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The Great Digital Divide: Preparing for the New Social Media Ban and Curfews

It is a topic that consistently divides opinion across dining tables, school gates, and Parliament: how much screen time is too much, and at what age should children have unfiltered access to social media? Very soon, this debate will move from a matter of parental discretion to national legislation. Following recent announcements, the government is moving forward with robust plans to severely restrict digital access for minors, fundamentally changing how young people interact with the online world. Here is a breakdown of the proposed changes and what they mean for families. The Under-16 Ban The most significant and debated aspect of the incoming legislation is a blanket ban on social media accounts for younger teenagers and children. Set to be implemented next year, this law will explicitly prohibit children under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social networking platforms. The ban will encompass industry giants, including: Snapchat TikTok YouTube Instagram Facebook X (for...
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Navigating Divorce in Blended Families: A Complex Financial Landscape

The steady rise of blended families—where one or both partners bring children, prior relationships, and pre-existing wealth into a marriage—has significantly reshaped the landscape of family law. While these relationships are increasingly common, they present unique and highly nuanced challenges when a marriage breaks down. Unlike a first marriage where assets are typically built together and children are shared, blended families often feature layered interpersonal and financial arrangements that resist standard legal formulas. Here is a closer look at the key challenges and how they are navigated. Competing Needs and Priorities One of the most complex aspects of a blended family divorce is managing competing obligations. It is common to see a tension between a spouse’s desire to provide for their current partner and their commitment to preserving assets for children from a previous relationship. The courts must weigh the housing and financial requirements of the current spouse against...
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The Complete Guide to the UK’s Homebuying Revolution: How Property Market Reforms Will Change the Way We Move

For decades, the British public has accepted a rather grim reality: buying or selling a property is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful experiences a person can endure in their lifetime. It is a process fraught with lengthy delays, opaque procedures, unexpected costs, and the persistent, gnawing anxiety that the entire chain could collapse at any moment. However, the landscape of conveyancing and property transactions is standing on the precipice of a monumental shift. Following recent announcements and consultations driven by the government and supported by major industry stakeholders, a comprehensive shake-up of the homebuying process has been unveiled. These proposed reforms are not mere superficial tweaks. They represent a fundamental rewiring of how property changes hands in England and Wales. Designed to modernise an outdated, often analogue system, these changes aim to increase transparency, enforce commitment, and ultimately make moving house significantly faster a...
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Empowered and Inspired: Reflections from the Absolutely Fabulous Women’s Afternoon

Our Director, Punam Deepak, recently attended the Absolutely Fabulous Women’s Afternoon on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Hosted by our professional indemnity broker, Howden, this exclusive event was designed specifically for women working within the legal profession. The afternoon provided a relaxed yet deeply inspiring environment to explore the critical pillars of modern professional life: confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. In times of economic and social uncertainty, it is easy for professionals to fall into the trap of self-doubt or focus on the negatives. This event served as a powerful reminder of the strength, capability, and talent driving the legal sector forward. Insights from Industry Trailblazers The event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers who shared candid, invaluable reflections on leadership, power, and the everyday choices that shape professional environments. They explored how decisions are paced and communicated, and how workplace cultures are activ...
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The Invisible Chains: Understanding and Recognising Economic Abuse

When we discuss domestic abuse, the focus is often, understandably, on physical violence. However, recent data has cast a stark light on another, equally devastating form of coercion: economic abuse. A newly launched campaign by the Home Office, in partnership with the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, highlights a deeply concerning lack of awareness regarding financial control. The 'Enough' campaign aims to tackle this issue head-on, revealing shocking statistics about how certain demographics perceive financial behaviours within relationships. The Generational Blind Spot Research conducted by Ipsos UK has exposed significant gaps in recognising controlling behaviours, particularly among younger generations. The findings show that nearly one in five young men, aged 18 to 24, do not consider controlling someone's spending to be a form of abuse. This means they are three times less likely to recognise this behaviour as abusive compared to men aged 45 to 54. Furthermor...
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Unpacking the New Cohabitation Rights Consultation: The Three-Year Rule and What It Means for You

Following our recent update on the government's announcement regarding cohabitation rights, we now have the granular details. The government has officially published its consultation document, proposing what it describes as some of the biggest reforms to family law in decades. The consultation, which is open for responses until the 14th of August, aims to bring the law into the 21st century. It addresses the reality that cohabiting couples now make up 17% of all UK families, equating to approximately 3.5 million people. The proposed reforms are structured around three key areas, underpinned by principles that prioritise children, protect the vulnerable, and provide clarity, while still preserving the distinct legal status of marriage. Here is a breakdown of the specific proposals and how they might affect you. 1. Reforming the Law for Cohabitants on Separation Perhaps the most highly anticipated section details how unmarried couples will be treated upon separation. The government p...
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The End of the "Common Law Marriage" Myth? Government Consults on Cohabitation Rights

For decades, family lawyers have been burdened with the difficult task of explaining to separating, unmarried couples that the concept of a "common law marriage" simply does not exist in English law. Regardless of how many years a couple has lived together, or how intertwined their finances have become, the law currently treats them as two entirely separate individuals. Countless people have found themselves entirely destitute or without financial protection after a long-term relationship breaks down, or when a partner passes away. However, the legal landscape is finally poised for a necessary and profound evolution. The government has officially launched its long-awaited consultation on reforms designed to grant cohabiting couples significantly greater financial protections. The Core Proposals This consultation represents a fundamental shift in how the justice system views and accommodates modern relationships. The proposals explore several critical areas of family law: Fi...
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