Discover how to have a good divorce during Good Divorce Week 2025. Expert advice from leading divorce lawyers on resolving separation amicably and putting family first.

When parents separate, deciding where a child will live and how they’ll be cared for can be one of the most difficult and emotional parts of the process. Disagreements over living arrangements often lead families to seek clear guidance on what the law allows and how a court may decide if the couple is unable to agree.

A psychologist whose advice led to the removal of at least a dozen children from their mothers care has had her evidence thrown out in a landmark case. In a judgment delivered by Mrs Justice Judd, the court ruled that psychologist Melanie Gill’s assessment failed to meet the necessary evidential standards.

As a leading regional law firm with a strong history of supporting the rural sector we understand the unique challenges faced by farming families and farm businesses. We have a broad experience of representing rural communities and businesses across the country from Cumbria through the whole of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

When couples marry or enter into a civil partnership, the law in England and Wales generally treats assets as part of the “marital pot” available for division if the relationship ends. A prenuptial agreement is often seen as the most direct way to ringfence wealth acquired before the marriage, inherited funds or family property, but it is not the only option.

A landmark family law change removes the presumption of parental involvement when assessing child arrangements in family court. Speak to our family team.

A child and family assessment is one of the first steps social services may take if concerns are raised about a child’s safety, welfare, or development. The assessment looks at the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to meet those needs, and whether additional support or intervention is required.

When families separate, making decisions about children—where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how they’re supported—can be emotionally challenging. In some cases, parents turn to the Family Court for help. But for many years, the system designed to support these families has been criticised for being slow, adversarial, and at times, harmful—especially for children caught in the middle.