For many couples facing infertility or other challenges in starting a family, surrogacy offers a pathway to the family life they seek. There are two types of surrogacy: –   Total/Gestational Surrogacy: the eggs of the intended mother, or an egg donor, are used. The surrogate mother therefore has no genetic relation to the child. Partial Surrogacy: where the surrogate mother’s own eggs are used, creating a genetic link between the surrogate and the child;   The legal landscape of

Being separated from your child can be heart-wrenching, and yet some parents have to overcome some significant hurdles to be able to spend time with their children in a way that many families take for granted.   Direct access is the ultimate goal, and in this article we will focus on the different types of direct access, and what steps can be taken to finalise any agreement or seek a way forward if agreement cannot be reached.   This follows

During a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account when dividing financial assets.  These factors include any mental or physical disability of either spouse or civil partner and what their current and future financial needs will be.  This provides scope to make a fair and just settlement for anyone that maybe suffering a chronic health condition – a long term illness which is likely to significantly impact a

Divorce can often stir up feelings of mistrust between former spouses, especially when it comes to considering the financial division of assets.  Sadly, it is all too common that one spouse will try and dissipate matrimonial assets, either prior to a separation or during divorce proceedings, in the hope of minimising the amount of money that they have to provide to their former spouse.   ‘However, divorce lawyers and judges are well versed in the wide range of devious tactics

When a couple separates, the value of the family home is often the largest asset that they have to divide, and it can also be the most contentious.  This can be for a multitude of reasons, for example, one spouse or partner may feel emotionally tied to the house, or it may be next door to other family members.  You both may be concerned about having to move children from the home they have grown up in, perhaps to a

With interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis and a general election in the headlines on a daily basis, mortgage affordability is a key concern for many homeowners, not least for couples who are separating and wondering how this will affect their mortgage arrangements.   Most divorcing couples will have a mortgage on their family home, and the family home is likely to be their largest asset.  The mortgage may be in joint names, or it could be in one person’s sole

A relationship breakdown often means a dramatic change in life for all involved and when parents live apart, arrangements need to be agreed about how and when children will see each of their parents.   If a couple can agree arrangements between themselves, it will be beneficial for all concerned and it will have a positive impact on the child’s wellbeing.  That arrangement can be formalised by a solicitor to ensure there are fewer disagreements moving forward.  However sometimes relations

Are the continuing headlines surrounding interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis causing you concern with regards to mortgage affordability? If so, you are not alone. Mortgage affordability has become a key concern for many homeowners, not least for couples who are separating and wondering how this will affect their mortgage arrangements.   The majority of divorcing couples will have a mortgage on their family home; which is likely to be their largest asset.  Regardless of whether the mortgage is held

If your tenant defaults on the rent or breaches their commercial lease in some other way, you may be able to call on a former tenant or a guarantor to pay arrears or remedy breaches. This will only be possible if you follow the correct process and act promptly.   The law relating to guarantors and former tenants holds a number of traps for commercial landlords, from situations in which you cannot lawfully ask for a guarantee to the danger

Cornwall-based Q Brands Plus Limited, helmed by Peter Masters, formerly of Truro City Football Club, and Truro’s L2 nightclub, has successfully secured the business and certain key assets of Advantage Brands Licensing Ltd, finalising the deal on 6 December, with key legal backing from Nalders.   The assets acquired from Advantage Brands include the exclusive licence for Q Brands to manufacture, promote, and sell iconic sports and lifestyle brand Kappa products across the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of