February 2025 / 25 posts found
Universal truths about marriage and divorce
Danielle and Adam Silverstein met in high school in 1995 and agree their romance was picture-perfect. Marriage has been a different story. “It’s complicated!” Danielle laughed. “I always say, you know, ‘Till death do us part is a really long time,’ you know? It is a really long time.” They’ve now been married a really long time – more than two decades – but a year ago, they nearly called it quits. “We were really, really, like, disconnected,” said Danielle. “I mean, only speaking to each other when we had to.” “We had blowouts, you know, big arguments,” said Adam. […]
What does it cost to hire a private judge to split finances in a divorce?
Divorcing couples who can afford it are increasingly turning to private judges to reach financial settlements, say legal experts. This involves a hearing set up by the spouses where a hired judge – usually a barrister or retired judge – gives them an indication of how a court would probably rule in their case. The couple generally then reach a Financial Dispute Resolution, which becomes a financial settlement that still needs to be ratified by the court, but that stage is typically handled over email. The cost varies widely, from £2,000 for a straightforward hearing to £10,000 for a complex […]
The language of love… and litigation
They say love is all about communication, and who better to navigate the highs and lows of a relationship than someone trained in the fine art of persuasion, negotiation, and conflict resolution? They might spend their days advocating for clients, but when it comes to love, their skill set is surprisingly well-suited for romance — provided you don’t mind the occasional cross-examination. What’s your love language? I bet any lawyer has it on lock. Negotiation skills Every relationship requires compromise, whether it’s deciding whose turn it is to pick the restaurant or how to split never-ending household labour (I, for […]
10 Things to Know about Supervised Visitation
Supervised visitation, also known as supervised parenting time often presents unique challenges and opportunities for families navigating difficult circumstances. Whether you are the parent receiving supervised parenting time or the parent facilitating it, understanding its purpose and embracing the right mindset can set the stage for success. Here are 10 things to know about supervised visitation that we hope will make this journey easier: 1. Supervised Visitation/Parenting Time Is Ordered Out of Precaution, Not Judgment Supervised parenting time is often ordered as a precautionary measure. Courts must err on the side of caution when allegations arise, ensuring the safety of […]
High Court orders husband to pay £750k for wife’s divorce costs
A High Court judge has ordered a husband to pay £750,000 towards his wife’s legal costs but cautioned against any excessive or disproportionate spending. Deputy High Court Judge Nicholas Allen KC, presiding in SM v BS (Legal Services Payment Order), ruled that while the wife required funding to secure legal representation, she could still be ordered to repay some of the amount granted. The wife had initially sought £1.1 million to cover outstanding and projected legal costs, including £241,000 in unpaid invoices, £651,000 for financial remedy proceedings, and £47,000 related to an upcoming maintenance hearing, where she is seeking to […]
The six steps to save your relationship… from a divorce lawyer and psychologist
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it may be that you’re feeling anything but smitten. Relationships aren’t always plain sailing, and it’s hard to admit that you’ve lost the closeness you once had, or you’re stuck in a repetitive rut of arguing and blaming each other. But don’t give up hope. We asked psychologist and relationship expert Mairéad and divorce and separation coach Tom Nash from Pivot about the common problems they see in couples – and how to fix them. Here, they share the tips they give their clients. FEELING DISCONNECTED With work, children and other commitments to juggle, […]
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s … Litigation! The Lawsuit Flying Around James Gunn’s ‘Superman,’ E…
Over the years, DC Comics and Superman in particular have had an interesting screen life. Retcons and reinventions are certainly nothing new throughout Warner Bros.’ attempts to bring their iconic characters to life cinematically, though the end results have been wildly mixed. But, now, producer/director James Gunn, along with Peter Safran, one of the lead producers behind Warner’s massively successful The Conjuring Universe, have set out to reboot the series, shifting away from the DCEU in favor of the new DCU. Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman is set to inaugurate the new franchise in the summer of 2025. However, it’s not […]
Men and Divorce: Everything a Woman Should Know
Divorce is undeniably one of life’s most challenging transitions, and men often experience it in ways that may not always be visible. When it comes to men and divorce, we are wired differently than women, usually uniquely expressing pride, strength, and independence. These traits can sometimes make it harder for men to seek help or admit when struggling. Yet, behind the brave face, many men endure intense emotional turmoil, grapple with stereotypes, and take on unexpected responsibilities. Divorce can shake a man’s sense of identity and purpose, but it also offers opportunities for growth and renewal. Here’s a closer look […]
Podcast – Connecting Separate Pieces Of Evidence Clearly, Persuasively – Arbitration & Dispute Resol…
In this episode of “The Trial Lawyer’s Handbook,” litigation attorney Dan Small explores the importance of rhetoric in courtroom communication. Although rhetoric has been less studied in recent times, it has enabled speakers to enhance the power and persuasiveness of their words since the ancient Greeks. Mr. Small discusses why key devices such as lists, anaphora and rhetorical questions remain vital methods for trial lawyers to effectively present evidence clearly and persuasively. Listen to more episodes of The Trial Lawyer’s Handbook here. Mr. Small is also the author of the new American Bar Association (ABA) book Lessons Learned from a […]