I have acted for a few clients in my career where they have been subjected to an abusive and controlling relationship and, when they find the courage to end the relationship, they are faced with further displays of controlling behaviour by their ex refusing to cooperate.
Domestic abuse is a form of negative behaviour; it is where there is controlling, bullying, threatening, coercive or violent interactions between two parties. Domestic abuse is not limited to physical behaviour, but also includes; emotional, physical, sexual, psychological abuse and/or financial control. In the last year, an estimated two million women and men between the ages of 16-59 have been victim to domestic abuse; 1.3 million women were victim to abuse and 695,000 men were victims.[1]
It is estimated that every year there are around 21,000 older Britons who sell their homes to fund care home costs. With the average price of care home fees amounting to more than £40,000 a year, it is no wonder people considering their future needs are concerned. Those who have worked hard all their lives, scrimping and saving for a home and hopefully something to leave for generations to come, are faced with a decision as to how best to protect what they’ve earnt.
Justice Secretary David Gauke yesterday confirmed the Government’s commitment to introducing legislation to reform divorce law in the next Parliamentary session, which is scheduled to start in May.
Mr Gauke announced a new law to help reduce family conflict, which will mean that divorcing couples no longer have to blame each other for the breakdown of their marriage. The reforms follow a consultation, which took place between September and December 2018 and showed overwhelming support for reform.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (‘the Act’) came into force on 20 March 2019. It is designed to ensure that all rented accommodation is fit for human habitation and to strengthen tenants’ means of redress against the minority of landlords who do not fulfil their legal obligations to keep their properties safe.
