Blog posts categorised: Family
What’s in a name?
A name is something, that for many people is a key part of their identity and illustrates their connection to loved ones. However, there are many reasons why a person may wish to change their name. A person may wish to change their name to symbolise a new chapter of...
Civil Partnerships
As of 31 December 2019 the law changed to allow mixed sex couples to enter into a Civil Partnership. What is a civil partnership? A civil partnership is an alternative to marriage that allows your relationship with your partner to be legally recognised. Some people...Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS)
David Gray are excited to be a part of FLOWS – Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors a new project by the Family Team of RCJ Advice, in partnership with Rights of Women. FLOWS enables front line workers working with survivors of domestic abuse to access legal...
Domestic violence killings reach 5-year high
New domestic abuse bill A Bill on protection measures for victims of domestic abuse is planned to be re-introduced in the Queen’s Speech on 14th October 2019. There had been worries that the Bill could be dropped after Parliament was prorogued earlier this month....
Surrogacy Law Consultation
The current surrogacy laws have been described as “outdated and not fit for purpose” anymore by Sir Nicholas Green who is chairing a consultation which is considering making changes to the current problematic surrogacy laws. Current Situation Surprisingly, at present...
The dangers of DIY divorces
Online divorces – a DIY divorce “Quick, easy and affordable online divorce services” – the ‘quick fix solution’ that could come to bite you in years to come. Although divorce rates are at their lowest rate since 1973 (ONS) a lot of divorce petitions are...
Same Sex Marriage
Same Sex Marriage As Northern Pride Festival returns to Newcastle this weekend we take a look at the progress made for same sex marriage: Here is a timeline of recent changes: 2004, same sex couples could enter into Civil Partnerships, this was reserved only for same...
Treatment of domestic violence victims
The BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show reported today (15.05.19) that more than 120 MPs have written to the government asking for an inquiry into how family courts in England and Wales treat victims of domestic violence. They report at least four children have been...
What should I do if I receive a PLO letter?
What is a PLO letter? PLO stands for ‘Public Law Outline’, a set of rules outlining the duties of the local authority when they are concerned about the welfare of the child and are considering making an application to the Court to request that the Court make an order...
No fault divorce is coming
The Government have announced today that they will be changing the law to allow no fault divorce. This comes on the back of years of campaigning by Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of...
