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
Eversheds Sutherland—Claire Petheram
Eversheds Sutherland strengthens top-ranked pensions practice with appointment of former global head of pensions
mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan
Law firm strengthens private client team to support continued growth
Devonshires—Andrew Cromb
Devonshires expands offering with appointment of tax partner Andrew Cromb
NEWS
Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations?
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