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
Withers—Sophie Barrett-Brown
Withers drives further growth in its UK immigration team with new partner Sophie Barrett-Brown
Venus Legal—Esther Amoako
Venus Legal invests in next generation of legal talent as specialist litigation practice grows
Fisher Phillips—Catrina Smith
Fisher Phillips continues momentum in London with arrival of Catrina Smith
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
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