We understand the importance of family relationships. It can be an incredibly stressful and emotional time when these relationships break down. Choosing to consult a family solicitor is a big decision. We are here to help ease that burden when problems arise and guide you to achieving a swift resolution. Our team of specialist family solicitors are…
Protection for family businesses on divorce
We understand the importance of family relationships. It can be an incredibly stressful and emotional time when these relationships break down. We are here to help ease that burden when problems arise and guide you to achieving a swift resolution. Our specialist team are experts in relation to all aspects of relationship and family matters. We can…
With specialist experience in all aspects of relationship and family law, our expert solicitors can provide unparalleled advice and assist you with a wide range of issues faced by families on an everyday basis including financial settlements, divorce and separation, cohabitation, disputes over children, pre-nuptial agreements, domestic violence and…
Gemma is an accredited specialist on the Family Law Panel and specialises in advising clients in relation to all aspects of family law, to include divorce, separation, financial settlements, co-habitee disputes, domestic injunctions and arrangements for children.
Louise is a paralegal and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives working within the family team.
Kelly joined Howes Percival as an associate in the Family Law team in October 2023.
Louise is a Senior Associate in the Family team in Leicester and has specialised in family law since 2014, having trained at a National Firm in Birmingham.
Alishia’s experience as a family solicitor deems her to be an expert in separation, divorce, dissolution of civil partnership, financial proceedings, matters relating to children, domestic violence and cohabitation disputes.
Twenty-five years ago, Howes Percival opened its first Leicester office on New Walk with just six lawyers. Today the firm employs over 60 staff at its Meridian Business Park office, providing the full range of corporate and family law services. We feature heavily in the Legal 500, achieving top rankings in a number of areas, with particular strengths…
Leading regional law firm, Howes Percival, has announced seven senior promotions, including two new partners. Justine Flack and Tom Lawrence have been made partners in the firm; Katharine Danks and Helen Stewart have been promoted to the level of director; Hannah Ball, Alexandra Kirkwood and Matthew Thompson have been promoted to associate level. Tessa…
It’s back with a bang and once again Dr Gemma Foster has us hooked. I cannot help but be glued to her ever so slightly disconcerting and crazed mission to destroy her ex, the philandering Simon who has returned, two years on and living on millionaires’ row with his mid-twenties wife and small child.
Leading regional law firm Howes Percival has appointed Joanne Wilbraham as a Solicitor in its Leicester Family Law team.
Justine Flack from the family team gives tips on how to tackle the issue of taking your child on holiday when you are separated from the other parent, including what you need to know and what to do if you encounter difficulties.
Many cohabitants are still mistaken about their rights upon separation. Family Law Solicitor Joanne Wilbraham explains some of the most common misconceptions and the steps that a cohabitant can take to protect themselves.
Family disputes can make spending time with grandchildren difficult. Family Law Solicitor Joanne Wilbraham discusses the steps you can take to reach a resolution.
Ensure you don’t allow your cohabitation, pre or post-nuptial agreement to fade into irrelevance with these key guidelines on when to review.
Leading regional law firm Howes Percival has expanded its Family Law Team with the appointment of Laura Clay-Harris as a solicitor. Laura joins Howes Percival’s Norwich office from Suffolk based solicitors, Marshall Hatchick.Laura has experience in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, financial disputes and proceedings,…
Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court, has revealed in a technical briefing that Court admin errors have resulted in people being granted divorces by mistake. This article looks at the impact of those errors on people who believed their marital affairs were in order.
During the stressful time of separation and Divorce, the use of Social Media should be exercised with caution and careful consideration as Joanne Wilbraham, Solicitor in our family team explains.
The press has recently drawn our attention to two cases where the court has made decisions about medical treatment for children. This could be an issue for other parents, particularly when they are separated. Justine Flack in the Family team considers the issue.
Further research supports the growing demand for a change in the law to allow for no fault divorce.
Many family lawyers are calling for a change to the law to introduce no fault divorce. This has been brought into focus by the case of Owens. We are not currently at that stage and many petitions are based on unreasonable behaviour. Justine Flack considers the evidence which is required and demonstrates the need for caution if seeking proof.
