Are Cohabitation Agreements Legally Binding?

2024-02-23T15:06:32+00:00February 23rd, 2024|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Cohabitation, Finance|

Cohabitation agreements act as an insurance policy for unmarried couples living together or those who aren’t in a civil partnership, helping to clarify rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements. A question we are often asked is whether these agreements are legally binding and whether they hold up in court.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

Before delving into their legal status, let’s revisit what cohabitation agreements entail. These agreements are written documents that outline various aspects of a couple’s living arrangements, including property rights, financial responsibilities and childcare arrangements.

Generally, a couple uses a cohabitation agreement to clarify details like:

1. Who owns what […]

Can you find happiness after a divorce?

2024-02-21T11:03:39+00:00January 29th, 2024|Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships|

Hayley-Mitchell

A lot of new clients ask us how they will feel after their divorce has been finalised. Some people get to the end of their divorce and they’re in the new normal where they feel at peace with their relationship status.

Others mourn the marriage or relationship they once had.

Other clients ask us if they can find happiness after a divorce and the answer is, YES you can. Although very few people will say that they enjoyed going through a divorce, with time, almost all of our clients found […]

What rights do Grandparents have in Scotland?

2024-02-21T11:55:20+00:00January 5th, 2024|Children & parenting issues|

Grandparents play a hugely important role in the lives of many children and they are often at the heart of the family unit.

When parents decide to separate, it comes as a surprise to many grandparents to learn that they have no automatic rights to have contact with their grandchildren.

At Johnson Legal Family Law, we can apply to the court to make contact or residence orders so that you can continue to see your grandchildren.

For a quick overview of grandparent’s rights, check out our TikTok video here

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

2024-02-21T11:18:12+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 […]

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

2024-02-21T11:06:39+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 […]

How much does a divorce cost and how long does it take?

2024-02-21T11:30:21+00:00October 25th, 2023|Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships|

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce ultimately depends on the case, the people involved and the extent of the dispute between you and your ex-spouse. One of our Family Lawyers Hayley Mitchell speaks about this in more detail on our TikTok channel.

At your first appointment with your solicitor, we would consider your circumstances, the extent of the dispute or future dispute and give you an indication of what costs you can expect to resolve your divorce.

Simplified process

The cheapest way to get a divorce is by using the simplified procedure, however, this is not […]

Tips for celebrating Halloween as separated parents

2024-02-21T11:51:02+00:00October 20th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Halloween, Separation Agreements|

If you have young children, they are likely to be excited at the prospect of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and carving pumpkins this Halloween. However, for divorced or separated parents, this might cause impending anxiety around how to celebrate the holiday.

Many separated parents focus on family-oriented holidays like Summer and Christmas. However, other holidays like Halloween can be just as important for children.

Johnson Legal Family Law has compiled some guidance around how to ensure your children enjoy October 31st with as little stress as possible.

1. Think about what your children want: Ultimately, your decisions should satisfy the best interests […]

Everything you need to know about father’s rights and responsibilities in Scotland

2024-02-21T11:27:42+00:00October 18th, 2023|Children & parenting issues, Co-Parenting, Fathers Rights, Separation Agreements|

What are parental rights and responsibilities?

Parental rights and responsibilities allow parents to make decisions about their child’s life. This includes the child’s name, the child’s religion, where the child lives and which school the child will go to. Parental rights remain in force until the child is 16. However, the responsibility on a parent to provide guidance to a child exists until the child reaches 18.

What parental rights does a father have?

A child’s mother automatically has full parental rights and responsibilities when the child is born.

A child’s father has parental rights and responsibilities if:

  • He is married to the child’s […]

Top 10 Divorce Questions

2024-02-21T11:52:31+00:00October 9th, 2023|Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships, Separation Agreements|

If you’ve been contemplating divorce or if you’ve been presented with divorce papers, you probably have many questions and concerns, especially if there are children involved.

At Johnson Legal Family Law, we’ve compiled the top 10 frequently asked questions that we receive on a regular basis to help you to better understand the divorce process.

If you have any other family law related questions, you can ask us a question anonymously on our anonymous Q&A platform or contact us to arrange your free introductory call on 0131 622 8477 or [email protected].

1. Do you have to get married in Scotland […]

Top 5 tips to look after your mental health during a separation or divorce

2024-02-21T11:53:28+00:00September 28th, 2023|Divorce, Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships, Separation Agreements|

World Mental Health Day (10 October) is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.

When you’re going through a separation or divorce, it is natural to have feelings of worry, stress and anxiety which can have an impact on your mental health. The legal process itself can feel complex and alien, even with expert guidance. After the legal part is finished, there are the unknowns for the future.

It’s really important to take good care of your mental health during this process. This will support you to make strong, informed decisions to move forward with your life.

Here are […]

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