Do I have the right to see them?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/my-wife-wont-let-me-see-the-children-do-i-have-the-right-to-see-them/) - You do not have an automatic right to see them, but it is in the best interests of children for non-resident parents to see them on a regular and frequent basis in the vast majority of cases. Since 22 April 2014, there is a legal presumption that it is usually in the best interests of
- [Will I have to go to court?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/will-i-have-to-go-to-court/) - Most couples separate or divorce without any need to go to court. Divorce proceedings are usually concluded without Family Court attendance being necessary and most people reach agreements through solicitors which are then approved by the Family Court without the need of for a hearing. A minority of couples have to use the Family Court
- [My husband/wife says that he/she will fight the divorce. What can I do?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/my-husband-wife-says-that-he-she-will-fight-the-divorce-what-can-i-do/) - Many husbands and wives threaten to defend divorce proceedings during moments of high stress, but very, very few actually do so when faced with divorce papers. The vast majority of divorces take place on an undefended basis. We can advise you on the best way to divorce and how to do this in a way
- [Do I have to move out?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/do-i-have-to-move-out/) - This depends on the circumstances of the case, but in most cases where a property is jointly owned or if you are married, you are entitled to stay there. Armstrong Family Law can advise you whether you should move out or stay put for the time being. If someone forces you to move out or
- [Do you decide what is best for me?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/do-you-decide-what-is-best-for-me/) - ou make the final decision about steps to take once you have received advice from us. You therefore remain in control.
- [How much will this cost?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/how-much-will-this-cost/) - Some work that we do can be met by a Fixed Fee. Where it cannot, Armstrong Family Law will provide you with a realistic costs estimate at the start of your case so that you have a clear idea of what the fees may be and can budget accordingly. This will depend on the nature
- [How much will I get?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/faq/how-much-will-i-get/) - This will depend upon the circumstances of the case. No two cases are the same. The aim is to achieve fairness and to meet the parties’ and their children’s needs. The likely outcome will depend on you and your spouse’s incomes, assets and other circumstances. Once we have a clear picture of the family’s financial

## News

- [The path to paperlessness](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-path-to-paperlessness/) - If I could travel back in time to 2011 when I opened Armstrong Family Law and if there just one thing that I could change, it would be paper. I wish that I had decided to be paperless. Any visitor to my office will note that there is a desk by my window which is piled
- [Should domestic abuse affect financial outcomes in divorces?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/should-domestic-abuse-affect-financial-outcomes-in-divorces/) - In financial remedy applications during divorces and dissolutions, couples have to complete a Form E financial statement, providing details of their financial circumstances. One of the sections in the form asks whether there is any conduct by their spouse or civil partner which should be taken into account. Unusually, the Form E tries to deter
- [Don’t be deceived by what you see onscreen. Be collaborative instead.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dont-be-deceived-by-what-you-see-onscreen-be-collaborative-instead/) - Four people are sitting at a conference table. On one side is the husband and his lawyer. On the other side is the wife and her lawyer. HUSBAND’S LAWYER: We’ll agree to the higher payment if you will agree to shared custody. WIFE’S LAWYER: My client’s daughter is not for sale. HUSBAND’S LAWYER: What does
- [Cohabitation reform at last](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/cohabitation-reform-at-last/) - The government has announced that it intends to change the law relating to cohabiting couples. This should provide cohabitants with greater rights than they currently have, as well as a more family-orientated framework and procedure than exists at present. The current law relating to cohabitants and their finances is woefully inadequate. More and more couples
- [The problem with direct agreements about finances in divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-problem-with-direct-agreements-about-finances-in-divorce/) - Many people who are divorcing, dissolving civil partnerships or separating from their spouse or civil partner will reach an agreement direct with their ex about financial issues. This may have the advantage of being much faster and less expensive than using a solicitor to negotiate an agreement. There are also some areas where it is
- [Are fat jabs causing divorces?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-fat-jabs-causing-divorces/) - The increasing use of so-called “fat jabs” such as Ozempic and Mounjaro is being predicted to cause all sorts of social changes. They may enable the NHS to reduce cases of obesity and diabetes. They also being cited by Greggs as causing a downturn in sales of sausages rolls and steak bakes. Now The Sun
- [Thirty Years On...Part 1](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/thirty-years-on/) - In January 2026, I celebrated 30 years as a family lawyer, 11 of them as a partner in a large provincial law firm and then 14 of them as a niche sole practitioner. In that time, practising family law has changed beyond all recognition, and mostly (but not entirely) for the better. For this blog,
- [Thirty Years On...Part 2](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/thirty-years-on-part-2/) - Jon Armstrong continues his review of how things have changed in family law practice over the past 30 years: You can read Part 1 here. Divorce Divorce has undergone a significant change and one that perhaps might seem most revolutionary to someone in 1996. In 1996 to get a divorce, you had to allege to
- [Thirty years on...Part 3](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/thirty-years-on-part-3/) - Jon Armstrong continues his review of how things have changed in family law practice over the past 30 years: You can read Part 1 here. You can read Part 2 here. Unmarried couples When I began working a trainee solicitor in the family department in January 1996, unmarried couples who had a dispute about their property
- [Pride and without prejudice: is there any point to without prejudice offers?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/pride-and-without-prejudice-is-there-any-point-to-without-prejudice-offers/) - When conducting financial negotiations in divorce and civil partnership dissolution proceedings, negotiations often take place on a without prejudice basis. What does “without prejudice” mean? The simplest way to think of negotiations described as being without prejudice is that they are off the record. Therefore, the court cannot be told about them. The purpose of
- [How long can a reconciliation last before you can’t divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-long-can-a-reconciliation-last-before-you-cant-divorce/) - Applicants in a divorce can apply for the final order (formerly known as a decree absolute), in order to bring their marriage legally to an end six weeks after the date of the conditional order in the divorce application. However, normal practice is to delay applying for the final order until all financial issues between
- [The slow death of the separation agreement](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-slow-death-of-the-separation-agreement/) - Changes in the way that couples divorce have resulted in separation agreements between spouses becoming much less common than they once were. A separation agreement (also known as a Deed of Separation) contains the terms of a financial agreement reached between a married couple or a couple in a civil partnership) who have separated, but
- [Is removing the presumption of parental involvement the right way forward?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-removing-the-presumption-of-parental-involvement-the-right-way-forward/) - The government has announced that it is to legislate to remove the presumption in law that contact between a child and both parents is usually in their best interests. The relevant law is at section 1(2A) of the Children Act 1989: A court, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (4)(a) or (7), is as respects
- [No more “Dear Sirs”](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/no-more-dear-sirs/) - For centuries, solicitors have started correspondence by saying “Dear Sirs”. This venerable practice may now be ended following advice from the Law Society. The Law Society’s guidance on diversity and inclusion in language has been changed so that the profession is now advised to start letters and emails in a more up to date manner.
