More divorcing couples are taking their argument to court, and Brexit may be partly to blame. In 2017–18, the numbers rose 13% to 4,120, the highest in the past decade, according to law firm Wilsons Solicitors. This is because of heightened financial stress in the economy and the impact of Brexit uncertainty on property prices and job security, the firm says. Wilsons partner Jacqueline Fitzgerald said: ‘Divorcing couples are more willing to fight over money if they think they will potentially be less well off in the future.’ Moreover, neither side had legal representation in 45% of these hearings last year.
13 February 2019
Divorce: the Brexit effect
MOVERS & SHAKERS
EIP—Stuart Malcolm
EIP strengthens Commercial practice with a new partner
Ellisons—Francesca Brown
Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team
Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke
Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires
NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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