Marilyn Stowe Blog

Archive for the advice tag

I am 30 and I don’t know if I can ever fall in love again

I receive many letters from people concerned about the future, having had disastrous relationships in the past. Below is a letter from a woman named Jenny who, at only 30, worried that she might never

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How to negotiate: winning advice from Julian Hawkhead

Julian Hawkhead, the managing partner of Stowe Family Law’s Harrogate office, is an excellent negotiator – and his reputation has spread. Earlier this year Julian was approached by Men’s Health and asked to contribute to a “masterclass in …

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Family Procedure Rules 2010: A Guide

The Family Procedure Rules 2010, which are effective from 6 April 2011, are an essential read for solicitors and clients throughout England and Wales because they herald major changes in family law’s procedures and practice. When they come into …

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Divorce solicitors: when is the best time to seek second opinions?

After a wonderful holiday in Israel, it was a pleasure to return to work and start afresh. Then, as I read through the emails that had been sent by blog readers, I noticed one recurring theme. It is a subject on which I have commented previously: …

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Divorce questions? Join me for a Live Q&A

As previously noted, many first-time visitors to this blog arrive here after typing their questions about divorce and family law directly into Google and other search engines. I also receive a number of reader enquiries via the comments section and …

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So you’re divorcing and the housing market has stalled. Now what? By guest blogger Andrea Essen.

Local and national newspapers are filled with page after page of houses that are failing to sell. Those who don’t have to sell simply aren’t – it is a buyer’s market and the price a seller asks for is unlikely to be what they receive.  At …

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Hildebrand Documents & Marco Pierre White: why family lawyers should worry

As noted in my previous post about Hildebrand Documents, the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in the Marco Pierre White case alarmed me. I would like to look at the judgment in detail. I must warn you in advance: this is a lengthy post. However …

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Divorce, Full Disclosure and Marco Pierre White

 A recent case involving the fiery chef Marco Pierre White has sent shivers down the spines of family lawyers. Last week White, who has been estranged from his wife Mati since 2007, won his appeal against a High Court ruling that had halted his bid …

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Divorce and snap decisions do not mix

As solicitors, one of our most important functions is to supply excellent advice at all times. Three of our trainees have recently qualified as fully-fledged solicitors. Liz Bell, Sarah Barr-Young and Eleanor Webster (left), together with Andrea …

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Why divorcing late in life can lead to a poorer old age

The trend known as 'silver divorce' is affecting couples in their sixties who are maybe newly-retired and realising two to three decades ahead of them with the same partner might not be the retirement dream they'd hoped for.

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Why I Feel Sorry For Brian Myerson

In truth I feel a little sorry for Myerson. As a family lawyer, I have encountered many men of his ilk. They are sharp-suited, high-flying Big Boys: fabulously confident, fabulously wealthy and fabulously successful. They play hard - and they always …

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Divorce: Cast Your Anxiety Aside

A client must never think that an appearance in court or a day of settlement will provide immediate closure. A subsequent period of recuperation and rest is essential: it allows the client's mind to settle and readjust.

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Is Your Spouse Just Not That Into You?

Whenever I’m on my travels, I like to visit bookshops. I spend hours checking out the latest books about relationships and relationship breakdowns, usually over cups of coffee in Borders. Over the years I have passed on a number of the best …

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Ten ways to tell he’s cheating on you

I’ve heard all the excuses and all the explanations. So, how do you know he’s planning to leave you? Here are some early warning signs… He starts taking an unusual interest in his clothes and overall appearance. You have nagged …

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Divorce overseas: ten steps to protect your children

Frank Arndt heads the International Law Department at Stowe Family Law Our International Law Department receives a steady stream of enquiries from popular ex-pat destinations such as France, Spain, Switzerland and Australia. Some callers wish to …

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Why are there so many divorces in Spain?

In my experience there can sometimes be “darker motives” behind a permanent move to sunny climes. The Institute of Family Policy has announced that across Europe, divorce rates are rising. The think-tank’s latest study, which is …

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Beware the desperate housewives!

“There is so much more out there” such a person might say. “Ditch him or her, and make the most of your life.” A constant concern of mine is the worrying role that “friends” can play in divorce. If I hear about a …

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A question of trusts

A trust is an investment – so is sound advice. Trusts are, without a doubt, bêtes noires for many family lawyers . A client attending a first meeting will expect clear answers, not waffle, particularly if he or she is the beneficiary of a …

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Happy families: what’s the secret?

How many parents really understand what their children want and what they need? Perhaps it was my reaction to the McCartney divorce that prompted me to take some time out for a week’s vacation with my son. At the request of a journalist, I …

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Unmarried parents, children and chequebooks

Some of the cases with which I become involved strike me as “entrapment”. Following my comments about cohabitation, Mr. Justice Charles, a veritable Sir Lancelot in shining armour, rides to the rescue! I am often asked to advise mothers …

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What if Heather Mills had divorced abroad?

Could she have had a second bite of the cherry? Clearly, Heather Mills was distraught when she stood on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice and ranted about her award, the judgment and her treatment at the hands of the English court. There are …

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Maintenance, remarriage and “Barder” events

Settle your case on a continuing maintenance basis, and it can come back to haunt you… For many people, a financial settlement represents the final chapter in a divorce. Generally, it comes to all concerned as a huge relief. Parties can begin …

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Marilyn Stowe’s new book: expert advice on all aspects of divorce, for just 99p!

divorce-book

Divorce & Splitting Up by Marilyn Stowe is the essential how-to book for anyone who is getting divorced or splitting up from a partner. Read more >>

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Marilyn’s Thought For The Day

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.

- Harvey Fierstein

Awards

UK Blawg Awards 2010

About Marilyn

Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner in Stowe Family Law, which has offices in Yorkshire, Cheshire and London. With more than 30 years’ experience handling divorce cases and family law proceedings she is regarded as one of the most formidable and sought after divorce lawyers in the UK. In 2012, Marilyn became one of the first solicitors to qualify as a family law arbitrator.

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Note

All persons mentioned in the scenarios are fictitious: details have been deliberately changed in order to protect identities and other confidential circumstances of my clients. All advice and information on this blog including posts written by guest authors, is given only as a general guide to the operation of the law on the date of publication. Readers must place no reliance whatsoever on the content of this blog and must always obtain their own legal advice. Marilyn Stowe, Stowe Family Law LLP and guest authors accept no liability whatsoever arising as a result of reliance upon its content.

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