- [Expecting confidentiality may not be realistic](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/expecting-confidentiality-may-not-be-realistic/) - Angela Rayner’s recent difficulties flagged up not just the importance of getting tax advice before engaging in complicated property transactions, but also the difficulty that can result in a financial order made in divorce proceedings which restricts the parties’ freedom to disclose information about their cases to third parties. Rayner’s defence to the allegation that
- [Cohabiting is a matter of trust](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/cohabiting-is-a-matter-of-trust/) - I frequently read reports in the media about people who have decided to buy a property together, but find themselves court arguing about whether they actually own a share in the property or about how much of the equity they are titled to. Informality in shared property owning arrangements are a recipe for disaster. If
- [The wrong stuff](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-wrong-stuff/) - In 1961, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American (and second man) in space, was asked by Mission Control what he was thinking about while waiting for the launch of his Mercury-Redstone rocket. He infamously replied, “The fact that every part of this ship was built by the low bidder.” I recalled this while reading
- [Reality bites again](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/reality-bites-again/) - Back in March, I wrote a blog about Helliwell v Entwistle, where a husband who was told that he needed to learn how to cook by the judge when he argued to the court that it shouldn’t uphold a pre-nuptial agreement that gave him nothing from his wife’s £66 million fortune. The judge, Mr Justice
- [Why is 50:50 not the answer?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-is-5050-not-the-answer/) - Many people assume that if you divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, the assets should automatically be divided equally. However, this is grossly simplistic. A 50:50 split may be appropriate in some cases, but in many cases there is a justification for diverting from equality and to award a greater share of the assets to
- [Family law stuff that makes no sense - Part 2: The remarriage trap](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-law-stuff-that-makes-no-sense-part-2-the-remarriage-trap/) - Section 28 (3) Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 provides that: If after the grant or making of a decree or order dissolving or annulling a marriage either party to that marriage remarries whether at any time before or after the commencement of this Act or forms a civil partnership, that party shall not be entitled to
- [Has no-fault divorce made things better or worse?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/has-no-fault-divorce-made-things-better-or-worse/) - No-fault divorce and dissolution has now been the only way that new divorce proceedings can be started for over three years. Has this improved the way that family disputes are resolved or has it made things worse? Under the law that applied before 5 April 2022, to get a divorce, you had to satisfy the
- [Family law stuff that makes no sense - Part 1](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-law-stuff-that-makes-no-sense-part-1/) - Property disputes between unmarried couples are not family law cases There is a great deal about the law that applies to disputes between cohabiting couples that makes very little sense, not least a law that is not fit for purpose. I have blogged extensively about the need for cohabitation law reform, for example, here. There
- [One size doesn’t fit all](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/one-size-doesnt-fit-all/) - The Ministry of Justice and HM Courts & Tribunals Service have just begun a year long pilot of an express financial remedy application process, designed to provide a better way to resolve cases where the assets are of a modest size. Until now, all applications to the Family Court for financial remedy orders in divorces,
- [Reality bites](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/reality-bites/) - A husband has recently experienced the humiliating experience of not just being told by a High Court judge that he needs to learn how to cook, but has now found it reported in The Times, the Daily Mail and The Sun. Simon Entwistle is described in The Times as a City trader. (The press loves
- [Not worth the paper it’s written on?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/not-worth-the-paper-its-written-on/) - It is very common for new clients to consult a solicitor about a divorce or dissolution, and to arrive at the solicitor’s office clutching a piece of paper setting out a financial agreement with their ex. It will have been drafted as best as they can manage, often using pseudo-legal terminology and often will have
- [The consequences of non-compliance](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-consequences-of-non-compliance/) - Parties who go to court seeking financial remedy orders are embarking on a lengthy and very expensive process. It is therefore vitally important that both sides do what they are supposed to do to ensure that the court and the other side have all the necessary information and documents – and that they do so
- [Clearing the final hurdle](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/clearing-the-final-hurdle/) - Celebrity divorces reported in the media often wrongly give the impression that the parties are divorced because a hearing has taken place where the court has declared them to be divorced. Regrettably, the journalists breathlessly reporting this have failed to understand what the procedure is. These hearings involve the court pronouncing the conditional order (known
- [10 top tips for LiPs](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/10-top-tips-for-lips/) - More and more people who are in relationship breakdowns decide that they will represent themselves in court proceedings. This is entirely understandable; solicitors can be expensive, and people who are facing a separation or divorce can be under financial pressure. People who represent themselves at court are known as litigants in person (LiPs for short).When
- [Letters are not enough on their own](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/letters-are-not-enough-on-their-own/) - One of the most common queries I receive from prospective clients is “how much does a letter cost?” The answer is – it depends. When I receive this type of enquiry, it is usually from people who want one of two things. They either want a written confirmation of an agreement, usually about financial issues
- [What a difference a day makes. 24 little hours…](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-a-difference-a-day-makes-24-little-hours/) - 79 divorces are at risk of being cancelled as a result of a problem with the government online divorce portal. The High Court is being asked to rule on whether these divorces should stand or whether they should be set aside because the applicants were allowed by the portal to commence their divorce applications a
- [Why is it taking so long ? And can I get my ex to pay my fees?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-is-it-taking-so-long-and-can-i-get-my-ex-to-pay-my-fees/) - In economics, there is something known as a “distress purchase”. This is expenditure made for reasons of necessity, rather than pleasure. It is something that is forced upon you for something you really would prefer to not have to pay, such as car repairs or a plumber’s bill for a burst pipe. Distress purchases are
- [A better way for "small money cases"?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-better-way-for-small-money-cases/) - I don’t normally agree with Baroness Deech. But on this occasion, I did rather feel that she had a point. I recently attended the At A Glance Conference, an annual symposium of family lawyers where eminent judges and lawyers (usually barristers) address the audience about, amongst other things, recent developments in family case law. The
- [A very curious thing, snobbery](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-very-curious-thing-snobbery/) - Hot on the heels of the unusual arguments made by the wife’s legal team in Vince v Vince that a divorce should be delayed so that the wife had an opportunity to become “Lady Vince” if her husband was knighted or ennobled, we now have the decision of Mr Justice Moor in a case where
- [A new reason to justify delaying the application for a final order in a divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-new-reason-to-justify-delaying-the-application-for-a-final-order-in-a-divorce/) - In a divorce, the application can apply for the final order, thereby bringing the marriage legally to an end, 6 weeks after the date of the conditional order. However, there can be good reasons to delay this. This was highlighted recently by the somewhat unusual submissions to the court in the divorce of Dale Vince
- [Let’s do something radical – let’s call our clients by their names](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/lets-do-something-radical-lets-call-our-clients-by-their-names/) - Traditionally the parties in legal proceedings are always referred to not by their names but more formal titles. Is it time for this to change? In the County Court and High Court, the person starting the proceedings is known as the claimant and the person against whom the proceedings are being brought is known as
- [Cohabitation law reform – part 2: How will a new law affect parental responsibility?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/cohabitation-law-reform-part-2-how-will-a-new-law-affect-parental-responsibility/) - I have already blogged here about the need for reform of the law relating to cohabiting couples. A few more thoughts on this subject. As I explained in my last blog, there are two alternatives to the current inadequate law; there could be a difference model, where cohabitants gain better rights, but do not get
- [Cohabitation law reform; what form should it take?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/cohabitation-law-reform-what-form-should-it-take/) - The current state of the law relating to cohabiting couples in England Wales is desperately in need of serious reform. That reform now seems likely to happen in the foreseeable future, but what form should it take? The current law is wholly inadequate. Many people mistakenly believe that if an unmarried couple cohabit, they will
- [The strange case of the phantom children](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-strange-case-of-the-phantom-children/) - The Family Court frequently has to decide factual disputes between parents. But what is the court supposed to do when the parents cannot even agree that their children exist? The Family Court recently was faced with a most unusual dispute in the case of AA v ZZ. A former husband, AA, made an application to
- [Together or alone: should I apply for a divorce on my own or jointly with my spouse?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/together-or-alone-should-i-apply-for-a-divorce-on-my-own-or-jointly-with-my-spouse/) - The no-fault divorce law introduced in April 2022 introduced a way of getting divorced that had never existed before. For the first time, it was now possible for a couple to jointly apply to the Family Court for a divorce. Before the new law was introduced, every divorce had a petitioner (now known as the
- [Is the Family Court about to get tough about alternatives to court?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-the-family-court-about-to-get-tough-about-alternatives-to-court/) - New court rules are about to be introduced in the Family Court to make it harder for people to avoid using alternatives to court. The Family Court has been overwhelmed by the number of cases that it has to deal with for years. Even before the Covid pandemic, it was struggling; the President of the
- [Conduct is rarely as relevant as you think](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/conduct-is-rarely-as-relevant-as-you-think/) - Parties who are involved in divorce proceedings can often be surprised to discover that what their spouse has done makes absolutely no difference in their case. Many clients will have experienced misconduct by their exes, some of it quite dreadful. Infidelity, domestic violence and abuse and financial impropriety are commonplace in marital breakdown, but to
- [Oh clicking hell!](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/oh-clicking-hell/) - A wife whose solicitors accidentally brought her marriage to an end prematurely has failed in her attempt to persuade the Family Court to overturn it. The solicitors had two clients with very similar names. Divorces now take place on an online court portal. Someone at the law firm intending to apply for the final order
- [Why has everyone stopped getting divorced?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-has-everyone-stopped-getting-divorced/) - This week brought us the very surprising announcement by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that divorces plummeted in 2022. In 2021 there were 113,505 divorces in England and Wales , but in 2022, this fell to only 80,057. There are various explanations being provided for this startling drop of 29.5% since the previous year.
- [Some people just don’t want to be helped](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/some-people-just-dont-want-to-be-helped/) - One of the frustrating things about being a family law solicitor is that you often encounter people whose legal problems you can solve, but they won’t let you. Of course, many people have legal problems and need legal advice, but simply cannot afford it. Legal aid for solicitors’ fees is very
- [A blunt instrument: the child maintenance system](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-blunt-instrument-the-child-maintenance-system/) - The current child maintenance formula has the virtue of simplicity, particularly compared to the previous incarnation which was so complicated that solicitors needed specialist software to be able to calculate the figure correctly. However, this simplicity comes at a price; it doesn’t always achieve fairness or meet the parent’s needs. Once upon a time, before
- [Christmas is coming](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/christmas-is-coming/) - Now that December is here, family lawyers will be bracing themselves for an annual family law tradition; the Christmas contact dispute. It is very common at this time of year for separated parents to fall out about how their children will spend time with them during Yuletide. Solicitors will often receive a phone call or
- [A recipe for disaster – Part 2](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-recipe-for-disaster-part-2/) - Informal property ownership arrangements don’t just affect people who are divorcing. They cause terrible problems with unmarried couples too. There were only 1.5 million unmarried couples in England and Wales in 2021 in 1996, but by 2021 the number had risen by 144% to 3.6 million. That figure has almost certainly continued to rise since
- [A recipe for disaster – part 1](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-recipe-for-disaster-part-1/) - In 2004, Michael Lee and his wife King-Su Huang had what they thought was a really good idea. They wanted to buy a house in Kensington for £1.57 million, but did not want the extent of their wealth of to be made public or to risk the property being called on as collateral for business
- [What is the point of the cooling off period?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-is-the-point-of-the-cooling-off-period/) - The no-fault divorce law introduced in April 2022 is a vast improvement on the old fault-based divorce law that it replaced. It has removed a pointlessly confrontational procedure which did nothing to save marriages and simply gave separating spouses and civil partners something extra to argue about. However, the new divorce procedure has a flaw.
