Christmas Archives - Edinburgh Family Law

How to Protect Yourself from Domestic Abuse Over Christmas

cmathison2024-11-28T14:39:22+00:00November 28th, 2024|Case Study Protection From Domestic Abuse, Christmas, Domestic Abuse, Uncategorized|

The holiday season is often a challenging time for victims of domestic abuse, with financial pressures, alcohol consumption, and prolonged time spent together with partners intensifying abusive behaviours. Reports of domestic abuse tend to rise during this period, and opportunities to seek help can become limited due to school closures, reduced access to services, and a general holiday slowdown.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, know that there are legal protections available to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Here is a guide to taking steps to protect yourself:

1. Contact the Police Immediately

The first step in any emergency […]

My Ex Had the Kids for Christmas Last Year and Won’t Let Me This Year: What Can I Do?

cmathison2024-09-27T11:22:26+00:00September 26th, 2024|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Family Law News, Separation Agreements|

The festive season is often a joyful time, especially for families. However, when parents separate, Christmas can become a source of stress and heartache, particularly when it comes to deciding where the children will spend the holidays. One common issue we hear is, “My ex had the kids for Christmas last year and won’t let me this year.” So, what can you do if you’re in this situation?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this difficult situation while keeping the best interests of your children at the […]

You’ve had a terrible Christmas and want to separate – what now?

cmathison2024-09-20T13:06:34+00:00January 4th, 2024|Christmas, Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships, Separation Agreements|

In our experience, Christmas can be the final straw for relationships that have been delicate for some time. The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated this further with heightened financial concerns magnifying issues.

Many couples were already at breaking point before Christmas but the last thing they wanted to do is to make Christmas even more strained by voicing their relationship doubts.

Online visits to our divorce and separation webpages are 30 percent higher during January and February every year. “Divorce Month” isn’t a happy occasion and contacting a solicitor can be a daunting process. We know there will be many couples who have […]

How to protect yourself from Domestic abuse over Christmas

cmathison2024-09-20T13:07:09+00:00December 22nd, 2023|Christmas, Domestic Abuse, Family Law News|

The Christmas period often brings a reported increase in police call-outs for incidents of domestic abuse. Financial pressures, alcohol and being cooped up together for long periods all contribute to a regular rise in domestic abuse.

The Christmas period often causes further difficulties for victims with fewer opportunities to report abuse and routes to safety being shut down. School closures for the holidays also mean that opportunities for children to report abuse and access support are restricted.

Protection from Domestic Abuse can absolutely be obtained in all relationships if you have been abused by your former spouse or partner. One of our […]

Planning on proposing at Christmas? Here’s what you need to consider

cmathison2024-02-21T11:35:50+00:00November 15th, 2023|Christmas, Prenuptial|

Christmas is one of the most popular times to get engaged in the UK and according to Bridebook UK, a quarter of partners get down on one knee in December.

Christmas has the romance and magic of Valentine’s Day but with less cliché. It’s a time when kindness and generosity are everywhere, and people spend a lot of time with their loved ones.

No one wants to think about courts and lawyers when you’re planning on popping the question but did you know that at its core, a marriage is a legal contract which significantly changes your legal status?

In […]

Co-Parents urged to make Christmas arrangements amid 8-week warning

cmathison2024-02-21T11:06:39+00:00October 30th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Separation Agreements|

Head of Family Law Beverley Johnson was recently interviewed about co-parenting arrangements over Christmas and her advice was featured in a number of newspapers including The The Herald, Glasgow Times Times and Dunfermline Press.

Separated parents have been urged to make their Christmas arrangements “as soon as possible” to avoid ending up in court.

Christmas is fast approaching – and with just eight weeks to go – one family law firm has urged separated parents to negotiate where their children are spending the festive season.

If co-parents cannot agree on where their children will […]

Focus should always be on what’s best for the children at Christmas

cmathison2024-02-21T10:57:55+00:00November 14th, 2022|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Separation Agreements|

Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for families however, it can also be a difficult time for separated parents. As Head of Family Law at Johnson Legal Family Law, I’ve been helping families with their Christmas co-parenting arrangements for over 25 years.

Communicating effectively with your ex-partner is one of the most important aspects to a smooth Christmas. One of my colleagues, Fiona Mundy, recently trained as a coach with the New Ways for Families training programme. The pilot is run by Shared […]

Managing your Co-Parenting Arrangements at Christmas

cmathison2024-02-21T11:00:05+00:00October 14th, 2022|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Separation Agreements|

Top tips for managing Christmas arrangements for children when separated

Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for children however, it can be an incredibly stressful time for separated parents if co-parenting arrangements cannot be agreed.

The Family Law team at Johnson Legal has years of experience in helping parents to manage their Christmas plans.

Here’s some of our top tips around how to make the festive period easier for you and your children:

Plan your Christmas arrangements now: It’s worth thinking about Christmas and holiday plans as early as possible when considering festive co-parenting […]