Whilst division of the major assets, such as properties and pensions, will normally dominate the discussions when reaching a financial settlement; it will very often be the smaller, more personal items that can cause the most conflict as Joanne Wilbraham, Solicitor in the Family team discusses.
Leading regional law firm Howes Percival has reported a 14% increase in turnover, with profits up 37%, according to its most recent financial results.
The run-up to a holiday abroad can be stressful, especially when travelling with children. Laura Clay-Harris considers the additional steps separated parents need to take when taking children abroad.
Spousal maintenance is a topic which can be hotly debated. Should there be long term orders; the ‘meal ticket for life’? When should the recipient be expected to be self-sufficient? What level of payment should be made; what are reasonable needs?
Howes Percival is working towards becoming a dementia-friendly business. So far, over 60 staff across the law firm’s six offices have received training and have become Dementia Friends.
Laura Clay-Harris reports on the recent decision by the Supreme Court to dismiss appeal but the call for parliament to review divorce laws continues.
Allegations of a separated parent influencing a child to turn against their other parent are not uncommon. Taken at is most extreme, this is a concept which has been labelled as parental alienation and it can have a detrimental effect on a child’s emotional wellbeing and development.
Leading law firm Howes Percival has welcomed the announcement that The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will consult on ‘no-fault’ divorces and the length of time the parties need to wait before becoming entitled to divorce.
Howes Percival partner and family law expert, Justine Flack, comments on news that the government is to change the law to allow mixed-sex civil partnerships.
Howes Percival’s Leicester office has rounded off a year-long series of celebrations, fundraising events and volunteering activities to mark its 20th year in the city by taking two local school groups for a day out at the National Space Centre.
Four members of Howes Percival’s Leicester office took part in the Leicester Half Marathon on Sunday 14 October raising over £1,000 for the firm’s office charity Motor Neurone Disease Association.
There has been a lot of talk about no fault divorce in the press recently, with the government now launching a public consultation to look at changing divorce law in the UK. Family Law partner Justine Flack looks at the background to the issue and shares her views on the matter.
January is often considered the divorce month for matrimonial solicitors where the number of new enquiries increase. If you are facing divorce or separation, what issues should you consider first and foremost? Family law specialist, Justine Flack offers some guidance.
We are all familiar with the phrase “a right to privacy”. It is something that we all value and it is common for celebrities to fight for it through the courts, but to what extent can we rely on it when going through a divorce? Do we have a right to keep certain information to ourselves? What about past secrets that have been kept during the marriage?…
Studies have shown that couples who argue effectively are more likely to have a happy and long term relationship. The key however is effective arguing, not fighting.
If you have been the party in the marriage who made the greatest financial contribution, will you be rewarded with the greatest share of the assets on divorce? The Family team answers that question.
Resolving the financial issues arising on the breakdown of your marriage directly with your former spouse is positive in many ways. You will often feel better about the situation and it saves legal fees but it can be a false economy not to get advice about formalising the arrangements. The Family Team explains why.
When considering how to divide assets and liabilities on divorce, the focus can often turn to property, and the need to know where everyone will be living. This is understandable, but should not be the sole focus.
Leading law firm Howes Percival has welcomed the announcement that divorce laws in England and Wales are to be reformed and no-fault divorce will be introduced.
Last month, Laura Clay-Harris of our Family Department reported on the importance of considering pension assets on divorce. More recently, the Financial Times has reported on research showing that private pensions are the largest asset in divorces where the parties have a net worth of one million or more.
If your parents divorced you may be predisposed to experience divorce too. The Family team considers why that might be and steps you can take to help your children.
Not everyone can afford a solicitor to represent them at court so if you are faced with attending on your own, this guidance may help you to prepare.
Law firm Howes Percival has once again seen an increase in its turnover and profit according to its most recent financial results.
Separation and Divorce brings about a number of significant changes. In circumstances where one party has worked fewer hours or not worked at all, is it fair to expect that party to now seek full time employment?
A recent Channel 4 drama explored the issue of coercive control in a relationship which can be a subtle form of domestic abuse but is no less damaging than inflicting physical pain.