- [The clash between parental alienation and domestic abuse](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-clash-between-parental-alienation-and-domestic-abuse/) - Applications to the Family Court for child arrangements orders have increasingly become dominated by allegation of domestic abuse and counter-allegations of parental alienation. There are those who claim that some parents engage in parental alienation, designed to prevent a child from having contact with the other parent, and others who claim that there is no
- [Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/sauce-for-the-goose-is-sauce-for-the-gander/) - Imagine the scene. A husband is getting divorced from his wife after a lengthy marriage. The couple cannot agree financial issues and end up in court. The husband argues to the judge that he always earned more than his wife and that he built up his huge pension without any contribution by her, and that
- [There is no such thing as a quickie divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-quickie-divorce/) - The competition watchdog has announced an investigation into businesses that offer legal services, such as online divorces and will writing. The Competition & Markets Authority has announced that it will consider whether these businesses are complying with consumer protection law, particularly amongst unregulated providers. The unregulated providers of these services are not solicitors. Solicitors are
- [Ignore the court at your peril](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/ignore-the-court-at-your-peril/) - In family cases, it is not unusual for people to simply ignore attempts to resolve matters. People ignore letters from their ex's solicitor, perhaps in the hope that if they don’t respond, the ex will just give up. Some people therefore will find themselves as parties to court proceedings as their non-cooperation can only be
- [Death and divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/death-and-divorce/) - The Supreme Court has confirmed that if a spouse dies before divorcing financial proceedings are concluded, then that claim dies with them and the surviving spouse cannot continue with the claim. At the same time, the Supreme Court has indicated that it believes that the law may need to be reformed. In Unger and another
- [Should mediation be made compulsory?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/should-mediation-be-made-compulsory/) - The Family Court has been suffering from appalling delays for years. In an attempt to tackle this problem, the government is considering making mediation compulsory. One of the problems is that far too many people go to court when they should be using mediation to resolve family disputes. Yet, the Law Society and Resolution both
- [Justice delayed is justice denied.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/justice-delayed-is-justice-denied/) - We all now live in a world where we are connected by technology more than ever before. And yet, communicating with the Family Court has never been more difficult. Once upon a time, not so very long ago, if I needed to speak to the court office about a case, I would simply pick up
- [What is the point in making people wait for a divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-is-the-point-in-making-people-wait-for-a-divorce/) - The new no-fault divorce procedure introduced in April 2022 contains a provision which seems quite pointless. Once a divorce application has been issued by the Family Court, the applicant must then wait for a period of 20 weeks before he or she can apply for the conditional order. This rule causes problems when trying to
- [The difference between solicitors and barristers](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-difference-between-solicitors-and-barristers/) - Lay people often struggle to understand the difference between different types of lawyer. All solicitors are lawyers, not all lawyers are solicitors. Other lawyers may be barristers, legal executives, licensed conveyancers or legally unqualified paralegals. Magistrates (also known as justices of the peace or JPs) are not lawyers, apart from the Chief Magistrate who is.
- [Will AI replace judges and lawyers?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/will-ai-replace-judges-and-lawyers/) - The arrival of AI may be about the revolutionise our lives. Claims are made that programmes such as ChatGPT and Bard will fundamentally change our world as much as the industrial revolution and the IT revolution did. Sceptics claim that AI may be about to steal people’s jobs, or even that it might threaten the
- [Happy 1st birthday no-fault divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/happy-1st-birthday-no-fault-divorce/) - It is now a year since no-fault divorce was first introduced in England and Wales, consigning the old fault-based system to history. Since 6 April 2022, no divorce petitions alleging adultery, behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation with consent or five years’ separation have begun. There are still a great many divorce petitions alleging these things
- [Never, ever, say custody](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/never-ever-say-custody/) - One of the downsides of being a solicitor is that we are professionally trained to nit-pick. In particular, one of the things that sets our teeth on edge is inaccurate legal terminology. It is excusable for lay people to get the terminology wrong; after all, they are not legally trained. It is arguably less excusable
- [Government signals possible change to divorce financial remedy law](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/government-signals-possible-change-to-divorce-financial-remedy-law/) - The media has reported that a junior Justice Minister intends to ask the Law Commission to consider whether and how the law about financial disputes in divorces should be reformed. The Law Commission’s role is to keep the law of England Wales under review and to recommend reforms where needed. At the moment, the law
- [Rob Rinder should know better.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/rob-rinder-should-know-better/) - Celebrity barrister and TV “judge” Rob Rinder recently shared his top tips for a divorce with the Daily Mail, and in doing so, he gave people shockingly poor advice. Rinder is reported as saying that his advice is to stay from getting solicitors involved in their “decaying relationship if possible” – because sorting a situation
- [Is it better to be married or unmarried?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-it-better-to-be-married-or-unmarried/) - According to The Times, research at the University of Colorado has revealed that men with heart failure who have never married are twice as likely to die than men who have been married. The protective effect of marriage even extends to men who have been married, but are now widowed, divorced or separated. Being married
- [What is family law? And, what is not?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-is-family-law-and-what-is-not/) - At Armstrong Family Law, I often receive enquiries from people who are looking for a solicitor who can do their will for them or deal with the conveyancing to buy or sell their home. Unfortunately, I have to turn this potential new business away. Armstrong Family Law is a specialist family solicitor’s law firm. Unlike
- [Is the law unfair to men?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-the-law-unfair-to-men/) - Is the law unfair to men
- [Am I eligible for legal aid?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/am-i-eligible-for-legal-aid/) - Potential new clients often contact Armstrong Family Law asking if they are eligible for legal aid. Unfortunately, they rarely are. Legal aid was once readily available for parties who had limited means. It could cover many types of legal work, including family disputes, civil claims and criminal cases. A lesser form of legal aid (called
- [Don’t delay starting a divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dont-delay-starting-a-divorce/) - Sometimes people who are separating decide to delay getting a divorce or dissolution. This may be because they do not feel emotionally ready to bring their marriage to an and. However, I often find that it is because they think that it would be best to sort out financial issues between them and their spouse
- [When mediation fails, why is going to court usually the only remaining option?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/when-mediation-fails-why-is-going-to-court-usually-the-only-remaining-option/) - Family mediation is often an excellent way for couples who are divorcing or separating to resolve disputes about their children or finances. However, when mediation fails, often the only remaining option is to go to court. This is often regrettable; litigation through the court is far slower, more expensive and more acrimonious than mediation. There
- [Yes, Your Highnessness](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/yes-your-highnessness/) - The Lord Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals recently made an announcement that sent shockwaves coursing through the legal profession. We were informed that we now have to start addressing District Judges as “Judge” when we are in court. District Judges (and part-time Deputy District Judges) are the lowest level of judge in
- [Will my ex have to pay my legal costs for me?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/will-my-ex-have-to-pay-my-legal-costs-for-me/) - Instructing a solicitor can be expensive. Therefore, not surprisingly, people who are divorcing or separating often want to know if there is any chance that their ex will be forced to pay their legal fees for them. The answer more of than not is that their ex won’t. In civil litigation, orders that the losing
- [The shocking state of the family justice system](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-shocking-state-of-the-family-justice-system/) - Once upon a time, the court could be relied upon to dispense justice in family cases in a swift and efficient manner. Those days now seem a very long time ago. In 2022, the Family Court is now breathtakingly slow. Cases proceed at a glacial pace. Already grinding to a halt before the pandemic, it
- [The next big battle: cohabitation law reform](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-next-big-battle-cohabitation-law-reform/) - Although civil partnerships for same sex couples were introduced in England and Wales in December 2005, it was not until December 2019 that this form of union was permitted for opposite sex couples. Since then, I have noticed something rather unexpected. In the past year or so, I have spoke to a number of prospective
- [Can you hear me?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/can-you-hear-me/) - Over two years on from the start of the COVID pandemic, the Family Court is still holding large numbers of hearings remotely by video or telephone. Is this a good thing or should we revert to face-to-face hearings for everything? Back in March 2020, it was starting to look inevitable that sooner or later we
- [Why is your home not registered in your name?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-is-your-home-not-registered-in-your-name/) - Most married couples who own their own home will have registered it in their joint names when they bought it. However, not all couples do this and it is important to take steps to safeguard the non-owning spouse’s position if they separate or divorce. Most homes these days are registered. Compulsory land registration began in
- [What is your address? Simple questions can be hard to answer](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-is-your-address-simple-questions-can-be-hard-to-answer/) - The first thing that I have to do when I am instructed by a new client is to obtain their personal details: name, address, date of birth, information about their finances and children etc. It is surprising how often this proves to a surprisingly tricky exercise. For most new clients, I now use an online
- [No-fault divorce is now only weeks away.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/no-fault-divorce-is-now-only-weeks-away/) - The biggest change in divorce law for 50 years is due to be introduced on 6 April. No fault divorce will replace the current fault-based system. At the moment, the sole ground for divorce is that the marriage must have irretrievably broken down. A petitioner must cite one or more of five “Facts” in support
- [Enough information or more than enough information?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/enough-information-or-more-than-enough-information/) - Full and frank disclosure of each other’s finances is essential in a divorce. You can’t negotiate properly without it, nor can the court make a decision if your negotiations are unsuccessful. However, when does the point come when you should stop asking questions and start to do a deal? There is a fine line between
- [Arguing for a reduction in the court fee is asking for trouble](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/arguing-for-a-reduction-in-the-court-fee-is-asking-for-trouble/) - No-fault divorce will finally be introduced on 6 April 2022. However, many family solicitors are dismayed that HM Courts & Tribunals Service has not decided to reduce the court fee payable for a divorce. The court fee has slowly crept upwards over the past few years. It increased during the autumn of last year from
- [Bad terminology is the enemy of good thinking](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/bad-terminology-is-the-enemy-of-good-thinking/) - Bad terminology is the enemy of good thinking, according to Warren Buffett, the Sage of Omaha. What Buffett means is that poorly conceived terminology hinders people in making sensible decisions and understanding things. A great deal of terminology has changed in family law over during the 26 years that I have practised as a family
- [Why going to court may be the worst option, but it may be the only option](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-going-to-court-may-be-the-worst-option-but-it-may-be-the-only-option/) - Many people still assume that where there is a legal dispute about their children, they need to go to court to resolve it. However, there are a number of far better ways to resolve these types of disputes, but regrettably all too often court proceedings are the only remedy which is used. Fathers often contact
- [Dodgy divorces - the sequel](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dodgy-divorces-the-sequel/) - 28 couples have recently discovered the downside of using an unregulated divorce adviser rather than a solicitor. Their divorce petitions have been dismissed by the court as each petition contained exactly the same very detailed allegation about the behaviour of the respondent. You can read the brief and rather painful judgment of Mr Justice Moor
- [Why a letter is not enough](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-a-letter-is-not-enough/) - The most successful blog that I have ever written (in terms of clicks) was one entitled “How much does a letter cost?”. It is a question that many people who contact me ask. Regrettably the answer is often “More than you expect”. Many of those potential clients are enquiring about how much it costs to
- [Delays to the arrival of no-fault divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/delays-to-the-arrival-of-no-fault-divorce/) - The Ministry of Justice has recently announced that no fault divorce will not be introduced as planned in autumn 2021 and instead it will be introduced on 6 April 2022. The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act was passed by Parliament and granted the Royal Assent in June 2020, so it is disappointing that the new
- [Are divorces really rising due to COVID?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-divorces-really-rising-due-to-covid/) - Blog about divorce and COVID
- [Online divorce and the potential for fraud](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/online-divorce-and-the-potential-for-fraud/) - Blog about online divorce and the risk of fraud.
