Prenups and Postnups for Professionals: Protecting What You’ve Worked Hard For
When you’ve spent years building a successful career, the idea of losing what you’ve achieved because of a relationship breakdown can feel daunting. For professionals, whatever your career, your assets often go beyond a salary. They may include property, investments, business interests, future earnings and inheritance prospects. Marriage is a significant commitment, and while no…
A Guide To Implementing Pension Sharing Orders
Our blog Pensions On Divorce: An Asset Not To Be Overlooked explains the importance of considering pensions when deciding how to resolve the matrimonial finances on divorce. Here, we take a look at Pension Sharing Orders and highlight the key things to know when looking at obtaining and implementing pension orders. What is a Pension…
Understanding Child Arrangements Orders: Guidance for Affluent Parents
When a relationship breaks down, parents naturally focus on safeguarding their children’s stability and emotional security. For affluent families, the situation can be even more intricate. International travel, multiple homes, private education, and demanding professional schedules often shape how child arrangements are negotiated. Understanding the legal framework for Child Arrangements Orders is essential for navigating…
A Simple Guide to Safeguarding Family Wealth During High-Value Divorces
Divorce is a deeply personal and often painful process. When significant wealth is involved, the emotional strain is frequently compounded by financial uncertainty. Whether you are a business owner, a high earner, or someone with inherited assets, protecting your financial future during a high-value divorce requires careful planning and expert legal support. At Ison Harrison,…
Talking to Children About Divorce
Navigating divorce is never easy and can present many obstacles and challenges, and it is commonly felt that the hardest thing to face is telling your children about it. Informing children that their parents are separating is a life-changing moment in any child’s life regardless of what age they are. It is therefore important that…
Parental Involvement – No Longer Presumed To Be Best For Children: Part Two of a Two Part Blog Series
Last week heralded two critical changes to child law. In part one we looked at the impending restrictions on parental responsibility in certain circumstances. Once someone is identified as a parent, there is a presumption that their involvement in their child’s life is a good thing. But not for much longer… Repealing the Presumption of…
Parental Responsibility To Be Automatically Restricted For Perpetrators Of Serious Sexual Offences: Part One Of A Two Part Blog Series
Two critical changes to child law are on the horizon, and we wanted to be the first to let you know. In part one, we look at the changes to parental responsibility where people with parental responsibility have committed serious sexual offences. Understanding Parental Responsibility Parental responsibility means “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and…
Modern Parenting Plans: How To Build Flexible Child Arrangements
In today’s evolving family landscape, traditional arrangements for spending time with children are giving way to more adaptable, child-focused parenting plans. At Ison Harrison, our Private Family Department supports parents in creating practical, legally sound arrangements that reflect modern life and prioritise children’s wellbeing. What is a Parenting Plan? A parenting plan is a written…
Domestic Abuse: What Legal Support is Available for Victims?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone, and there is help available. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse. According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 2.3 million adults experienced…
The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Settlement
Reaching a fair financial settlement after separation or divorce is one of the most important, and often most contentious, steps in resolving family matters. At Ison Harrison, our Private Family Law team regularly supports individuals navigating this complex process, ensuring their rights are protected and their future is secure. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes…
5 Minutes With Ellen Morley, Paralegal at Ison Harrison
Welcome to the latest “5 minutes with” where we chat to Ellen Morley, a Paralegal working in the Family Legal Aid team from our head office in Leeds. Ellen is a long-standing member of the Ison team, so we find out more about her day-to-day role and what she loves about it. So Ellen, how…
Do I Need a Solicitor or Mediator for My Divorce?
