All Things Family Law

N owadays it seems that not a day goes by without your inbox being inundated with links to various websites or articles. Typically many of them are quickly discarded to the junk box. However, I could not help but feel enticed by a recent link I received ( Of course I should make clear that the inquisitiveness was purely professional and I was concerned only with the legal connotations (!)). “How relationship contracts are growing popularity - Sex twice a week” http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2317173/How-relationship-contracts-growing-popularity-Sex-twice-week-I-agree-stay-120lbs.html In an age of increasing commercialisation, the ever growing popularity to put a legal stamp on marriages through pre and post nuptial agreements, together with the emergence of cohabitation deeds, I do suddenly wonder whether the idea of a relationship contract is not so far fetched after all. I fully understand the argument that the existence of legal documents governing a relation...

Perhaps, the first question you ask a client, to ascertain whether a removal is or isn’t wrongful, is whether such removal was consensual, by that we mean (in broad terms) by implied or expressed consent. In most cases, on taking evidence from the client, this is clear cut and one can be advised clearly on the redress available to them. However, from time to time this important issue can give rise to grey areas, the outcome of which can underpin the outcome of inevitable litigation. The point is highlighted in the recent case of N v A (Abduction from Pakistan) [2013] EWHC 3954 (Fam). The case also cements the principle that, once a return order has been made, the jurisdiction to decide the outcome of the case lies with the country in which the child has been declared habitually resident. The Case The case concerned a girl aged just 3 years old. Her Mother, who lived in Pakistan and was a Pakistani National, applied for the return of her daughter. The Father, who was a Brit...