Contact
|
Blog
|
BG in the Community
|
Careers
|
Testimonials
|
Solicitors
|
Articles/Downloads
|
Find Us
|
About
|
Home

Archive for Family Law

» Blog » Family Law

Domestic abuse: when private pain becomes very public

Posted on 17/06/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

Yesterday, Sunday 16th June, the tabloid newspapers were full of reports, and very clear photos, of the physical, and emotional abuse, suffered by TV Chef and household name, Nigella Lawson, at the hands of her husband of 10 years, art expert, Charles Saatchi.

The very public nature of this incident, in which a husband grabbed a wife by the throat several times, at a restaurant, has shocked us greatly… read the rest of “Domestic abuse: when private pain becomes very public”
» Blog » Family Law

Supreme Court rule on “cheat’s charter” for divorcing business owners.

Posted on 13/06/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

The Supreme Court gave judgment this week in the landmark divorce case of Petrodel v Prest, in a ruling that is of importance to all business owners and their spouses. The seven Supreme Court judges unanimously decided that the oil tycoon, Michael Prest, be ordered to transfer 14 properties held by companies owned and controlled by him to his wife, Yasmin Prest, in order to fund a £17.5 million divorce… read the rest of “Supreme Court rule on “cheat’s charter” for divorcing business owners.”
» Blog » Family Law

A new member of the Family Team

Posted on 10/06/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

The lovely Jackie Mensah is going on maternity leave at the end of June and so we are thrilled to announce that Richard Adams has joined us to take over the reigns as head of department in her absence.

Richard is a specialist family lawyer and deals with all areas of family law including the financial arrangements on divorce, civil partnership dissolution and separation; disputes relating to… read the rest of “A new member of the Family Team”
» Blog » Family Law

Summer of love ?

Posted on 30/05/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

Government proposes review of civil partnership after 5 years of Same Sex Marriage legislation
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill returned to the House of Commons for debate on the 20th May, and it looks likely that same sex marriage will be with us before the end of the summer. same sex marriage

Ministers recognise that extending marriage to same sex… read the rest of “Summer of love ?”
» Blog » Family Law

Second time lucky in love?

Posted on 30/05/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

It’s never too late to protect you and your new spouse/partner with an Agreement prepared by BG Family…
The Marriage Foundation think-tank has produced a report indicating that second marriages are more stable than first marriages. wedding

According to Second Marriage: Triumph of Decision over Hope?, almost half – 45 per cent – of couples who marry for the first… read the rest of “Second time lucky in love?”
» Blog » Family Law

The loss of Legal Aid (Public Funding) and what it may mean to you…

Posted on 30/05/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

In its overhaul of Legal Aid in April 2013, the Government brought in sweeping changes to legal services funding which will affect vast numbers of the population. Regardless of financial eligibility, Legal Aid is no longer available for Divorce or Financial matters. In Domestic Violence cases,  Legal aid can be granted where there is at least one police report of violence. However, without that reporting having taken place, that is… read the rest of “The loss of Legal Aid (Public Funding) and what it may mean to you…”
» Blog » Family Law

Why should you use a Solicitor in Family Proceedings?

Posted on 10/04/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

 

There are many Divorce self help books and sites on the internet that might lead you to believe that it is cheaper, quicker and easier to ‘do it yourself.’ However, is it really that simple and will you save money or will it be a false economy?

As Family Lawyers we are often consulted by Clients who have tried to deal with the Divorce and resolution of… read the rest of “Why should you use a Solicitor in Family Proceedings?”
» Blog » Family Law

Mediation

Posted on 05/04/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

Is Mediation right for you?

The removal of legal aid for all but the most serious family matters will be a setback for many.  The cost of legal proceedings may be a worry but it needn’t be as horrendous as you might think.  Mediation is one of the options you might want to explore.  It can help couples resolve their differences, whether resulting from the relationship breakdown, the property… read the rest of “Mediation”
» Blog » Family Law

The Bennett Griffin Family team: helping you weather the changes in 2013

Posted on 26/03/13, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

 

Spring is illusive this year, and this Easter is set to be one of the coldest yet.

 

As we all hope that April Fools’ Day will herald warmer times, the changes in public funding rules (legal aid) which will start on that date, are unlikely to bring about a sunnier legal climate for many.

 

In short, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment… read the rest of “The Bennett Griffin Family team: helping you weather the changes in 2013 ”
» Blog » Family Law

It’s a nice day for a white (or pink) Wedding…

Posted on 20/03/13, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

 

Civil Partnerships have been in existence for nearly a decade now, and yet we can all no doubt remember the controversy and debate which took place before the law changed so monumentally. In February this year, the Commons voted in favour of the law being changed to allow same sex couples to be able to marry, and therefore be referred to as spouses, with all the associated legal… read the rest of “It’s a nice day for a white (or pink) Wedding…”
» Blog » Family Law

Vacancy for Experienced Family Law Solicitor

Posted on 21/02/13, filed under Family Law, Fresh News | No Comments

 

The Family Team at Bennett Griffin have a vacancy…

 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Matrimonial Solicitor with a proven track record of successfully attracting and acting for medium to high net worth clients in divorce, ancillary relief and all aspects of private client family work.  For the right candidate the post will not only cover the caseload and responsibilities during maternity leave… read the rest of “Vacancy for Experienced Family Law Solicitor”
» Blog » Family Law

Collaborative Law – Finding Solutions Together

Posted on 12/02/13, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

 

Jackie Mensah, Head of the Bennett Griffin Family department  is a Resolutions trained collaborative solicitor. Collaborative law offers clients an alternative to Court proceedings.