Divorce is not always easy. Not only does it end a relationship, but it also raises a lot of emotional, financial, and practical questions that can be hard to deal with, especially when kids are involved. One of the first things that many couples who are breaking up have to decide is whether to hire…
What Unmarried Couples Need to Know About Cohabitation Agreements
In today’s society, more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. While this can be a practical arrangement, many are unaware of the legal implications of cohabitation. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners do not have automatic legal rights over each other’s property, finances, or even shared assets. This is where a cohabitation agreement…
How to Keep Your Divorce Private: Protecting Reputation and Children
No one walks into a marriage thinking about divorce. Yet for many, the day comes when the relationship can no longer continue. It is already an emotional process, but when private matters start to spill into public view, the strain can multiply. Reputations can be dented, children can be caught in the middle, and life…
Child Arrangement ‘Live With’ Orders: What They Are, When They’re Needed, and What They Mean for Parents
When parents separate, one of the most important and emotionally charged decisions they face is where their child will live. If parents cannot agree on arrangements, the court can step in and issue a Child Arrangements Order (CAO). One specific type of CAO is the “Live With” order, which determines who the child will live…
When Your Ex Breaks a Child Arrangement Order, What Can You Do?
When parents separate, one of the most difficult challenges they face is how to co-parent effectively for the benefit of their children. To bring structure and stability to these arrangements, many families turn to the courts for a Child Arrangement Order (CAO). Issued under the Children Act 1989, a CAO sets out who the child…
Our Summer Co-Parenting Guide – Taking Your Child Abroad
The summer holidays are an exciting time for children – full of sunshine, adventure and quality time with family and friends. For separated or divorced parents, planning a holiday abroad with the children can be a little more complicated than booking flights and packing suitcases. If you are hoping to travel abroad with your child…
What Does a Family Legal Aid Solicitor Do?
When families face legal challenges, the support of a family legal aid solicitor can be life changing. Family solicitors can provide expert legal advice and representation to individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford it, ensuring access to justice in some of the most sensitive and complex areas of law. What Is Legal…
What Happens If a Parent Is Denied Contact and Is a Victim of Domestic Abuse?
When a parent is being denied contact with their child, it can be distressing, especially if that parent is also a victim of domestic abuse. In such cases, the legal system must carefully balance the child’s welfare with the safety and rights of the parent seeking contact. Understanding the Legal Framework In the UK, the…
Prenuptial Agreements: Why Professionals and Entrepreneurs Need Them
In today’s fast-paced business world, professionals and entrepreneurs face unique financial and personal challenges when entering marriage. While love and commitment remain central, safeguarding your hard-earned assets and business interests is a vital step often overlooked. Prenuptial agreements offer a practical, forward-thinking solution to protect your financial future. What is a Prenuptial Agreement? A prenuptial…
Military Divorce and Family Law Services: Dedicated Legal Support for Armed Forces Personnel
Serving in the armed forces involves unique challenges, not only on the frontline but also at home. For military personnel and their families, the stresses of deployment, relocations, and service commitments can place significant strain on relationships. At Ison Harrison, we recognise these challenges and offer specialised family law services tailored to the specific needs…
Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney: Why They Matter and How They Work
When planning for the future, many people focus on wills and inheritance. But what happens if you lose the ability to make decisions whilst you’re still alive? That’s where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) becomes essential. There are two types of LPA in England and Wales: Property and Financial Affairs LPA – allows someone…
Divorce & Property: What the Standish v Standish Decision Means for You
If you’re going through divorce (or thinking about it), a recent Supreme Court case called Standish v Standish may have a big impact on how your assets are treated. What Happened in the Case? Mr and Mrs Standish were divorcing after a long marriage. During the relationship, Mr Standish had transferred around £77 million to…
Identifying Emotional Abuse Indicators And Behaviours
A victim of emotional abuse can be any age and any gender, and the effects of it can be very damaging and long-lasting. Emotional abuse is common in family scenarios and can be triggered by issues such as relationship breakdowns, financial hardship, mental health problems and substance abuse problems. And in such cases, children or…
