Family Law

Statistics show that the number of divorces is steadily falling.  Does this mean that we are all living happily ever after?  No, it means that we’re not getting married in the first place!
 
So why is this?  Certainly there is less social pressure to get married for those wishing to live together, or indeed to have children.  No longer do we necessarily meet, get engaged, marry and have children.  We are just as likely to try living together first, then perhaps have children and then some time later get married….or not.
 
More statistics show that the average cost of a wedding has climbed to £20,000 with couples taking on average two years to plan their perfect day.  So it is both costly and time consuming.
 
Ed Milliband, the new Labour leader has been quoted as saying that he does intend marrying partner Justine Thornton but that political events have prevented them from setting a date.  Milliband met Cambridge educated barrister Thornton in 2004 and they have a son together.  For those with already busy lives and in high pressured jobs, there may simply not be sufficient time to devote to the level of planning that seems to be so often expected.
 
However it remains the case that, on separation, unmarried partners are not afforded the same protection and help from the law as those that are married and this can be particularly difficult after a long relationship and where there are children.  It might therefore be in Thornton’s interests to ensure that she and Milliband find the time to get married.
 
On a separate note, it is apparently the case that Milliband does not appear on his son’s birth certificate and so unless he has entered into a formal agreement with Thornton, he will not have Parental Responsibility for his son.  This will be remedied if they marry.
 
It may be time to get married or visit a family lawyer?