- [Why are we still filing documents at court?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-are-we-still-filing-documents-at-court/) - Blog about court and filing documents
- [Top Ten Tips for LiPs](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/top-ten-tips-for-lips/) - Blog with advice for Litigants in Person
- [The usual suspects and tired old arguments](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-usual-suspects-and-tired-old-arguments/) - Blog about no-fault divorce
- [Family law and COVID-19](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-law-and-covid-19/) - Blog about family law and COVID-19
- [Covid-19 and how Armstrong Family Law is going to handle it - UPDATED](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/covid-19-and-how-armstrong-family-law-is-going-to-handle-it/) - Announcement about how we deal with Covid 19
- [Budget 2020 – no good news for separating and divorcing couples](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/budget-2020-no-good-news-for-separating-and-divorcing-couples/) - Blog about the 2020 budget
- [Marriage Story](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/marriage-story/) - Marriage Story and how it compares with our system
- [How much does a hearing cost?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-much-does-a-hearing-cost/) - Going to court can be very expensive. Being represented at court involves paying for a solicitor or barrister’s time at court, and the preparations for any hearing. However, it could be argued that litigants are not paying the full cost of the court proceedings. This is because the contribution that the parties pay to the
- [What exactly is a legal separation?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-exactly-is-a-legal-separation/) - Blog about separation and divorce
- [How to keep talking after a divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-to-keep-talking-after-a-divorce/) - Blog about communication after divorce
- [You might as well accuse doctors of making people sick](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/you-might-as-well-accuse-doctors-of-making-people-sick/) - Blog about misconception about divorce and solicitors
- [Pride and without prejudice](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/pride-and-without-prejudice/) - Blog about Calderbank offers in divorce and family proceedings
- [Things go from bad to worse at Bury St Edmunds](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/things-go-from-bad-to-worse-at-bury-st-edmunds/) - Blog about divorce delays at the Family Court
- [Why it’s not easier when the other side is unrepresented.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-its-not-easier-when-the-other-side-is-unrepresented/) - Sometimes a new client will consult me and will express the hope that his or her spouse or ex-spouse will not go and see a solicitor of their own. This is often because they may fear that the ex will receive legal advice that encourages them to back out of an agreement or that they
- [Legal unicorns, myth and reality](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/legal-unicorns-myth-and-reality/) - Blog about divorce myths, rare orders
- [Family law isn’t very civil](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-law-isnt-very-civil/) - No such thing as common law marriage
- [How much does a letter cost?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-much-does-a-letter-cost/) - Written correspondence is a solicitor’s stock in trade. A huge part of a family solicitor’s working day involves writing or receiving letters or emails. It’s how we primarily liaise with solicitors acting for other parties, and it is often how we conduct negotiations about financial issues or arrangements for children. A common question that clients
- [Two’s company, three’s an ethical nightmare](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/twos-company-threes-an-ethical-nightmare/) - Why solicitor cannot act for both husband and wife
- [Informality rules.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/921/) - Collaborative law in divorce and ties
- [Flexibility versus certainty](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/flexibility-versus-certainty/) - The conflict between certainty and flexibility in divorces
- [Do you speak tabloid?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/do-you-speak-tabloid/) - Tabloid press coverage of divorce and Boris Johnson
- [10 big mistakes that people make in a divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/10-big-mistakes-that-people-make-in-a-divorce/) - divorce tax McKenzie Friend child maintenance
- [Paperlite, not paperless](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/paperlite-not-paperless/) - paperless law firm divorce
- [Wuff justice](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/wuff-justice/) - Last week, The Daily Mail ran an astonishing story that a quarter of all divorces now include disputes about pets and that the rise of so-called “pet-nup” agreements now means that judges are dealing with 90 “animal custody” cases every day. It states “Research among family lawyers and a poll of the public said that
- [The new divorce law and why it might not be a good idea to wait](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-new-divorce-law-and-why-it-might-not-be-a-good-idea-to-wait/) - no fault divorce
- [These may be the droids you’re looking for](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/these-arent-the-droids-youre-looking-for/) - blog on divorce law and robots and It and AI
- [Should I wait to get a divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/should-i-wait-to-get-a-divorce/) - The government has recently announced that it intends to introduce no-fault divorce laws that will allow couples to divorce without dignity and to thereby avoid needless additional conflict. Successive governments have prevaricated over this issue (when they have not simply been ignoring it) for over twenty years, so the reform here is welcome. At this
- [Why is family arbitration not used more often?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-is-family-arbitration-not-used-more-often/) - family arbitration divorce
- [Victory at last for divorce reformers](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/victory-at-last-for-divorce-reformers/) - Family lawyers have overwhelmingly welcomed the news that the government intends to introduce no-fault divorce laws. This decision has been a very long time coming. The Major government intended to introduce no-fault divorce laws in 1996, but the legislation passed at the time was not particularly well drafted and difficulties with piloting part of
- [This is how it ends, “not with a bang, but with a whimper”](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/this-is-how-it-ends-not-with-a-bang-but-with-a-whimper/) - The final step in a divorce is the Decree Absolute, a court order that formally brings the marriage legally to an end. To solicitors, the Decree Absolute often seems like a mere formality. It is a very simple and quick piece of paperwork. What has gone before seems so much complicated and important; the divorce
- [The trouble with going it alone](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/870/) - In what I increasingly start to regard as being the halcyon days of my career, the mid to late nineties, it was relatively rare for a family lawyer to have a case where the other side represented themselves. Litigants in person, as they are known, were few and far between. Legal aid was available for
- [Divorce can be taxing](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/867/) - Getting divorced can be very expensive. Quite aside from the legal fees that it involves, people who divorce must find a way to divide their assets and income between them in order to meet their and their children’s needs. It costs more to live separately than it does together. Resolving the financial aspect of a
- [Putting the cart before the horse](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/putting-the-horse-before-the-cart/) - About 20 years ago, I received a telephone call one Thursday afternoon. The caller explained that he was getting married in two days’ time, but there was a problem. He wasn’t divorced yet. I am pleased to say that he was not one of my clients. If he had instructed me to act for him
- [No fault divorce and extending civil partnerships are a good idea, but further reforms are needed](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/no-fault-divorce-and-extending-civil-partnerships-are-a-good-idea-but-further-reforms-are-needed/) - These are heady times for family lawyers. No sooner had the government announced that it was in favour of introducing no-fault divorce, then hard on its heels came the announcement from the equalities minister, Penny Mordaunt MP, that the government would extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples. Civil partnerships are currently a weird anomaly in
- [Disappointment for Mrs Owens](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/disappointment-for-mrs-owens/) - The Supreme Court has now handed down its decision in the case of Owens v Owens. The appellant, Tini Owens has been told that her appeal has failed and therefore she cannot obtain a divorce against her husband on the ground that their marriage has irretrievably broken down due to his behaviour. It is extremely
- [The pedant's guide to The Split](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-pedants-guide-to-the-split/) - Many family lawyers have been glued to their TV screens recently watching The Split on BBC1. However, this is nothing to do with the gripping drama involved or the acting by the cast. It is because lawyers love nothing more than nit-picking about legal inaccuracies, and The Split is full of them. Of course, dramatists
- [Why magistrates are environmentally unfriendly](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-magistrates-are-environmentally-unfriendly/) - One of the banes of a family lawyer’s life is Practice Direction 27A (PD27A) of the Family Procedure Rules 2010. This part of the court rules sets out in enormous detail a family lawyer’s obligation to provide the court with a bundle for every hearing takes place in a family case. The bundle is usually
- [Divorce is no laughing matter -or is it?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-is-no-laughing-matter-or-is-it/) - I usually take the view that humour can be found almost anywhere. In fact, I may suffer from what John Oliver has described (about himself) as a sociopathic need to make a joke whenever I think of one. Thankfully, I do have a filter. There are very few subjects that should never be joked about.
