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Southampton 023 8048 2482
Winchester 01962 679 777
Considering legal matters when your relationship is at its happiest and full of hope for the future is unlikely to be a priority. Unfortunately, you never know what is around the corner and we can help you to plan for eventualities. We can advise on:
Whilst based in the South of England, Paris Smith acts for businesses and families throughout the UK. Technology has enabled us to provide a high level of service to our clients whether they are local to our offices or not. Our advice can be given in many ways:
We will talk through how you would like to be contacted and the best ways for us to meet in our early conversations with you.
Our Cohabitation & Unmarried Couples team is made up of 6 partners, 3 associates, 3 solicitors and 1 trainee solicitor. You you can find contact details for them below.
Legal Mythbusting – The “Common Law Spouse”
With cohabiting couples the fastest growing family type in England and Wales, the rights and responsibilities surrounding cohabitation are of growing importance to couples who are (or are looking to) cohabit. The myth goes that after a qualifying period of cohabitation (usually thought to be either 2 or 5 years) cohabitants acquire the rights and responsibilities of marriage in the eyes of the law.
However, this is not the case and is very misleading as to the reality of the legal position. Listen to our podcast from Family Solicitor Danielle Taylor to hear all about the truths behind this legal myth
Show notes:
00:45 What myths do people believe about cohabitation? Dani introduces the myth of the ‘Common Law spouse’
01:07 How does legislation define cohabitation? The misleading language that fuels misconceptions: Dani explains what this really means in the eyes of the law
01:47 What constitutes a cohabitant?
02:17 What happens when a your relationship breaks down with the person you live with? Where do you stand and what are the risks?
03:20 The court jurisdiction: how can they divide assets?
03:45 Dani explores where you stand legally when children are involved and child maintenance
04:36 Dani explains what you can do to protect yourself under the current laws if you are a cohabitant – what should you agree on before you commit financially?
07:35 Dani concludes, what are the three things you should do before you move in together
Man’s Best Friend: What happens to pets when you separate?
Upon divorce or separation, often the presence of the beloved family pet continues to provide one party with well needed support and consistency. Be it the family cat, the children’s gerbil, the exceptional tortoise or man’s best friend; there are a variety of pets to be considered upon separation. But where should the pet go on separation – who should they stay with, and what legal advice should you seek in this situation?
Show notes:
00:32 Dani examines how pets are viewed in the eyes of the law
01:00 What do you need to consider when separating in relation to pets?
01:06 What do the courts in England and Wales say?
01:35 Financial proceedings: Dani discusses at what happens when you can’t agree on what happens to a pet on separation
02:40 Dani explores what happens to pets which have a significant monetary value
03:27 Dani looks at the emotional ties we have to our pets and how they can affect divorce proceedings and legal costs
03:45 Dani concludes the podcast by summarising what advice you should seek from your lawyer when it comes to separation, divorce and pets
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