More divorcing couples are taking their argument to court, and Brexit may be partly to blame. In 2017–18, the numbers rose 13% to 4,120, the highest in the past decade, according to law firm Wilsons Solicitors. This is because of heightened financial stress in the economy and the impact of Brexit uncertainty on property prices and job security, the firm says. Wilsons partner Jacqueline Fitzgerald said: ‘Divorcing couples are more willing to fight over money if they think they will potentially be less well off in the future.’ Moreover, neither side had legal representation in 45% of these hearings last year.
13 February 2019
Divorce: the Brexit effect
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly
Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team
Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees
Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees
Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron
Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes
NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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