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Keep informed with the latest K J S news, headlines and stories within Family Law and Divorce.
Published: 28th May 2025
Indian Hindu weddings are a time for celebration, but before the festivities begin, it's natural for questions to arise, such as how marriage ceremonies are recognised under UK law, or what legal stance the UK takes on dowry and shared family assets.
These matters can become particularly complex when cultural traditions intertwine with both UK and Indian laws.
At K J Smith Solicitors, Shreya Kallingal uses her expertise in both family law systems to help couples navigate these challenges. Shreya holds a dual qualification (in that she is recognised as a solicitor both in India and the UK) and she understands the important considerations for Indian Hindu couples entering into marriage, as well as the common concerns faced during separation and divorce.
In this special guide, we address key questions to help you approach your future with greater clarity and confidence.
Published: 12th May 2025
“At first, I believed our relationship was healthy. My partner earned significantly more than I did and when we moved in together, he asked me to contribute most of my monthly wage towards our shared living expenses. At the time, this seemed appropriate. Later, he encouraged me to leave my job and take care of our home full-time. I saw this as my contribution to our life together. I didn’t realise I’d become entirely financially dependent upon him and that I’d be unable to leave our relationship – which had also become physically abusive...”
Maria* is one of a growing number of people who have experienced economic abuse – a form of domestic abuse that is often hidden behind everyday decisions about money.
In this article, we explore how economic abuse can take root in relationships, particularly during times of financial pressure, such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
We share the personal stories of three survivors to illustrate the different ways this type of abuse can unfold – even after separation. We also look at how to recognise the signs, how to distinguish economic abuse from typical financial hardship, and what practical and legal support is available for those affected.
Published: 17th April 2025
K J Smith Solicitors is proud to provide clients with an ecosystem of care and support. Storm Copestake from Bright Minds is one of the key experts we collaborate with in our unwavering commitment to be there for the clients we represent.
In this guest piece, Storm has shared key insights on the impact of divorce on children and how child life coaching can help them navigate the new family dynamic with confidence and support.
Published: 11th April 2025
For couples going through divorce or dissolution, achieving a fair financial settlement can be one of the most challenging and uncertain aspects of the process. There is currently no fixed framework for dividing assets and divorce cases that end up in court rely on the judge’s discretion, which can lead to unpredictability and a variety of outcomes.
As family law solicitors, we see first-hand the difficulties this creates, as we strive to provide clarity, support, and reassurance to help our clients work through their financial negotiations with confidence.
In this article, we examine the issues with our current legal framework and discuss the possible direction of future reforms proposed by the Law Commission.
Published: 19th March 2025
Divorce is never easy, but if you're a high-net-worth individual and have come to the end of your marriage or civil partnership, you may be feeling uncertain about the prospect of untangling your financial interests and planning for your future.
When it comes to dividing assets where substantial wealth is involved, understandably the process can be more complex.
The financial interests of high-net-worth individuals, such as properties, businesses and trusts, can present several unique challenges when it comes to sharing them in divorce. It’s no surprise that high-net-worth divorce requires specialist legal expertise, meticulous planning and a strategic approach to divide wealth and reach a fair settlement.
In this article, we explore some of the key issues you could face as a high-net-worth individual if your relationship ends, outline the divorce process, and provide expert tips for protecting your finances and your future.
Published: 12th March 2025
“At first, living alone was incredibly tough. I had to manage bills on my own and I didn’t have family close by for support. Once I adjusted, I found these small victories empowering. I’ve actually come to enjoy my independence.”
Elaine is one of a growing number of over 50s who are getting divorced.
While it may be the last thing you expect to be doing at this stage of life, the so-called 'grey divorce' has become increasingly common.
In fact, according to Legal and General, more than 20% of all divorces now involve couples over the age of 50 – the latest figures from 2025 suggest it could be as many as 1 in 3 divorces.
Divorce or dissolution at any age is life-changing, but when it happens later on in life, it comes with unique considerations.
In this article, Elaine, Andrew and Clare* kindly share their personal insights into later life divorce, shedding light on what life can look like beyond separation. Their experiences highlight the importance of taking a long-term view and seeking the right emotional, legal and financial support.