- [Equality cannot be achieved by abolishing civil partnerships](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/equality-cannot-be-achieved-by-abolishing-civil-partnerships/) - The days may be numbered for the strange anomaly that allows gay couples to marry or enter into a civil partnership, but which prohibits straight couples from having a civil partnerships. A private members bill introduced by Conservative MP, Tim Loughton, has just successfully had its second reading in the House of Commons. The bill
- [Cohabitation Awareness Week #abetterway](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/cohabitation-awareness-week-abetterway/) - The family solicitors’ body Resolution is running its annual campaign this week. In past years this has focused on alternatives to court, such as collaborative law, mediation or arbitration. This year, they have set their sights on the hopelessly inadequate laws that apply in relation to unmarried couples. There are apparently now almost 7 million couples in
- [Spreadsheet Phil, tax and divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/spreadsheet-phil-tax-and-divorce/) - Stampy duty tax divorce blog
- [The time has come for no-fault divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-time-has-come-for-no-fault-divorce/) - divorce blog no fault solicitor
- [Faulty divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/faulty-divorce/) - Finding fault
- [Divorce and sanitation](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-and-sanitation/) - A few weeks ago, the British newspapers all reported the story of a woman in India who was granted a divorce due to her husband’s refusal to install a toilet in their home. Every day I get an email from Google News with a summary of various divorce stories from around the world. If the stories
- [The ties that bind](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-ties-that-bind/) - Lawyers tend to be amongst the more formally dressed members of society. There is a style of attire favoured by legal types that I like to call “solicitor chic”; a dark suit, possibly very stripy, a shirt, tie and cufflinks. Barristers tend to go even further, with tunic shirts and detachable collars so that they
- [Blame game](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/blame-game/) - Press reports trumpeted last week that the Court of Appeal had brought an end to the era of the area of equal shares in divorces. As if so often the case, the headlines are misleading. In the case of Sharp v Sharp, the husband and the wife had a short marriage lasting about 4 years.
- [The politics of divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-politics-of-divorce/) - With the General Election looming on Thursday 8 June, here are the main three parties’ policies in relation to divorce and family law: The Conservative Party The Conservatives have regrettably not included anything in their manifesto about no-fault divorce. Given that this was once Conservative policy (admittedly that was back in 1996), it is disappointing
- [Checking out of your marriage](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/checking-out-of-your-marriage/) - Britain’s first so-called “divorce hotel” has apparently opened for business in Yorkshire. Couples who are going to divorce can check into the hotel for a weekend, during which they negotiate the terms of their divorce with the assistance of a mediator and a lawyer. At the end of the weekend filled with luxury and mediation,
- [Why wash your dirty laundry in public?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-wash-your-dirty-laundry-in-public/) - Ryan Giggs divorce arbitration
- [No-fault divorce - why the lawyers and not the politicians are right](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/806/) - In a letter published in The Times on Wednesday 1 March 2017, it was claimed by Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh that “research from Sweden, Canada and the US shows that introducing no-fault divorce significantly increases divorce rates.” Sir Edward was responding to the comments by Supreme Court Justice Lord Wilson of Culworth on BBC
- [Unreasonable behaviour? Or just behaviour?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/unreasonable-behaviour-or-just-behaviour/) - divorce unreasonable behaviour
- [Family Mediation Week](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-mediation-week/) - mediation
- [Some couples are more equal than others](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/some-couples-are-more-equal-than-others/) - civil partnership
- [They always say that](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/they-always-say-that/) - divorce
- [How can divorce be "good"?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-can-divorce-be-good/) - divorce family
- [It's time to end the blame game](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/its-time-to-end-the-blame-game/) - The current divorce laws in this country are antiquated. They do nothing but add extra conflict where there is already too much conflict. Forcing people to allege that their spouse has committed adultery or behaved unreasonably just so that they can divorce does nothing but impede their ability to reach an agreement about their children
- [Good Divorce Week #abetterway](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/good-divorce-week-abetterway/) - I’m a proud member of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. Resolution membership is about the approach I take to my work. This means that as a Resolution member, I will always seek to reduce or manage any conflict and confrontation,
- [Justice drowning in paper](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/justice-drowning-in-paper/) - In Terry Gilliam’s 1985 film “Brazil” a young bureaucrat working in an Orwellian society, Sam Lowry (played by Jonathan Pryce), finds himself sucked into a plot against the state being organised by a freelance plumber, Harry Tuttle (Robert de Niro). At the end of the film, Tuttle rescues Lowry, but then is consumed by a
- [Don’t let the law get in the way of a good story](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dont-let-the-law-get-in-the-way-of-a-good-story/) - David’s wife Robin called him over to her Jag. She handed him the divorce petition and David read it aghast. Not as aghast as me though. I was spluttering with irritation. The divorce petition looked completely wrong. Mrs Armstrong and I were watching Cold Feet. Mrs Armstrong is very keen on Cold Feet and does
- [How much?!!!](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-much-2/) - How much?!!! In yesterday’s Times, I read a report about a divorce where the husband and wife have incurred legal fees between of £1.32 million. That level of legal costs beggars belief. It sounds like a complicated case, involving allegations that the wife had hidden the true value of shares in her company so that
- [In? Out? Shake it all about?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/in-out-shake-it-all-about/) - The big day is looming. The biggest political decision that anyone of us are ever likely to make. Do we stay or we do go? I'll be honest. I have wavered on occasions and found myself changing my mind a lot, especially in the early days of the campaign. However as the campaign has gone
- [The case of the multi-millionaire ex-hippy](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-case-of-the-multi-millionaire-ex-hippy/) - For many years, it was assumed that failing to make a financial claim after a divorce would eventually lead to a kind of unofficial financial clean break. Sooner or later, the point would be reached where it was too late to make a claim and the court wouldn’t entertain it. Last year, this notion was
- [Why do we need a judge to divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-do-we-need-a-judge-to-divorce/) - The French government has recently announced that it is considering taking divorce away from judges and putting it in the hands of administrators. This is not as radical an idea as it may sound. There have been calls for something similar to happen in England. Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division (and therefore
- [Gary Lineker kicks off](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/gary-lineker-kicks-off/) - Gary Lineker’s claims that lawyers manipulate divorce in order to cost their clients money has outraged family solicitors. The ex-footballer and TV presenter and crisp salesman has divorced without using a solicitor. Speaking to the Radio Times, he claims that “we know that lawyers try to manipulate it to make you spend more money and basically end
- [A conspiracy to divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-conspiracy-to-divorce/) - The new Chair of Resolution, Nigel Shepherd, has called for no-fault divorce to be introduced in his incoming speech. He said “It is just wrong – and actually bordering on cruel - to say to couples, if you want to move on with your lives without having to wait two, or perhaps five, years one
- [Jon Armstrong comes highly recommended.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/749/) - On Sunday 10th April the Sunday Times published their first supplement listing the Top 175 Solicitors in the UK based on reviews on the independent consumer ratings website VouchedFor.co.uk. We are proud to say that Jon Armstrong was featured. To be included Jon was highly recommended by 15 of his clients. All had rated his
- [Trying times with the Family Court](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/trying-times-with-the-family-court/) - Family court mistakes
- [Tax or fee?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/tax-or-fee/) - Times are tight. We all know that. The government is committed to reducing the deficit. There are vast demands on public finances. Access to justice is not the only one. Money has to be found to pay for health, education, defence and so much more. But it is a little difficult not to be outraged
- [Old habits die hard](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/old-habits-die-hard/) - In 2014, the terminology used by the court to describe court orders in relation to children changed, and almost two years later, many lawyers have not caught up. The terminology for orders about children has been misused for years. The Children Act 1989 abolished the old concepts of access and custody and replaced them with
- [Top 10 mistakes made by people who represent themselves in divorces.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/top-10-mistakes-made-by-people-who-represent-themselves-in-divorces/) - Using a solicitor in divorces or family cases can be expensive. More and more people will be tempted to represent themselves. They are what are known as litigants in person (or LiPs). When I began practising family law 20 years ago, it was rare to encounter a LiP. Most people used solicitors if they got
- [Form E - Don't panic!](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/form-e-dont-panic/) - On Friday morning, I entered my kitchen, nursing a sore head after the Armstrong Family Law Christmas party. I turned on the radio and my urgent quest for coffee and Nurofen was interrupted by Nick Robinson on The Today Programme talking about Form E. It’s not often that anything as mundane as Form E makes
- [10 more things that you probably don’t know about divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/10-more-things-that-you-probably-dont-know-about-divorce/) - I recently blogged about 10 things that you probably don't know about divorce; here's 10 more... 1. There’s no such thing as a Registry Office wedding. Not only is there no such thing as a Registry Office wedding, there’s no such thing as a Registry Office either. The Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages is
- [10 things that you probably don't know about divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/10-things-that-you-probably-dont-know-about-divorce/) - Divorce law is a complex area. Lots of people think that divorce will be straightforward and that they don’t need a solicitor. They often stumble across legal problems that they did not foresee which a solicitor would be well aware of and would have avoided. 10 things that you probably don’t know about divorce are:
- [Richard Bacon MP's no-fault divorce bill](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/richard-bacon-mps-no-fault-divorce-bill/) - Richard Bacon MP has introduced a private member's bill to change the law and allow no-fault divorce. It will have its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday. I appreciate that politicians may have more pressing matters to consider at the moment, but as many MPs as possible should be encouraged to vote
- [Family Dispute Resolution Week 2015 is here - putting #childrenfirst](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-dispute-resolution-week-2015-is-here-putting-childrenfirst/) - Most solicitors who specialise in family work are members of Resolution, which is committed to helping people resolve their disputes in a constructive manner. This week is Family Dispute Resolution Week 2015, and this year's message is the importance of putting #childrenfirst. Armstrong Family Law supports this and complies with their Code of Practice.
