Richard is Westgate Chambers’ Head of Chambers. A specialist in criminal, regulatory and civil work, Richard has been described as “a very skillful advocate who exudes charm and confidence” and repeatedly praised for both his advocacy skills and the quality of his advice. However, in the first of a new series of spotlights on Westgate […]
Historically the 5 years separation rule was one of five available grounds for divorce in England and Wales, a factor you could use to show your marriage had broken down irretrievably. If after 5 years both parties were in contact and in agreement regarding the divorce, it offered a quick and easy way to end […]
More and more couples are experimenting with birdnesting after divorce. They believe their children could be spared at least a fraction of the upset they’d otherwise feel if they can stay in the same house with their parents taking it in turns to join them. The reason birdnesting is increasingly being viewed as a beneficial […]
One can’t fail to notice how many more electric vehicles (EVs) are on the roads each week. EVs are a key component in the government’s ambition to have the UK achieve net zero status by 2030 but for those who rent rather than own their home, do landlords need to supply an EV charger for […]
When a business needs to be included in a financial settlement, one question we are very often asked is how a business is split in a divorce. While there are of course exceptions depending on the exact circumstances surrounding the divorce, businesses (and the financial value of that business) will usually be split in the […]
Under government plans children conceived during rape will be classed as victims of crime for the very first time. The changes are widely expected to become part of the forthcoming Victims Bill. Once the changes become law, anyone conceived during a rape or any other sexual offence will be able to access information about their […]
When you are at the heart of a divorce there is so much to worry about during what will be the most upsetting and stressful time of your life. However, one can never forget pensions in a divorce. Some pension pots could be even more valuable than savings or even the family home, particularly as […]
January has always been the busiest time of year for family lawyers. The stresses of Christmas are often the final straw in a relationship. This has caused the first working Monday of every January to be dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ in Family Law circles. However, history aside, will the cost of living crisis increase divorce numbers […]
Financial remedy proceedings are one of the ways the family court comes to a decision over how a divorcing couple’s finances should be split but what happens at a financial remedy hearing? When a couple divorce or end a civil partnership, they need to reach a legally binding financial settlement. This is achieved by having […]
2022 was a mixed year for landlords. On one hand mortgage rates rose. On the other house prices continued to rise and demand for rental property soared. However, with prices likely to fall and major tax changes and new pro-tenant legislation on the horizon, what will 2023 bring for landlords? This is a market that […]