Published: 4th March 2025
At K J Smith, we understand how difficult going through a divorce can be, whether you are at the beginning of your journey or coming to the end of it. It is important to create a complete support system for you to help guide you through your divorce or separation with dignity, clarity, and confidence and help you create a fulfilling future.
We take the time to understand your situation. We are experts at what we do and will achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
We have partnered with Lauren Schriefer, a divorce coach and proud former KJS family lawyer, to explore how divorce coaching and KJ Smith Solicitors work in unison to provide you with the ultimate support.
Published: 20th February 2025
When a loved one passes away, their Will is often seen as their final word on how their estate should be distributed. But what if circumstances change, or someone feels the Will doesn’t reflect the deceased’s true wishes? Is there really a way to adjust the terms of their Will after death?
The answer lies in a legal tool called a Deed of Variation.
In this article, we’ll explain what a Deed of Variation is, how it works, and answer some of the most common questions about changing a Will after someone has died. We’ll also shed light on what happens if someone passes away without a Will in place.
Published: 17th February 2025
The end of a marriage or a long-term relationship can often feel like a bereavement.
The sense of loss can be profound, leaving you grappling with emotions you may not have expected to feel - even if you were the one to initiate the separation.
People often assume that once the process is over, they’ll feel deep relief and be ready to move on. But many find themselves experiencing feelings of sadness, loneliness, or even regret. These emotions can be difficult to process, particularly if others seemingly expect you to "be okay" once all the formalities are over.
In this article, we explore why divorce often feels like a bereavement. While it’s natural to experience these emotions, things do get better. We provide practical steps to help you move forward with confidence.
Published: 27th January 2025
When relationships break down, finding resolutions and coming to an agreement on the issues that arise can sometimes feel daunting.
Mediation is increasingly being used as a method of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). When you begin the process of divorce or separation, it’s natural to have concerns about how mediation works and whether it will work for you. You may be asking yourself: How should I prepare? How will it unfold? Is mediation even the right option for us? These feelings are entirely normal, and no question is too small or unimportant.
Published: 7th January 2025
The festive season is usually a time for joy, togetherness and goodwill – or at least that’s the idea. Yet, for many couples, it’s a time that can highlight underlying tensions, leaving one or both of you starting the New Year wondering if your relationship has reached the end of the line.
January is sometimes nicknamed ‘Divorce Month’, and many people reading this blog may know someone whose partner walked out over Christmas or on New Year’s Day, but if it is you now feeling the post-Christmas blues in regard to your relationship, how do you know if you actually do want a divorce, or are just feeling a bit ‘divorcey’?
This article explores some scenarios that could lead you to have doubts about your relationship. We offer advice on how to reflect and gain perspective, so you can decide upon your next steps with clarity.
Published: 13th December 2024
Starting a new role can be both exciting and challenging but, for Sarah Beale, her first year as a paralegal at K J Smith Solicitors has been nothing short of transformative.
Joining the Basingstoke office at the start of 2024, Sarah has embraced the opportunities, challenges and rewards that come with working in Family Law. Reflecting on her journey so far, she shares her highlights, aspirations for the future and what makes KJS a standout place to work.
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If you would like to visit our team of family solicitors, we have offices in Henley-on-Thames (Head Office) Reading, Basingstoke, Guildford, Beaconsfield, Ascot, Oxford, Newbury & Winchester, St Albans, and Southampton. We serve a wide range of other areas including Abingdon, Bracknell, Gerrards Cross, Maidenhead, Marlow, Reading (central), Slough, High Wycombe and Wokingham.
Why not contact our team of divorce solicitors for a free initial consultation today? We offer a free initial consultation that can take place in any one of our offices or over the telephone.
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We are always looking for exceptional people to join our team.
Whether you are considering a move now or at some point in the future, we would love to hear from you and learn more about your career goals and motivations.
At K J Smith we pride ourselves on our commitment to offering support, guidance and career development across all roles. You will receive a competitive salary along with a comprehensive range of benefits.
Partner at our Ascot office
"I joined K J Smith with an open mind and with the expectation of developing and adding diversity and challenge to my career, having spent 23 years in a comfortable position with a traditional high street practice.
I can honestly say that K J Smith have exceeded my expectations. Since joining, I have felt supported and encouraged by the firm’s continued commitment to growth and improvement. The company allow staff at all levels to have a voice and recognise the importance of investment in their employees at every level."
