Domestic abuse, pets & financial disclosure: our round-up of news for April 2021

If you missed what we’ve been sharing last month, here’s a round up of our blogs and some of the news posts on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

From our blog:

Supporting LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic: our conference report

At LGFL, we feel it is our responsibility to constantly educate ourselves so that we are advising in an inclusive fashion. So, one of our team attended the online Galop conference on "Supporting LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic." Here are the key learning points we gained to carry forward into our working practices here at LGFL.

Who gets the dog - Your in depth guide to pets and divorce [updated April 2021]

In the UK, 5.7 million new pets were bought between March and September 2020. So, we've updated our popular blog "Who gets the dog?" with new information, fresh insights into custody of your family pets after you divorce.

The son, the mother - and the importance of full financial disclosure

The cautionary tale of an oligarch, his wife and his son, showing how avoiding full and frank disclosure of all your assets for your divorce financial settlement can land you (back) in court.

From our social media:

Kris Jenner shared the best divorce advice everyone can learn from

"I think the most important thing I learned through my experience, both of my experiences, is that the kids come first,"

Well said Kris

Domestic Abuse protocol from Resolution

The DFJ's of London and the South-East have agreed a Domestic Abuse protocol regarding the issuing of applications for Family Law Act orders.

Use of ‘stalkerware’ apps that allow abusers to spy on partners soar by 93% in pandemic

It seems too easy for some to obtain these apps.

6 things first-time buyers need to consider

Buying with a partner a ‘co-habitation’ or ‘living together’ agreement can help.

See a lawyer to help get the agreement drawn up.

Talking Family Law – the Resolution Podcast

Have you listened to Resolution - first for family law new podcast covering all things family law.

First woman barrister gets a plaque

Great to see recognition finally.

Two Doughty Street junior barristers launch hijabs for court

A great idea to help!

The new Victim’s code of practice

Simple explanation of the rights of the victim in court.

Victims going to court entitled not to see defendant

Victims of alleged crimes attending court will have right not to see defendant before or after case under new code that comes into force today.

Government announces launch of new Help to Buy scheme

A new Help to Buy scheme starts today, 1 April 2021, and will run to March 2023. Just as before, the government will lend new homebuyers up to 20% of the cost of a newly built home, and up to 40% in London. However, the new scheme is restricted to first-time buyers only, with regional property price caps.