 

Below is a link to some useful information from Resolutions on the collaborative process and how it works.

 

If you would like any more information on collaborative law or any advice on matrimonial, family law advice

read the rest of “Collaborative Law - Finding Solutions Together”
» Blog » Family Law

Meeting your Family needs in the (not so wild) West – The Bennett Griffin Family team in Rustington

Posted on 17/01/13, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

As always, the family team are happy and able to meet with our Clients at the Rustington office, at your convenience. Do call in to the office whilst you’re in town and speak to the friendly reception team who will liaise with us so that booking your appointment is as easy as possible. If this is your first meeting with our Family experts, you may want to take advantage of… read the rest of “Meeting your Family needs in the (not so wild) West - The Bennett Griffin Family team in Rustington”
» Blog » Family Law

Santa meets Wave BNI

Posted on 19/12/12, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

Jackie Mensah from our family team who dressed up as santa for St Barnabas wear a santa suit day meet up with her Wave BNI chapter on Thursday and they all generously doanted to the cause.

Pictured below are (from left to right)

Becky Derham – Smart Wood Flooring, Mark – Carpenter Box Accountants, Michael – The Computer Man, Neil Watson – IPS Fire & Security, la… read the rest of “Santa meets Wave BNI”
» Blog » Family Law

Anticipating the End of the World Day? Or just a good time to plan for 2013?

Posted on 13/12/12, filed under Family Law, News, Wills | No Comments

Assuming that we do not all implode on 21s December, this could be a time to give some thought to what has passed in 2012 and what new challenges and changes face us in 2013.

You may be looking forward to planning your wedding; moving house;  a new arrival, or all of the above. Or, you may be anxious about your former partner/spouse getting married before you have a… read the rest of “Anticipating the End of the World Day? Or just a good time to plan for 2013?”
» Blog » Family Law

Family cases ~ Pay as you go or traditional instruction?

Posted on 23/11/12, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

In the present economic climate, funding legal proceedings can be difficult, particularly for those with limited resources.  Sometimes there will be no option but to represent yourself.  This in itself can be daunting and you may feel out of your depth or ‘wrong footed’, particularly, if your former partner or spouse is proceeding with the benefit of legal representation.  Here’s where we can help.  We can see you for one… read the rest of “Family cases ~ Pay as you go or traditional instruction?”
» Blog » Family Law

Over a million families will soon be told they could lose their child benefit entitlement next year, or have it reduced.

Posted on 31/10/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is writing to households where at least one parent earns over £50,000 a year and currently gets child benefit to explain how the welfare shake-up affects them.
Letters will start to arrive from the end of this week, but they may take up to two weeks to arrive.
The letters will not actually state your new entitlement, as this depends on your income for the… read the rest of “Over a million families will soon be told they could lose their child benefit entitlement next year, or have it reduced.”
» Blog » Family Law

Honesty is always the best type of Policy to have in Matrimonial Financial matters

Posted on 26/10/12, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

Lawyers advise their Clients to give “full and frank disclosure always” when negotiating and pursuing financial claims.  There is good reason for this.
In a recently reported case, the husband tried to make it appear as though he had spent a large sum of money on building work at a property he owned so that he did not have to give his wife a full settlement.  During divorce proceedings at… read the rest of “Honesty is always the best type of Policy to have in Matrimonial Financial matters”
» Blog » Family Law

What is Resolution?

Posted on 11/10/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

Resolution is an association of 6,500 family lawyers and professionals committed to taking conflict out of family disputes. Resolution members abide by a code of practice which encourages solutions based on the needs of the whole family, and particularly the best interests of children.

Resolution’s recent survey found that 43% of the people surveyed believe that divorce… read the rest of “What is Resolution?”
» Blog » Family Law

Married Bliss?!

