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Am I legally married?
This might seem like a strange question, but a small number of people have ceremonies which don’t qualify as legal weddings and they don’t realise until they separate.
What is the legal definition of domestic abuse?
The legal definition of domestic abuse has become broader in recent years. The authorities would previously talk about domestic violence rather than domestic abuse. There is now a better understanding that domestic abuse can involve controlling as well as violent behaviour.
Questioning in court where there are allegations of domestic abuse
There is a law called the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which stops someone accused of abuse from questioning the victim in court (where the victim is a party in a court case or a witness in a court case). This law also stops a victim of abuse from having to question in court the person accused of that abuse (in specific circumstances).
Can I get legal aid?
Legal Aid is when the government pays for you to have legal advice from a lawyer and / or to use a mediator.
What are direct access barristers and how do you find one?
It is possible for members of the public to use a barrister without also using a solicitor. For this to happen, the barrister needs to be a member of the Direct Access Scheme
What is non-court dispute resolution or NCDR?
Non-court dispute resolution (“NCDR”) means trying to agree family law issues away from court. The court expects you to have tried NCDR before you go to court, unless you have a very good reason not to. For example, if there has been domestic abuse.
What is mediation?
Mediation is one method for resolving family law disagreements. It is a voluntary process where a neutral third party (the mediator) tries to help you to reach agreement on whichever family law issue you have. It aims to help with open communication and cooperation.
What is arbitration?
Family law arbitration is like a private court process. In arbitration an impartial third party, known as an arbitrator, is given the power to decide the outcome of your family law disagreement.
What is neutral evaluation?
Neutral evaluation (sometimes called “early neutral evaluation”) is when an independent, qualified third party is asked to give their view on what a judge would probably decide if the case went to court.
What is collaborative law?
Under this process, you and your ex each appoint a “collaboratively trained” lawyer to represent you.
How to find a court’s contact details
If you are looking for the contact details of a court, we explain how you can find them.
Help with money worries
You may have money worries if you are dealing with family separation now, or if you think you may have to in the future. There are resources available to provide support, guidance, and practical ideas to help with money worries.
How to support someone who is going through a separation
If someone who you know or love is going through a separation, it can be difficult to work out how best to support them, especially if you have not experienced it yourself.
What is couples therapy and how to find help
Some couples go into therapy to improve or “save” their relationship. Others use the process to help them separate with kindness and understanding.
Where to find domestic abuse help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are specialist charities that can provide support and assistance.
The benefits of couples therapy and what to expect
For those dealing with infidelity or breaches of trust, therapy can help rebuild trust and repair the relationship. For couples who are separating, therapy provides a calm space with a neutral third party to discuss the future.