- [Back to the future for divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/back-to-the-future-for-divorce/) - October 21st is Back to the Future Day; the day when Marty McFly and Doc Brown travelled to the future from the year 1985. When they arrived in Hill Valley in 2015, they encountered all sorts of futuristic inventions, such as flying cars, hoverboards and, hilariously, fax machines. (When Back to the Future II was
- [Jon Armstrong – Divorce Jedi](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/jon-armstrong-divorce-jedi/) - People often think that the word ”solicitor” and the word “lawyer” mean the same thing. Not so. It’s not surprising that many people confuse the two, as even solicitors are guilty of using the word lawyer when they might better use the word “solicitor”. For example, I am not just a solicitor, I am also
- [When needs trump fairness](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/when-needs-trump-fairness/) - The Telegraph and the Mirror have recently reported a divorce case involving a disabled Afghan veteran who is getting divorced from his wife. There have been slightly hysterical headlines along the lines of “Disabled war vet may lose £1.1 million compensation in divorce”. At first sight, this sounds wrong. However, when you look at the
- [Infidelity and adultery are not the same](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/infidelity-and-adultery-are-not-the-same/) - There was a fascinating item on BBC Radio 4’s iPM programme last Saturday. In it, a woman explained how after finding out that her husband had been unfaithful , she could not divorce him on the grounds of adultery. Why not? Because he cheated on her with another man. Listen to it here. Adultery is
- [Pointless paperwork](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/pointless-paperwork/) - I recently attended a course provided by Resolution at which a judge and a senior court manager explained to us how the new divorce centre at the Family Court at Bury St Edmunds will work. The court manager told us that he had spent a few hours processing divorce petitions when they were issued so
- [Who steers the ship?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/who-steers-the-ship/) - Who is in charge
- [Getting a divorce is not like getting a TV licence](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/getting-a-divorce-is-not-like-getting-a-tv-licence/) - TV licence like getting a divorce
- [To tweet or not to tweet](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet/) - Once upon a time, when solicitors wore bowler hats to work every day and peppered their speech with Latin, they were not allowed to advertise. Anything more than a brass name plate by their front door would get them struck off for professional misconduct. Those days are long gone. Solicitors have been advertising for decades.
- [Things people get wrong about solicitors](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/things-people-get-wrong-about-solicitors/) - Picture the scene. I get a phone call from a prospective new client who wants to instruct me about a divorce. She tells me that she and her husband are very amicable and want to sort things out by agreement. I take some basic details from her and arrange a time when we can meet
- [The Armstrong Family Law family law reform manifesto 2015](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-armstrong-family-law-family-law-reform-manifesto-2015/) - Election family law manifesto
- [Informality is risky](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/informality-is-risky/) - When the Court of Appeal told a wife seeking long-term maintenance recently that she should “get a job”, some criticised the decision as being unfair to wives and failing to recognise the contribution that a non-working wife makes if she is the primary carer for children after a divorce. They argued that the pendulum had
- [Bundles and bundles of fun](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/bundles-and-bundles-of-fun/) - Family solicitors have recently been stunned by an astonishing development in family law. Mr Justice Munby, President of the Family Division, and the most senior family judge in England and Wales has handed down a judgement that will require a fundamental rethink by solicitors of the way in which they conduct family litigation. What is
- [Wife told to get a job](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/wife-told-to-get-a-job/) - A wife who was opposing an application by a husband for spousal maintenance payments to stop 6 years after their divorce has been told by the Court of Appeal that she needs to get a job. The husband (who I shall call Mr X for reasons that will become clear below) is a millionaire race
- [Divorce comes to Bury St Edmunds](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-comes-to-bury-st-edmunds/) - Sleepy Suffolk town Bury St Edmunds may soon become the centre for divorces taking place in London and the South East. Kind of.
- [Dispute Resolution Week 2014](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dispute-resolution-week-2014/) - This week is Family Dispute Resolution Week. Family solicitors will be spending the week promoting the advantages of alternatives to court such as mediation and collaborative law. Find out more here. http://youtu.be/r_k5pfv5Tog 24th November 2014
- [Leech or leach?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-lawyers-leeches/) - Leading family judge Mr Justice Mostyn has heavily criticised the size of the solicitors’ bills in a recent case where a couple spent £920,000 in legal fees arguing over assets worth about £2.9 million. So appalled was the judge by the size of the bill, he described it as a "grotesque leaching of costs". It
- [Are solicitors part of the problem or part of the solution? ](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-solicitors-part-of-the-problem-or-part-of-the-solution/) - Mrs Armstrong and I went to see What We Did On Our Holiday last week. It’s a pleasant, fairly amusing bitter sweet comedy about a divorcing couple who travel from their home in London to Scotland for the husband’s father’s 75th birthday, and who have told the children not to tell their ailing grandfather that
- [Dodgy divorces](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dodgy-divorces/) - The President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby, has recently declared 180 divorces to be void. The couples involved are therefore still married and if they have remarried, they may now be guilty of bigamy. The divorces all involved Italian husbands and wives who paid thousands of Euros to get a quick divorce in
- [The last 20 years ](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-last-20-years/) - This week I am celebrating 20 years working in the law. On Monday 19 September 1994 I started training as a solicitor at a large provincial law firm. I was fresh of out of law school, keen as mustard and full of vim. And I hated it. My employers thought that the best way to
- [10 bad excuses for not using a solicitor if you divorce](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/10-bad-excuses-for-not-using-a-solicitor-if-you-divorce/) - Many people who divorce are tempted to not use a solicitor. They either represent themselves or they may use a cheap online divorce instead of a conventional solicitor. In most cases, this is likely to be a very bad idea, but for understandable reasons, many people convince themselves that they need not use a solicitor.
- [Is staying overnight with Dad bad for your kids?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-staying-overnight-with-dad-bad-for-your-kids/) - Bestselling write and child psychologist Penelope Leach has spoken out against young children having overnight stays away from home. She argues that it is emotionally and developmentally damaging for children under the age of 5 who are cared for by their mother most of time to be uprooted from their normal home to go and
- [Just in case...](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/just-in-case/) - You may have seen the reports in the media recently saying that marriage has come back into fashion. It appears that more and more people have decided to get married, especially older people. Marriage is a good thing. Couples who are married are much less likely to split up than unmarried couples. Marriage provides a
- [No more judges in divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/no-more-judges-in-divorce/) - Sir James Munby, the President of the Family Division and most senior family judge in England and Wales, has suggested that in future, divorces should stop being handled by judges and may instead be the responsibility of a Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces. This process arguably may have already started. The new single
- [The new single Family Court](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-new-single-family-court/) - Tuesday 22 April 2014 will see the introduction of a new single Family Court in England and Wales, which will deal with the vast majority of family cases in future. The old family court system, spread between the County Court, the Family Proceedings Court and the High Court will be swept away. The old system
- [Brave New World](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/brave-new-world/) - The Law Commission has published its latest report on Family Law, recommending that pre-nuptial agreements be treated by the court as binding, provided that they do not lead to unfairness. The media coverage has not surprisingly focused very much on this part of the report and upon the howls of outrage from those who think
- [The Armstrong Family Law family law reform manifesto](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-armstrong-family-law-family-law-reform-manifesto/) - The legal system does its best to resolve family disputes, but although the law works well for the most part, there are a number of areas where reform is needed. Armstrong Family Law’s position is that the following changes to the English family law and legal system would vastly benefit the country as a whole
- [There are lawyers and then there are lawyers](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/there-are-lawyers-and-then-there-are-lawyers/) - The vast bulk of my work involves dealing with solicitors, barristers and legal executives. However, sometimes I also encounter people who describe themselves as “lawyers”. In the past, I have on occasion been asked “What is the difference between a solicitor and a lawyer?” The answer is that all solicitors are lawyers, but not all
- [Remarry in haste, repent at leisure](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/remarry-in-haste-repent-at-leisure/) - English divorce law is bang up to date when it comes to sorting out the financial aspect of a divorce or disputes about children. However, there are areas where it is hopelessly out of date. I have blogged frequently in the past about the need of divorce law reform, arguing that we need modern no-fault
- [ Do separated parents deserve criticism?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/do-separated-parents-deserve-criticism/) - Conservative backbenchers have recently called for separated parents to be criticised and have described family breakdown as a “plague”. Do parents deserve to be criticised in this way? Divorce and family breakdown is sadly a fact of life. Almost half of all marriages will break down, and an even higher proportion of unmarried relationships will
- [Why Divorce Day is a myth](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-divorce-day-is-a-myth/) - Every January, the press is filled with stories about how the first working day of the New Year is Divorce Day”; the day on which more people instruct solicitors to start divorce proceedings than any other. The Daily Mail has decreed that this year Divorce Day falls on Friday 3 January. It’s a good story
- [Armstrong Family Law and Family DR Week 2013 #keepitoutofcourt](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/armstrong-family-law-and-family-dr-week-2013-keepitoutofcourt/) - Family Dispute Resolution Week runs from 25 to 29 November. First begun by Resolution last year, the aim of Family DR Week is to promote alternatives to court proceedings, such as mediation and collaborative law. Resolution’s polling shows a significant lack of knowledge among the public about the availability of alternatives to using the court.
