News & Guides

“My Partner Is Turning Our Child Against Me”: Understanding Parental Alienation

Do you think your ex is turning your child against you? Find out the signs of parental alienation and what you can do to stop it.

Women in Business recognised in The Northern Asian Powerlist 2022

Can I Change My Child’s Name?

Can I Change My Child’s Name? Many families choose to change their child’s surname for lots of different reasons. Find out what you need to do below. This is general guidance. Call our team to find out your options. [article updated 26 April 2023] Overview The process to change your child’s name is pretty straightforward by deed poll or statutory declaration. Complications can arise depending on the child’s age and agreed parental responsibility. Under 16 Years Old Only family members with parental responsibility can change their child’s name. Everyone with parental responsibility will need to agree to the change. For Official Documents – such as passports or driving licenses, you will need to complete a Deed poll. You can choose to complete the forms yourself or ask our team to take care of the paperwork on your behalf. Statutory declaration – one of the easiest ways is to complete a formal statement of intention to change your child’s name. This is signed under oath in the presence of a solicitor. Many organisations will accept the Declaration as proof of name change. It is not valid for official documents. Children aged 16 or 17 Years Old Children who are aged at least […]

Child bride to city champion – Episode 6 of Family Matters

In this episode, divorce lawyer Sarah talks to Inayah Sher about her divorce journey: from child bride to city champion.   This is the remarkable story of Inayah Sher. *Please be aware that this episode explores: forced marriage, child marriage, domestic abuse and suicide.*…don’t surrender your rights to someone that’s controlling you because someone who continuously tells you that you shouldn’t do this and you shouldn’t do that, they’re just insecure. Born and raised in Bradford, Inayah was married at five years old, sent to Pakistan at fourteen years old, released from two years’ house arrest at sixteen years old and became a mother at eighteen years old. After raising her daughter, Inayah made the decision to leave her husband at thirty-six years old. Finding humanity in strangers, Inayah returned to education, learned to drive a car, started a business, remarried, became a grandmother and led a city-wide campaign, Bradford4Better. She talks openly about the challenges she faced along the way and shares her advice for other women. This is the remarkable story of Inayah Sher.

I’ve been served with a non-molestation order, what can I do?

If you’re served with a non-molestation order, providing an undertaking does not mean that you admit to the allegations. You can give the undertaking to the court on the basis that you do not agree with the allegations.