Posted on 10/10/12, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

A poem by Jackie Gifford of our Family Team

Is that yearned for married bliss
through time or circumstance sadly amiss?
Is your quality of life now so poor,
You start to yearn for something more

Perhaps you are tired of the arguments and fight
but worry whether separation or divorce is right?
The upset and anxiety can often result in a meltdown
whatever the reason might… read the rest of “Married Bliss?!”
» Blog » Family Law

New Banking Procedures for Deceased Customers

Posted on 05/10/12, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

Anyone who has had to deal with the estate of a loved one after they have died will know that it can be difficult to cope with all the different requirements of different banks.  Financial institutions are entitled to set their own procedures for the closure of deceased customers’ account, which can leave relatives confused and frustrated.
However, we hope that these problems will be a thing of the past… read the rest of “New Banking Procedures for Deceased Customers”
» Blog » Family Law

Make sure you are getting your Family advice from the right place

Posted on 05/10/12, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

With the arrival of the Co-Operative on the legal landscape, comes the emergence of “cheap and (perhaps not so) cheerful” selling of vitally important family law services. The prospect of being able to go into your local supermarket and purchase a divorce package along with a bunch of bananas, may be a thing of great convenience to some, but is it a thing of beauty? Buying your “cheap as chips”… read the rest of “Make sure you are getting your Family advice from the right place”
» Blog » Family Law

What is Collaborative Law?

Posted on 05/10/12, filed under Family Law, News | No Comments

Collaborative Law is a sympathetic and direct way of resolving family matters. It differs greatly to the traditional approach of lawyers sending letters backwards and forwards, and necessarily increasing the costs for each party. Collaborative Law brings both parents, or the separating couple, together, in the same room, with their lawyers, for meetings which enable everyone’s views to be acknowledged. The process can be used… read the rest of “What is Collaborative Law?”
» Blog » Family Law

£60+Vat for a 30 minute consultation with our Family Team

Posted on 04/10/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

Do you need advice in relation to family breakdown, separation, divorce, children or finances?

If so our Family Department is offering £60 plus VAT for a 30 mins consultation. This gives you time with one of our experienced qualified Family Solicitors.

Please call Jackie Gifford on 01903 229903 or Jackie Mensah on 01903 229938 to arrange an appointment… read the rest of “£60+Vat for a 30 minute consultation with our Family Team”
» Blog » Family Law

Four out of five people in the South East say children should come first in divorce

Posted on 24/09/12, filed under Family Law, Fresh News | No Comments

Four out of five people in the South East say children should come first in divorce
• Survey reveals attitudes to separation and divorce as new advice guide launched
• Two thirds of people in the region have a divorced family member
• 43% assume divorce can never be without conflict

The overwhelming majority of people in the South East believe that putting children’s interests first or avoiding conflict are the most… read the rest of “Four out of five people in the South East say children should come first in divorce”
» Blog » Family Law

Family £60 deal – extended until Monday 1st October

Posted on 20/08/12, filed under Family Law, Fresh News, News | No Comments

Do you need advice in relation to family breakdown, separation, divorce, children or finances?

If so our Family Department is offering a Diamond Jubilee holiday time special rate of £60 plus VAT for a 30 mins consultation. We are pleased to announce that this great offer has been extended until Monday 1st October, so we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Please call Jackie Gifford on 01903 229903 or Jackie Mensah… read the rest of “Family £60 deal - extended until Monday 1st October”
» Blog » Family Law

Unmarried couples should get more rights, says judge

Posted on 10/07/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

The UK’s leading female judge, Baroness Hale of Richmond, has called for unmarried couples to have the same rights as their married counterparts. Her call follows a Supreme Court ruling ordering a Scottish man to pay his former partner £40,000 after their relationship broke down. Laws giving equal rights regardless of marital status were introduced in Scotland five years ago and had, the Baroness is reported as saying, “achieved a… read the rest of “Unmarried couples should get more rights, says judge”
» Blog » Family Law

Online Divorce: Why a “sticking plaster” (which doesn’t even stick) cannot heal Family issues

Posted on 25/06/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

Our families, our homes, and our businesses are the most important things in our lives. These are things we cherish and treat with love and care. Therefore, why is it that some of us choose to apply a quick-fix approach to these most precious areas of our lives?

The “one size-fits-all” ethos of the internet divorce and financial settlement, is a false economy for many clients, and can lead… read the rest of “Online Divorce: Why a "sticking plaster" (which doesn't even stick) cannot heal Family issues”
» Blog » Family Law

Bank Holiday Access to Your Children

Posted on 14/05/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

2012 is full of exceptional events and Bank Holidays, all of which should provide families with additional enjoyable time together.

However, the Family team at Bennett Griffin are aware of the pressures experienced by some parents (and some children) when trying to organise the regular holiday times, such as the summer break, and so the arrival of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Olympics, may sadly intensify the process… read the rest of “Bank Holiday Access to Your Children”
» Blog » Family Law

The Queen has spoken: Children come first

Posted on 14/05/12, filed under Family Law | No Comments

The Queen’s 2012 Speech included reference to a consultation of legal options to strengthen the law to ensure that, “where it is safe and in the child’s best interests”, both parents are able to have a relationship with their child after the parents split up.

Sussex MP, Tim Loughton, is Minister for Children, and has told The Daily Telegraph (1st Feb 2012) that the consultation will start “shortly”. Parents… read the rest of “The Queen has spoken: Children come first”
© Bennett Griffin 2013 All rights reserved - Sitemap - Terms & Conditions - Copyright - Disclaimer - Privacy
Website by Local Web Solutions | LWS Creative.