- [Family DR Week 2013 #keepitoutofcourt](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-dr-week-2013-2/) - Family DR Week from 25 to 29 November 2013 is the second national awareness raising event to highlight the alternatives to court for separating couples These initiatives are run by Resolution (representing family solicitors), and supported by The Law Society and family mediation organisations, all determined to find ways of avoiding painful and costly court
- [The law of unintended consequences](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-law-of-unintended-consequences/) - In April the government withdrew legal aid from most new family cases. Since then it has only be possible for people involved in family cases to obtain legal aid to resolve disputes about their finances or children if they are also the victim of domestic violence. (
- [Is ignorance bliss?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-ignorance-bliss/) - In 2011, 47.3% of babies born in the UK had parents who were not married. Bearing that in mind, to the nearest million, how many common law marriages do you think exist at the moment in England and Wales? Ten million? Five million? Two million? The answer is none. Not a single one. It’s a
- [Is your solicitor properly dressed?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-your-solicitor-properly-dressed/) - Dressing for work as a solicitor used to be easy. Solicitors had a uniform; dark blue or grey suit, possibly very stripy, shirt, tie, cufflinks. I used to call it legal chic. It made getting ready for work in the morning quite easy. Minimal brainpower was required, leaving plenty of little grey cells to mull
- [Supporting marriage this way penalises those who divorce or stay unwed.](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/supporting-marriage-this-way-penalises-those-who-divorce-or-stay-unwed/) - Supporting marriage this way penalises those who divorce or stay unwed. The government has announced its long cherished introduction of a tax break for married couples. The government argues that marriage is the glue that beholds our society together. I agree. Although I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with just living together, the
- [Dear David Cameron](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dear-david-cameron-2/) - The current law has been in place for 40 years. It belongs to a bygone age. The world has changed beyond all recognition, but unfortunately the law has failed to change with it.
- [Piercing the corporate veil](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/piercing-the-corporate-veil/) - When people divorce, it can be tempting to employ tactics designed to defeat a spouse’s claim. The Prest decision emphasises that such tactics are futile.
- [Divorce is difficult because of the admin](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-is-difficult-because-of-the-admin/) - Divorce is difficult, there's bound to be an emotional price to pay, however, I'm surprised that it's perceived as difficult from an administrative point of view.
- [What century is this?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-century-is-this/) - I recently was served with some police interview tapes which I was asked to listen to and to then prepare a transcript. This immediately posed a problem.
- [Are divorce lawyers investors in broken marriages?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-divorce-lawyers-investors-in-broken-marriages/) - Viewing divorce lawyers as parasites determined to benefit from their clients’ misery is an absurdly outdated view. I doubt that it was ever really like that.
- [Bring Adam Home](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/bring-adam-home/) - Relationships between parents from different cultures are increasingly common, with he international aspect of these cases makes them terribly hard to resolve.
- [A clearer future](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/a-clearer-future/) - Consultation have begun in relation to reforming divorce laws in England and Wales, and in my view a one size all approach is unlikely to end in a fair outcome.
- [Value for money?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/value-for-money/) - I pioneered the fixed fee divorce in Colchester, and they benefit those who are probably experiencing acute financial discomfort as the result of a separation.
- [Family Dispute Resolution Week](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/family-dispute-resolution-week/) - Solicitors group promoting a non-confrontational approach to divorce launch family dispute resolution week to create awareness of the alternatives to court.
- [Tax avoidance? What about child support avoidance?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/tax-avoidance-what-about-child-support-avoidance/) - Successive Government attempts to reform the child support system have failed, so radical changes will be introduced to clamped down on child support avoidance.
- [Don't let your emotions cloud your judgement](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dont-let-your-emotions-cloud-your-judgement/) - It makes no difference, from a legal perspective, who divorces who - no difference to the outcome of financial proceedings or disputes about a couple’s children.
- [Negotiate or litigate or mediate or collaborate or arbitrate?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/negotiate-or-litigate-or-mediate-or-collaborate-or-arbitrate/) - Many family law specialist solicitors already encourage clients to avoid using the court if possible. Courts are slow, expensive, risky and emotionally bruising.
- [Don't let your emotions cloud your judgement part 2](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/dont-let-your-emotions-cloud-your-judgement-part-2/) - The existence of an outdated fault-based divorce system simply promotes further hostility and bitterness, all of which contributes to a dysfunctional society.
- [It's time to stop playing the blame game](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/its-time-to-stop-playing-the-blame-game/) - It’s time for no-fault divorce laws so that it's no longer necessary to blame someone if you want to get divorced or to dissolve a civil partnership.
- [How can I afford to divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-can-i-afford-to-divorce/) - The end of legal aid in divorce cases, unless there is domestic violence, will massively increase the number of people who will struggle to afford a solicitor.
- [Is sharia divorce coming?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-sharia-divorce-coming/) - Alternative methods of dispute resolution in divorce cases are increasingly common. Mediation and the collaborative process have been available for many years.
- [Anything can be proved with statistics](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/anything-can-be-proved-with-statistics/) - Too many legally aided people still use the court to resolve family disputes when they ought to be considering the collaborative process or using mediation.
- [How much???](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-much/) - Divorce cases generate more than their fair share of complaints, with solicitors failing to ensure clients are aware of the likely fees that might be incurred.
- [Top 10 mistakes people make in divorces](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/top-10-mistakes-people-make-in-divorces/) - People worry about how much a solicitor is likely to cost, however without a solicitor you have no idea if a divorce settlement is fair or meets your needs.
- [Blast from the past](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/blast-from-the-past/) - A divorce without a financial clean break order means your former spouce could demand more, and getting the claim struck out can leave you a large legal bill.
- [Gay marriage - is it all a fuss about nothing?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/gay-marriage-is-it-all-a-fuss-about-nothing/) - Plans to introduce gay marriage have caused a tremendous fuss. The reality is that the legal difference between gay marriage and civil partnerships is minuscule.
- [Justice for sale?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/justice-for-sale/) - The slow death of legal aid is deeply regrettable, with the Introducion of massive cuts in family legal aid, restricting it to a far smaller number of cases.
- [What do you mean I can't see my grandchildren?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/what-do-you-mean-i-cant-see-my-grandchildren/) - The Daily Telegraph reported on 8 June 2012 that grandparents who send birthdays cards and presents to their grandchildren following the breakdown of the parents’ relationship have been threatened with prosecution for harassment. In some cases, after parents split up, the parent with care falls out with his or her ex’s parents as well. Suddenly,
- [Is divorce a bad thing?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-divorce-a-bad-thing/) - High Court Judge Sir Paul Coleridge has recently announced the launching of the Marriage Foundation, an organisation dedicated to promoting marriage as the keystone to our society. Some ill-informed speculators seem to think that divorce solicitors will not welcome this. On the contrary, I strongly believe that marriage is a good thing. Where a marriage
- [Bygones should be bygones](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/bygones-should-be-bygones/) - Two senior judges have recently pointed out how old fashioned the current divorce law. While it’s bang up to date in relation to family finances and children, bringing a marriage to an end is hopelessly old-fashioned. Sir Nicholas Wall, President of the Family Division, gave a speech a few days ago in which he said
- [Obituary - His Honour Judge Nicholas Brandt](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/obituary-his-honour-judge-nicholas-brandt/) - A few days ago I attended the funeral of Judge Nicholas Brandt who was for many years the resident circuit judge at Colchester County Court. When you first encountered Judge Brandt, he could appear fearsome. He was very much a judge of the old school, with a superficially grumpy air about him. However, the more
- [Top 10 divorce law myths](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/top-10-divorce-law-myths/) - Solicitors often find that their clients have an enormous misconceptions about divorce law. People often make the mistake of relying on their friends for legal advice. I always tell clients "Rely on your friends for emotional support, but get your legal advice from me." Divorce is now so common in our society that people often
- [Amicable Family Law](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/amicable-family-law/) - Many clients who consult me say the same thing; they want to be amicable. I’m all for that. Whenever you see divorce lawyers on television or in the movies, they are usually sitting at a table with their clients, husband and lawyer on one side and wife and her lawyer on the other. They sit
- ['appy New Year!](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/appy-new-year/) - Now available on iTunes - the Armstrong Family Law divorce app. Basic legal information at your fingertips. Download it now on iTunes.