Howes Percival is celebrating 30 years in Norwich. The firm marked the occasion with a drinks party for clients and friends, which included a reunion for the four original founding partners of the Norwich office - Alan Kefford, Andrew Barnes, Andrew Wood and Sandy Munro.
Sophie Key looks at the role of the family law solicitor dealing with unrepresented parties.
Sophie Key considers the impact of Coronavirus on financial settlements ordered by the Financial Remedies Court.
Laura Clay-Harris explores one of the more frequently asked questions when embarking on a divorce.
Laura Clay-Harris explores the issues faced by separated parents during the Coronavirus pandemic and in light of the government guidance to cut down on all non-essential travel and social contact.
Partner and family law expert, Justine Flack gives some key considerations for those receiving or paying maintenance on divorce in the wake of COVID-19.
Family law partner, Justine Flack discusses the impact of bankruptcy on divorce settlements and family financial arrangements in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Family law expert, Justine Flack discusses whether divorce is still possible during lockdown and what people who are considering divorce can do now in preparation for when restrictions are lifted.
Family law partner, Justine Flack looks at the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on divorce settlements and gives some practical steps for those who feel their settlement has become unfair in light of the circumstances.
Family law partner, Justine Flack discusses how family businesses may be valued in the wake of coronavirus and why it may be necessary to take a broader view in terms of the short, medium and long term impact on valuations.
Family law partner, Justine Flack discusses how the coronavirus pandemic may affect property in divorce proceedings and highlights what those going through a divorce should consider.
Howes Percival has strengthened its Family Law practice with two senior appointments. Based in the Leicester office, family law partner Justine Flack has been promoted to become the new national Head of the firm’s Family Law department, while Melanie Westwood has joined the Leicester team as a senior associate.
Family law partner, Justine Flack and employment law partner, Graham Irons consider the importance of taking pensions into account on divorce and the value of employer pension schemes.
Amy Walpole considers the impact of redundancy on financial settlements within Divorce settlements.
Family law expert, Alishia Marrocco, looks at the challenges faced by separated parents at Christmas and provides some practical tips to help with child contact arrangements.
Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack gives her top five tips to help ensure your divorce is handled in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.
It has been widely reported that domestic violence has risen during lockdown. Refuge has reported an increase in demand for help, especially after the schools re-opened in September. The UN has suggested that cases have increased by as much as 20% as families have been contained within their home together. Although it is reported by Refuge that almost…
Family law expert and partner at Howes Percival, Justine Flack urges business owners to consider taking steps early to minimise the impact of divorce and prevent future problems from arising should their marriage come to an end.
Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack discusses the concept of winning and losing when it comes to divorce and what it really means to achieve the best outcome.
Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack highlights four things you should consider when divorce proceedings come to an end.
Father's Day is fast approaching and whilst many separated parents are successful in amicably navigating special occasions with one another; this is not the case for every family.
Amy Walpole, Partner at Howes Percival and Family Solicitor, offers guidance on the importance of protecting your pensions entitlements attached to pension sharing orders following divorce.
Family law expert, Sophie Key considers the recent judgement in Re H-N and Others and its impact on disputes regarding the arrangements for children where domestic abuse is alleged.
Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack provides an update on the No Fault Divorce and the potential benefits and drawbacks of the new legal system.
Family law expert, Melanie Westwood, considers the risks and uncertainties in paying child maintenance upfront as opposed to making monthly payments.
Recording your financial agreements following a separation is imperative. Any financial arrangements should be formerly recorded in either a consent order or separation agreement. Alishia Marrocco, senior associate in the Family law team, explains the difference between the documents and which one is right for you.
The additional day off is part of a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the team
Howes Percival has expanded its Estates team in the East following a ‘robust’ period of recent growth.
Howes Percival has appointed experienced litigator, Jennifer Laskey, as a Director specialising in dispute resolution. Jennifer joins the firm from Wilson Browne Solicitors where she was a Partner.
English law (oddly perhaps) provides that marriage revokes an earlier Will but a divorce does not. As a result, divorcing couples are quite properly advised to make a new Will when they contemplate a divorce to ensure that their wishes are expressed.
Howes Percival has appointed family law expert, Sally Harris as a director. She joins the leading law firm from Steeles Law where she was a partner and head of the family law team.
