OUr News …

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme EXTENDED

A little-known government scheme giving separating couples a payment of up to £500 in funding to help during the separation process has been extended by the UK Government until March 2026.

The scheme could see more couples involved in mediation and avoiding lengthy court proceedings. Our Family Law team can give you further information on using the service, alongside solicitor-aided representation.

Under the scheme, which will now run until March 2026, families can claim help towards mediation services, which can assist in sorting out financial and custody arrangements. A trained mediator oversees the process and works with the separating couple to find the best solution.

This initiative aims to reduce court backlogs and help couples resolve financial or custody arrangements amicably.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme

divorce solicitors in suffolk …

If you separate from your spouse you should immediately make a Will. The consequence of not doing so is that if you then, heaven forbid, die unexpectedly your ex-spouse will benefit entirely from your estate.

However, if you separate then go on to divorce without making a will, your estate would go to your next of kin (this could be your children, parents or siblings) under intestacy laws.

Imagine this scenario; Charlotte marries Michael. She has three children from a previous marriage. After two years Charlotte and Michael separate but don’t divorce. Charlotte then dies unexpectedly. Charlotte had made a Will four years before she’d even met Michael. All Wills are revoked on marriage so that applies here. Charlotte’s children receive a share of the estate only because she dies intestate and leaves a surviving spouse - her husband - even though they are separated and had only been married for two years. Charlotte did not intend for this to happen.

Sounds unfair?

If you’re thinking of separating and would like to look out for your loved ones, do get in touch with us now for a confidential no-obligation chat with a qualified solicitor.

Call us on 01473 355160 or email us at: info@christchurchlaw.co.uk

WE CAN HELP

NOW is the time to put some certainty into your affairs and think about making your will so your loved ones are protected and cared for in the future.

Our offices, opposite Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, are currently open and our team can offer a very prompt service, either through phone calls, Skype, Zoom or email - you could have a finished will within a matter of days. Please call our helpful team now on 01473 355160

Did you get married in a foreign country? Do you or your partner have connections abroad? Whoever starts the divorce proceedings might be able to decide which country those proceedings will play out in? This could have a HUGE impact on the outcome of a divorce.
* Please call our expert team at Christchurch Solicitors LLP to help you navigate this on 01473 355160. Skype and phone appointments available.

Changes in organ donor law - how will it affect you?

Did you know that a new organ donation law has come into effect this month (as from Wednesday May 20th) in England? It means the majority of adults are now automatically considered to be organ donors. This follows change in legislation brought about after campaigning by a young boy who received a new heart from a nine-year-old girl who died after a car crash. Also known as Max and Keira's Law, it means those aged 18 and over are now deemed to have automatically given consent to donate their organs when they die, unless they explicitly state otherwise or are in an excluded group.
It is hoped that this will lead to an additional 700 transplants each year by 2023.
If you have any concerns or questions about this, this is a matter which Christchurch Solicitors consider when advising our older clients, and it is our practice to prepare an Advance Decision (setting out one's medical treatment preferences) for the client to sign. We then send this to your GP asking for the information to be placed within your medical records.
* If you need to update your Will, following a change in any circumstance, call us now and we can help guide you through the legal landscape so you can make an informed choice. Call our friendly team on 01473 355160.