- [Divorce - Which way is right for you?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-which-way-is-right-for-you-2/) - Couples going through divorce proceedings often assume that disputes about property, assets, and maintenance have to be resolved by the court. However, more and more couples are using alternative ways to resolve their disputes. The first step for anyone who is intending to separate or divorce is to instruct a solicitor, preferably one who specialises
- [Are the divorce courts too generous?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/are-the-divorce-courts-too-generous/) - The Daily Telegraph recently reported that couples were flocking abroad to divorce there rather than in England & Wales. It claimed that the English courts have developed a reputation of being far too generous to women. The court has wide discretion to re-distribute assets and income between a divorcing couple in order to achieve fairness
- [I have in my hand a piece of paper](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/i-have-in-my-hand-a-piece-of-paper/) - Clients who are divorcing often produce pieces of paper which set out an agreement that they have reached directly with their ex. These documents have usually been signed and dated by both the husband and the wife. They are, I am afraid to say, utterly worthless. I have to advise those clients that, unlike a
- [Gay divorce less likely than straight divorce?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/gay-divorce-less-likely-than-straight-divorce/) - Recent research shows that gay marriages are less likely to end in divorce than straight ones. Gay couples have been able to enter into Civil Partnerships for some years now, although technically this is not defined as marriage, even through the legal differences between them are minuscule. The government has indicated that it is likely
- [Divorce - which way is right for you?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/divorce-which-way-is-right-for-you/) - Fiducia Wealth Management have very kindly invited me to be a guest contributor to their latest newsletter. Click here to read the article.
- [Why cohabitation law needs reforming now](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-cohabitation-law-needs-reforming-now/) - The government has announced that it does not intend to implement the recommendations made by the Law Commission that the law in England and Wales relating to cohabiting couples should be reformed. This is a very disappointing decision by the coalition, although not particularly surprising. The Centre for Social Justice (then led by Iain Duncan Smith,
- [The significant other](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-significant-other/) - If you're not married, what do you call your other half? You can't call him or her your husband or wife. You probably shouldn't call him or her your common law husband or wife because there's no such thing; such things were abolished in the 18th century, albeit that they appear to have lingered on
- [How to keep the costs of a divorce down (Part 1)](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-to-keep-the-costs-of-a-divorce-down-part-1/) - Research in Canada has shown that if your ex does not have a lawyer, your divorce bill is likely to be higher. This will not come as a surprise to most family solicitors. Sometimes clients say to me that they hope that their ex will not seek legal advice. They worry that the ex's solicitor might
- [New Website Live](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/new-website-live/) - Welcome to Armstrong Family Law's new website. Armstrong Family Law believes that the role of a family solicitor is to give clients the best possible advice so that they are told what they need to hear and they can then decide what direction to take. We strongly promote the importance of reaching a negotiated agreement
- [With all my worldly goods, I thee endow...](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/with-all-my-worldly-goods-i-thee-endow/) - Arnold Schwarzenegger has one, but it probably won't work. Paul McCartney doesn't want one, but you'd think he'd want one. Pre-Nups - is it worthwhile having one? There was a time when the Pre-Nup in England was pointless, nothing more than a waste of paper. However, a series of court decisions, culminating in the recent case
- [How to find a good divorce lawyer](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/how-to-find-a-good-divorce-lawyer/) - Knowing where to turn to for legal advice when you're in the midst of a divorce can be a challenge in its own right. So how do you find a good divorce lawyer? First of all, ask your friends. Everyone knows someone who has got divorced; you probably know more than one. Ask them if
- [When will a no-fault divorce be possible?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/when-will-a-no-fault-divorce-be-possible/) - A few days, a referendum in Malta resulted in a 52.67% majority voting in favour of introducing divorce laws for the first time. Until now, Malta was one of only three countries in the world that still did not allow divorce (and one of them is the Vatican). Leaving aside the Holy See, the Philippines is
- [Why is divorce so expensive?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/why-is-divorce-so-expensive/) - A divorced friend of mine once asked me "Why is divorce so expensive? I started to explain that law firms tend to have very high overheads; office space, law libraries, computers, support staff, indemnity insurance etc. The list is endless. But my friend waved his arms and interrupted me. "Because it's worth it," he said,
- [The customer is always right - or not?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/the-customer-is-always-right-or-not/) - One of the oldest business cliches is that the customer is always right. But just because something is a cliche doesn't mean that it isn't true. Should a solicitor accept that a client is always right? Yes - and no. A good family solicitor knows that it is dangerous to assume that the client is right.
- [Never let the law get in the way of a good story?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/never-let-the-law-get-in-the-way-of-a-good-story/) - Whenever Mrs Armstrong and I settle down for a quiet evening in front of the telly, we tend to avoid legal dramas. For one thing, I get quite enough of that at work, thank you very much. Furthermore, TV never gets it right. "Complete rubbish" I rant. "That could never happen. Why don't they bother
- [Collaboration is not a dirty word](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/collaboration-is-not-a-dirty-word/) - Collaborating is generally seen as a bad thing. It implies foreign occupation, oppression and treason. However, in the context of a divorce, collaborating is a good thing. Don't think of it in the sense of working with the enemy. Think of the term in a more positive way. Co-authors collaborate to write books. They discuss
- [DIY divorce - a disaster in the making](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/diy-divorce-a-disaster-in-the-making/) - It's now possible to obtain a DIY divorce online from various websites for a fraction of the cost that a solicitor may charge. These may appear very tempting to people faced with the financial uncertainty at the end of their marriage. But they are potential minefields and should be avoided by the plague. The problem
- [Co-Respondent shoes](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/co-respondent-shoes/) - Like many divorce solicitors, I'm partial to a nice shirt or two. My favourite shirt shop also sells shoes for the discerning customer. Most are conventional classic black or brown ones, but they also sell a peculiar two-tone brogue, with uppers that are cream and brown. Not so much a classic shoe, more downright old-fashioned. They
- [Three types of submissions](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/three-types-of-submissions/) - A fellow solicitor recently remarked to me that she had decided to specialise in commercial law rather than litigation as she disliked the constant butterflies before a hearing. She preferred the cut and thrust of commercial negotiations to court advocacy. Luckily I rarely get the jitters before a hearing What I do dislike about advocacy is what I
- [Is divorce easier than passing your driving test?](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/news/is-divorce-easier-than-passing-your-driving-test/) - The High Court judge who presided over Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' divorce has been quoted as saying that getting a divorce is now easier than passing a driving test, and is nothing more than just filling in some forms and popping them in the post. Sir Paul Coleridge (aka Mr Justice Coleridge) is not

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- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/1134/) - "Jon handled my case with kindness, understanding, brilliance, skill, intelligence and total professionalism."
- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/778/) - "I am grateful for the professionalism and efficient practice with which Jon managed my case."
- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/very-professional-and-friendly-manner/) - "Very professional and friendly manner."
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- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/530/) - "Thank you for steering me through this saga!"
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- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/515/) - "Armstrong Family Law dealt sensitively and efficiently with my case and made a difficult period easier to deal with."
- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/215/) - "Jon is clearly very knowledgable and experienced. His expertise is quite significant. His sound advice always helped me make the right decision."
- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/marie-gruber/) - "You were extremely supportive, friendly, kept me updated and really professional. I could not have asked for any more from you."
- [](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/testimonials/206/) - "I was treated with integrity and honesty."
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## Services

- [Legal advice in mediation](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/mediation/) - Mediation is an alternative to using the court to resolve a relationship or family dispute. Mediators are neutral and will help you to reach a fair agreement.
- [Divorces & Dissolutions of Civil Partnerships](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/divorce/) - We are specialist acting on your behalf during divorce proceedings or a civil-partnership dissolution. Advising you on Financial Orders for a fair settlement.
- [Collaborative Law](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/collaboritive-law/) - Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial negotiation where Collaborative lawyers work with their clients to promote agreements about financial and property issues.
- [Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/cohabitation-pre-nuptial-agreements/) - People often believe unmarried couples gain the same rights as married couples and there is a "Common Law Marriage", the reality is that no such thing exists.
- [Domestic Violence or Abuse](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/domestic-violence-injunctions/) - Domestic violence involves more than just violence. It also includes harassment, pestering, stalking, and many other types of unacceptable or unwanted behaviour.
- [Pay As You Go & Fixed Fee Services](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/pay-as-you-go-fixed-fee-services/) - Pay As You Go is ideal for you if your budget won't allow you to opt for Full Representation. If work is done on a Pay As You Go basis, then you pay just for specific tasks to be done.
- [Separation](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/separation/) - Pre- Divorce, a Separation Agreement can set out the way in which property, pensions or other assets are divided and can provide for the payment of maintenance.
- [Financial Orders & Agreements](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/financial-orders/) - Financial orders can be made by agreement with your spouse or civil partner in the case of a divorce or dissolution.
- [Cohabitation Disputes](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/financial-and-property-disputes-between-unmarried-couples/) - Disputes between unmarried couples can be about jointly owned property, or where one makes a claim for a share of assets for the benefit of their children.
- [Children Disputes](https://www.armstrongfamilylaw.co.uk/services/children-disputes/) - Disputes about children are usually about how much contact they have with a parent, where they will live, and can be bitterly contested and enormously emotive.