What to Expect from a Day at Family Court
Attending family court can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re there for a child-arrangement’s hearing, a non-molestation order, or care proceedings, knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and ensure you’re prepared. Before the Hearing You’ll usually be asked to arrive at court at least 30 to 60 minutes before…
Ison Harrison’s Family Law Team Expand Skills & Training With Client-Centred Focus
We are always looking for ways to enhance the service we offer our clients and this includes our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation in family law as well as a range of supporting services. As family law professionals, we understand the emotional complexities that often accompany matters like divorce, child arrangement orders, and domestic…
West Yorkshire Pathfinder: A Pioneering Approach to Family Courts That Puts Children First
The West Yorkshire Pathfinder scheme is setting a new standard for how family courts operate, with a pioneering approach that puts children’s needs and voices at the centre of legal proceedings. At Ison Harrison, we’re proud to support initiatives like this that aim to deliver meaningful, lasting change for families across the region. What is…
The Difficult Role Of Making Decisions For Someone Who Lacks Capacity
It is an unfortunate fact that we can’t guarantee the physical and mental health of our loved ones forever, however much we care for them and look after them. And the older they get the more likely it is that we will play a more prominent role in their care needs. However, increasingly complex data…
Why a Clean Break Order is Crucial After Divorce: Protecting Your Financial Future
Divorce isn’t just about ending a marriage — it’s also about drawing a line under your matrimonial finances. Many people are surprised to learn that simply finalising a divorce does not automatically sever the financial ties between spouses. To ensure complete financial independence, it’s vital to obtain a Clean Break Order — a type of…
What Legal Help Is Available If You Are In An Abusive Relationship
Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, primarily by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is a pattern of behaviour used to hurt, terrorize, manipulate, or gain control over a family member. Domestic abuse can manifest…
Contact Orders and Child Arrangements: What You Need to Know
When parents separate, one of the biggest concerns is how child arrangements will work. If both parents cannot agree, a contact order (now known as either a Child Arrangements Order – Spend Time With or a Child Arrangements Order – Live With) may be necessary to ensure the child maintains a relationship with their parents….
Express Financial Remedy Pilot: What You Need To Know
From 7 April 2025 various courts across North and West Yorkshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Cleveland, Newcastle, Durham, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria and the West Midlands will be included in the new Express Financial Remedy Pilot. The traditional process When spouses are unable to reach an agreement in respect of their matrimonial finances following a divorce, they…
Pensions On Divorce: An Asset Not To Be Overlooked
In many matrimonial cases pensions are the most valuable asset of the marriage, although many do not realise that both their own pension and their spouse’s pension is considered a matrimonial asset. Depending on the age of the spouses the pension may not provide an immediate income, however it should not be overlooked as to…
What Rights Do Cohabiting Partners Have?
Contrary to popular belief, cohabiting partners do not have the same rights as partners who are legally married or who are in a civil partnership. The ‘common law’ marriage agreement is a myth, and because unmarried couples are now very common, it is important that the rights of cohabiting partners are fully understood. What are…
The Pathfinder Pilot: A Revolutionary Approach to Family Law Comes to Leeds
A new way of doing family law is coming to Leeds. The ‘Pathfinder Pilot’ is soon to be implemented by Leeds Family Court. This is a new method of dealing with applications about who a child lives with and spends time with (‘child arrangements’). As those who have experience of the Family Court will know,…
Divorce and Finances: The Evolving Law And Why You Should Still Seek Expert Legal Advice
There can be many factors which can ultimately lead to a couple deciding to divorce, however the most common concern, particularly when there are children of the family is how the couple will be able to financially support themselves and the children. Changes to Divorce Law On 6 April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation…
Navigating Christmas Contact Arrangements
Shhhh, don’t say the C word! Some think that the word Christmas shouldn’t be uttered until 1 December and shudder at the sight of Christmas decorations in the shops as soon as the kids have returned to school in September. Whilst others embrace the season and can’t wait to hear Mariah on the radio. But…
Neurodiversity: What Is It And What Can It Mean For Your Child?
