James Legg
Articles by James Legg
8 Apr 2026 Single vs Joint “Lives With” Orders: What Is the Difference?
Disputes about where a child lives, dealt with under the framework of Child Arrangements Orders, are among the most sensitive matters considered by the family courts in England and Wales. Although many people still refer to these as “custody” disputes, the legal language is different, and the distinction between the types of orders available can be important.
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17 Mar 2026 Do Mothers Have Greater Rights Than Fathers in Custody Disputes?
One of the most common misconceptions in family law is that mothers automatically have greater rights than fathers when it comes to custody disputes. Despite changes in terminology — with courts now referring to child arrangements and “lives with” orders rather than custody — the belief persists and continues to shape how many parents approach separation.
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23 Feb 2026 What Mistakes Do Parents Make When Emotions Take Over Child Custody Disputes?
Disputes about where a child lives, now referred to as child arrangements or “lives with” disputes, are among the most emotionally charged cases heard in the family court. Parents are often navigating separation, a breakdown in trust, and significant emotional pressure, all while trying to adjust to new family dynamics.
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27 Jan 2026 Which Mistakes Should Be Avoided in Family Court Proceedings?
Disputes involving children and finances are often closely connected. Decisions about where a child lives, how they spend time with each parent, and how finances are resolved are frequently shaped by the same underlying issues: trust, communication and the ability to prioritise long-term stability.
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12 Jan 2026 Why Is the Start of the New Year the Right Time to Resolve Family Law Issues?
For many families, tensions may have intensified over the festive period. Disrupted routines, increased time together, and heightened expectations can bring underlying problems to the surface. Where contact has broken down, arrangements have been frustrated, or conflict has escalated, the New Year can offer a practical and strategic opportunity to reset and move matters forward.
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3 Nov 2025 What Are the Grounds for Divorce in England and Wales?
What are the grounds for divorce in England and Wales? Since April 2022, there has been one clear answer. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 introduced a single legal ground: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
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25 Jul 2025 IMD’s Single Solicitor Service – helping an amicable couple update their Nuptial Agreement
IMD Solicitors LLP provided a bespoke single solicitor service to assist an amicable couple in amending a pre-nuptial agreement into a post-nuptial agreement, involving high net worth (HNW) foreign assets. The parties wished to formalise new terms that reflected changes in their personal and financial circumstances after marriage, and they sought to do so cooperatively and cost-effectively.
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2 Jun 2025 Why Early Legal Support is Key in Child Contact Over Holidays
Arranging contact with children over school holidays is a common issue for separated parents. At IMD Solicitors LLP, we regularly support clients in reaching suitable and legally secure holiday arrangements through correspondence and negotiation— often without the need to go to court.
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20 May 2025 IMD Solicitors on the Fast-Track to Smarter Divorce Solutions
The family justice system in England and Wales is undergoing a long-anticipated transformation aimed at reducing delays and costs for those navigating the complexities of financial separation. The Family Court’s Express Financial Remedy Pilot, introduced in April 2025, is one of the most significant recent steps in making family law more accessible and efficient for those with lower-value financial cases.
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