The long-awaited Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force on 6 April 2022, introducing no-fault divorce in England and Wales.
In the first of a series of articles, Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack considers the consequences of a death within divorce proceedings.
In the second of a series of articles, Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack discusses the impact of health issues within divorce proceedings.
In the final of a series of articles, Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack discusses the issue of coercive control in a marriage and the steps you can take to seek help.
Head of Family Law at Howes Percival, Justine Flack considers timing when it comes to issuing divorce proceedings; a current topic with the introduction of no fault divorce.
With the Courts in England & Wales struggling with significant backlogs, this is the first of a series of articles where Family law expert, Sally Harris, explores alternative routes to resolve matrimonial financial claims without waiting months for a Court date.
With the Courts in England & Wales struggling with significant backlogs, this is the second of a series of articles where Family law expert, Sally Harris, explores alternative routes to resolve matrimonial financial claims without waiting months for a Court date.
With the Courts in England & Wales struggling with significant backlogs, this is the third of a series of articles where Family law expert, Sally Harris, explores alternative routes to resolve matrimonial financial claims without waiting months for a Court date.
Here Family Law expert, Caroline Eaton, provides a handy breakdown of the timescales involved with No-fault divorce.
Howes Percival is marking 25 years of its Leicester office with 25 events to celebrate and give back to the city, including volunteer days and events to raise money for local charities.
Join Howes Percival's Private Wealth experts as they ‘scratch the surface’ of what seems to be a straightforward family arrangement. Discover with us the various issues that are uncovered and solutions offered, some of which could potentially generate significant tax savings.
With the Courts in England and Wales struggling with significant backlogs, this is the fourth in a series of articles when Family Law Expert, Sally Harris, explores alternative routes to resolve matrimonial financial claims without waiting months for a Court date.
Senior Associate at Howes Percival, Gemma Evans, provides some top tips on things to consider when an unmarried couple purchases a property together.
Join Howes Percival's Private Wealth experts for their upcoming webinar, where they will use the above case study to discuss various scenarios including: identifying undue influence; revocation and drafting of Wills; the importance of working collaboratively with other professionals; the definition of “child” in different contexts (with some surprises…
So says the ABBA song and as we hit wedding season, so will many brides and grooms. A number of them will be saying it for maybe the second or third time. So, if this isn't your first time of getting married, what are some of the issues for you to think about?
Summer holidays are usually an exciting, if not a busy time for families. Children are looking forward to their break from school, parents are looking forward to some time away with their children; an opportunity to spend quality time together.
The Family Procedure Rules (FPR) have been in place since 2010 and regulate the procedures and processes of the Family Court system in England and Wales.
To celebrate 20 years in Leicester, leading regional law firm Howes Percival has announced that staff will take part in a year-long series of fundraising and volunteering events in support of three local charities: Alex’s Wish, Leicestershire Cares and Action Homeless. Twenty years ago, in July 1997, Howes Percival opened its first Leicester office…
Leading regional law firm Howes Percival has appointed Alishia Marrocco as an Assistant Solicitor in its Family Law team. Alishia joins the East Midlands team and will primarily practice out of the firm’s Northampton office. She joins Howes Percival from Franklins Solicitors. Alishia deals with all aspects of family law including separation,…
Irritability, headaches, sleep problems, loss of appetite; we all probably recognise the symptoms of stress. In 2013 a survey by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that nearly half of adults felt stressed on a regular basis. A recent Labour Force survey has also shown that in 2013/14 11.3 million working days were lost in the UK because of stress.There…
A team of Howes Percival lawyers took on the mighty Leicester Cobras wheelchair basketball team in a unique charity challenge match. The one-off charity match took place at the Leicester Arena and raised over £3,000 for the Cobras, who will use the funds to purchase a specially adapted sports wheelchair. The Howes Percival squad on the evening…
Brexit, dubbed the “world’s most complex divorce” by the Financial Times1, is having an effect on relationships beyond just that between the EU and the UK.
Over 150 clients and friends helped leading regional law firm Howes Percival celebrate 20 years in Leicester with a special event at The Curve Theatre.
Family Solicitor, Joanne Wilbraham, explains why an online Divorce may not be as simple as it first appears.
