United Kingdom: Divorce

When families possess valuable heirlooms, artworks, or collectible assets, protecting these items during marriage becomes crucial. How can prenuptial agreements and careful planning safeguard inherited wealth and ensure treasured possessions remain within the family across generations in Hong Kong, Singapore, and England & Wales?

The Mishcon Academy hosted historical novelist Louisa Treger for an intimate discussion exploring the emotional complexities of divorce through the lens of Ruth Ellis's story and other women from history. Drawing from both historical narratives and personal experience, Treger examined how women navigate the challenges of starting over and ultimately find resilience and the ability to thrive after life-altering separations.

Mediation week this year runs from Monday 26 January 2026. It’s an annual awareness-raising event run by the Family Mediation Council to promote non-court resolution for divorcing and separating couples.

Rising family court caseloads and the emotional toll of adversarial divorce proceedings raise a critical question: should more separating couples explore alternatives to traditional litigation? One family lawyer shares her personal experience of divorce and explains why collaborative approaches like the One Couple, One Lawyer model may offer a better path forward for families seeking to preserve relationships while resolving disputes.

I really ought to stick with TV medical dramas. I wouldn’t know my DVT from my DNI so at least if they get it wrong, I don’t know they’ve got it wrong!

The Office of National Statistics has released new data on divorce and civil partnership dissolution in England and Wales through 2025, revealing that the average relationship ends after approximately 13 years. With over 105,000 couples legally ending their relationships in 2025 and cohabitation rates rising to 24.3% of coupled households, these statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks that address both married and unmarried partnerships.

Legal marriages are declining while lavish wedding ceremonies flourish, creating a paradox where couples invest heavily in celebrations without securing legal protections. This exploration examines why modern couples prioritize the performance of commitment over its legal foundation, and what financial and legal risks they may face when relationships end.

When divorcing with significant wealth, pensions may represent one of the most valuable yet complex assets in the financial settlement. Understanding how pension sharing works, when offsetting may be more appropriate, and how pension benefits fit within the wider matrimonial pot is essential for protecting your retirement position and achieving a fair outcome.

When a family trust is connected to your marriage, understanding its potential impact on your financial settlement is crucial. The court's approach focuses not on legal ownership, but on whether the trust is likely to provide financial support to either spouse now or in the foreseeable future. This analysis explores how discretionary trusts, family trusts, and trust beneficiary status are evaluated in divorce proceedings, examining the key factors that determine whether trust assets become relevant resource