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27 March 2015 / Hazel Wright
Issue: 7646 / Categories: Features , Divorce , Family
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Mind the gap

Spousal maintenance in a time of change outlined by Hazel Wright

In its research note “Counting the Cost of Family Failure—2015 Update” the Relationships Foundation put the cost to the taxpayer of family breakdown at £47bn, ie £1,546 each year to every taxpayer. The implication is that this is too much and that steps should be taken to reduce the financial impact on those who pay their taxes but do not claim state support.

This article takes a look at how we got to where we are in terms of expecting self-sufficiency of adults whose personal relationships beak down, and what is changing about that.

Swinging sixties

After the swinging sixties, a raft of reforming legislation was passed aimed at addressing how people behave towards each other, both at work and in their relationships with each other and with strangers. Since its roots in 1970 (and see other reforming legislation at the same time such as the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976),

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as Head of Independent Health and Care

DWF—five appointments

DWF—five appointments

DWF further strengthens major injury and casualty offering with new partner and four directors from DAC Beachcroft

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis strengthens Grimsby child care team

NEWS
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’

Safety fears do not automatically justify shutting an interested person out of a statutory will application

Consumer credit law is heading for its biggest shake-up in 50 years, with the Consumer Credit Act 1974 set to yield much of its detailed statutory machinery to FCA rules
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
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