Insights

8 Apr 2026

Single vs Joint “Lives With” Orders: What Is the Difference?

Disputes about where a child lives, dealt with under the framework of Child Arrangements Orders, are among the most sensitive matters considered by the family courts in England and Wales. Although many people still refer to these as “custody” disputes, the legal language is different, and the distinction between the types of orders available can be important.

7 Apr 2026

Between Two Countries: Inside a Child Abduction Case – Part I. Proceedings abroad

This is not a story that can – or should – be told in a single sitting. Some cases demand more space, not only because of their complexity, but because of the questions they raise. This is one of them. It is a case that, in my view, deserves careful attention from both practitioners and the judiciary alike. The decisions made along the way did resolve a dispute between two parents; they will shape outcomes for very young children and, perhaps more concerningly, set a tone for how similar cases may unfold in the future.

31 Mar 2026

Estate Planning for Families with Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Planning for the future is important for every family. For families with children who have SEN, planning carries added responsibility. Parents must consider long-term care, financial stability, and legal protection. A carefully prepared estate plan helps secure your child’s future. It ensures continued support if you are no longer present. It also helps avoid unintended […]

30 Mar 2026

One passport is not enough travelling to Poland with dual national children?

In recent weeks, there have been growing concerns about difficulties at Polish airports, particularly around checks of immigration status before boarding flights to the UK. While immigration is a topic in its own right, this article focuses on something slightly different, but just as important: travelling with children, especially those with dual nationality.

26 Mar 2026

IMD Solicitors Shortlisted in 7 Categories at the Modern Law Awards 2026

IMD Solicitors has been shortlisted in seven categories at the Modern Law Awards 2026 — the highest number achieved by any UK law firm this year.

23 Mar 2026

Do You Need Mediation Before Divorce? An Overall Look at the Need for Mediation

Many clients who consider divorce in England and Wales begin by researching the process online. Common search terms include “do you need mediation before divorce, divorce process UK, mediation before court, financial settlement divorce, and child arrangements after divorce”. While online information can be helpful, it often leads to misunderstandings about the legal framework. In this case study, we address one of the most frequent points of confusion: whether mediation is required before starting divorce proceedings and how mediation fits within financial and children matters.

17 Mar 2026

Do Mothers Have Greater Rights Than Fathers in Custody Disputes?

One of the most common misconceptions in family law is that mothers automatically have greater rights than fathers when it comes to custody disputes. Despite changes in terminology — with courts now referring to child arrangements and “lives with” orders rather than custody — the belief persists and continues to shape how many parents approach separation.

16 Mar 2026

What Is Neurodiversity Week? Meaning, Importance and How to Celebrate It

In the last article I drafted about neurodiversity in 2023, I began by saying that we are all different or diverse in many ways. When thinking about neurodiversity, we often associate it with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia. It is often said, and I reiterated in my last article, that this list is not exhaustive. […]

11 Mar 2026

Executor Deadlock: What Happens When Executors Can’t Agree

When two or more executors are appointed under a will, the law expects them to act jointly. Each executor has equal authority and responsibility for administering the estate.

Thank you!