This National Children’s Month, we recognize and celebrate children who are neurodivergent. What Is Neurodiveristy? What does that mean? Is it a buzzword, or a medical condition? Is my child neurodivergent? Neurodiversity is a term which arose from the disability rights movement. It challenges the idea of there being a ‘normal’ way to think. It…
Pet Ownership: What Happens to the Family Pet Upon Separation or Divorce?
Your children may have been pestering you for what feels like eternity, and you finally decide to give in. What’s the perfect present for the whole family you think… a pet! Similarly there may not be any children of the family but you and your partner decide that you want a pet. Your pet becomes…
Civil Partnership Vs Marriage: Which Is Best For You?
Same-sex or opposite-sex couples have the option of both a civil partnership and a marriage in terms of formalising their relationship. In England and Wales, legally, same-sex couples have had the option of civil partnerships since 2005 and marriage since 2014. Of course, marriage has been an option for opposite-sex couples for a long time,…
#YouAreNotAlone – Violence is not the only form of domestic abuse.
Trapped, isolated, frightened and without hope. These are some of the emotions that are likely to be experienced by those all over our country that are in an abusive relationship. Those feelings must be magnified at a time where the victim may not be able to get any break from their abuser; forced into lockdown…
5 Minutes With…Afzal Patel, Family Solicitor
Today we’re chatting to Afzal Patel, a Solicitor within our Private Family team. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I joined Ison Harrison in March 2023. Where did you work previously? I have previously worked for law firms in Yorkshire. Describe your day-to-day role Working through cases, preparing applications and drafting documents. Consultations…
Knowing Your Legal Rights As A Grandparent
How grandparents fit into the legal framework with regards to the care of children is not a commonly understood element of family law and is not as clearly defined as the parent’s rights. And yet grandparents can play a key role in how children are brought up and looked after. They can also play a…
Mediation: How It Can Help With Your Separation
Separation can be a traumatic and upsetting point in time, whether it is a trial period or is an arrangement that looks to be semi-permanent. The situation can be made even worse if it dissolves into arguments, resentment and bitterness and if the two parties can’t communicate properly. Often children are caught up in this…
5 Minutes With…Jessica Hudson, Family Solicitor
Today we’re chatting to Jessica Hudson, an Associate Solicitor based at our Huddersfield branch. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? Almost five years. I started working at Ison Harrison in April 2019 as a newly qualified solicitor. Where did you work previously? I completed my training contract at a firm in Wakefield but…
How To Apply For A Child Arrangement Order
The process of navigating divorce and separation can be stressful and traumatic, and finding an agreement for the future of children involved in such proceedings can be the most complex part, and one which needs to be handled delicately for the benefit of all parties, but primarily for the children themselves. In most cases the…
5 Minutes With… Kate Camm, Family Law Executive
We’re chatting to Kate Camm, who is a Family Law Executive based at our Doncaster branch. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I’ve worked for the firm for 11 months. Describe your day to day role I help clients through what is usually one of the most challenging and upsetting times of their…
Putting The Kids First: How To Divorce Without Hurting Your Child
Divorce and separation is a profoundly sad time, and for all parties involved. Nobody enjoys breaking a commitment that two people have made to each other, but when there are also children involved it is a unique link that will always be shared, and while you may not be partners any more, you will always…
How Has No Fault Divorce Changed Divorce Law?
On 6th April 2022 the UK’s divorce laws changed for the first time in 50 years, and the ‘no-fault divorce’ was introduced. It was expected to bring an end to “archaic” legislation and a divorce process which was lengthy, costly and actively encouraged animosity. And so, over 12 months on, have we seen any improvements…
Huge Government Investment In Tackling Stalkers And Domestic Abusers Announced
The Home Office has this week announced a £39 million investment in 50 projects to tackle the problem of stalking and domestic abuse in England and Wales. 27 police forces are set to benefit from the funding, as the Government looks to step up its campaign to protect vulnerable people and victims who are being…