Arrangements for children after a same sex divorce or separation

20 January 2022 Family Matters

Following the introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 and same sex marriages in 2014, there has been an increase in families and then relationship breakdown between same sex parents. Finding agreement over issues relating to children can be tricky in any relationship breakdown. When a same sex couple separate it can raise several unique additional questions regarding arrangements for children and each person’s legal rights when children may be adopted, the parents may benefit from surrogacy or sperm donation, or one partner may have children from a previous relationship. Robert Bellhouse, a Solicitor in the family law team with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby looks at some of the steps and considerations same sex couples need to bear in mind in relation to agreeing future arrangements for children. Reaching agreement together In any family…

Preserving the golden goose, after divorce for a farming couple

18 January 2022 Family Matters

The problems in obtaining seasonal labour for British farms hit the headlines with threats of turkey shortages last year, but such pressures can continue well into the New Year sometimes straining marriages to breaking point. January is usually a busy month for divorce lawyers, as couples finally decide that their marriage has broken down irretrievably. While divorce is never easy, with spouses having to agree how to split their assets and make arrangements for children, it can be particularly complex where agricultural assets are concerned. Robert Bellhouse family law specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York & Wetherby explains how it is important to try to preserve the golden goose, by enabling the farm to continue to generate income to support the whole family where possible. He outlines a few of the key considerations for…

Planning ahead with a Lasting Power of Attorney

14 January 2022 Wills and estates

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are almost 885,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Estimates indicate that between 5% and 20% of over-65s suffer from issues which may affect their memory and thought process. No-one wants to consider that they may lose the ability to manage their affairs but planning for this possibility by making a Lasting Power of Attorney is essential. Although it may be awkward, preparing for your future now gives you time to plan carefully and start conversations with your family and those that you trust about your wishes and goals There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (more commonly referred to as an LPA). One deals with property and financial decisions and one covers health and welfare matters. You can prepare either or both but both cannot be…

Return to the workplace: be aware of an employee’s disabilities

13 January 2022 Employment advice

Now is a time of transition as employees return to the workplace either on a hybrid basis or for all their working time. Employers need to keep in mind the impact of this shift on any employees’ disabilities. The impact of the pandemic on some of your employees’ health may only come to light as employees move away from homeworking. This article runs through employers’ responsibilities in relation to their employees’ disabilities and key areas to look out for in managing this transition. What is a disability? Employers should not wait for employees to tell them that they have a disability. Instead, you need to be alert to signs of disability. This could mean, for example, if an employee’s performance is below par and there are signs that they are feeling low, it may be appropriate…

Happy New Year from the Property Disputes Team! What to expect in the year ahead

12 January 2022 Litigation

Business tenancies 2022 promises to continue to be a time of change for commercial landlords. Protected rent debt The government aims to pass the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill 2021-22 by 25 March 2022. The Bill will ring-fence rent debts built up as a result of mandated business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and introduce a new binding arbitration process aimed at resolving disputes relating to ‘protected rent debts’ where landlords and tenants have not been able to reach agreement on how those debts should be dealt with. A rent will be protected if the tenancy was adversely affected by coronavirus and was subject to a closure requirement during the period (England only) from 26 March 2020 to 11.55pm on 18 July 2021. Landlords who issued court claims for these rent arrears on or after 10 November…

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