Insights

Top 5 questions separated parents ask about contact arrangements

20 Apr 2026

Between Two Countries: Inside a Child Abduction Case – Part II. Initial stages of the proceedings before the Courts of England and Wales

The next step in this already protracted case brought the matter before the Family Division of the High Court, by way of an application under the court’s inherent jurisdiction. From the outset, the urgency was clear. The English court was being asked to step in where another system had, despite considerable effort, failed to secure compliance.

11 Apr 2026

National Pet Day: Can Pets Ease Remote Work Separation?

Remote work has become a defining feature of modern professional life across the UK. For many, it offers flexibility and improved work-life balance. Yet, the separation from office environments can sometimes feel isolating.

8 Apr 2026

Single vs Joint “Lives With” Orders: What Is the Difference?

Disputes about where a child lives, dealt with under the framework of Child Arrangements Orders, are among the most sensitive matters considered by the family courts in England and Wales. Although many people still refer to these as “custody” disputes, the legal language is different, and the distinction between the types of orders available can be important.

7 Apr 2026

Between Two Countries: Inside a Child Abduction Case – Part I. Proceedings abroad

This is not a story that can – or should – be told in a single sitting. Some cases demand more space, not only because of their complexity, but because of the questions they raise. This is one of them. It is a case that, in my view, deserves careful attention from both practitioners and the judiciary alike. The decisions made along the way did resolve a dispute between two parents; they will shape outcomes for very young children and, perhaps more concerningly, set a tone for how similar cases may unfold in the future.

31 Mar 2026

Estate Planning for Families with Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Planning for the future is important for every family. For families with children who have SEN, planning carries added responsibility. Parents must consider long-term care, financial stability, and legal protection. A carefully prepared estate plan helps secure your child’s future. It ensures continued support if you are no longer present. It also helps avoid unintended […]

30 Mar 2026

One passport is not enough travelling to Poland with dual national children?

In recent weeks, there have been growing concerns about difficulties at Polish airports, particularly around checks of immigration status before boarding flights to the UK. While immigration is a topic in its own right, this article focuses on something slightly different, but just as important: travelling with children, especially those with dual nationality.

26 Mar 2026

IMD Solicitors Shortlisted in 7 Categories at the Modern Law Awards 2026

IMD Solicitors has been shortlisted in seven categories at the Modern Law Awards 2026 — the highest number achieved by any UK law firm this year.

23 Mar 2026

Do You Need Mediation Before Divorce? An Overall Look at the Need for Mediation

Many clients who consider divorce in England and Wales begin by researching the process online. Common search terms include “do you need mediation before divorce, divorce process UK, mediation before court, financial settlement divorce, and child arrangements after divorce”. While online information can be helpful, it often leads to misunderstandings about the legal framework. In this case study, we address one of the most frequent points of confusion: whether mediation is required before starting divorce proceedings and how mediation fits within financial and children matters.

Thank you!