New Leaf Solicitors - Hinckley

12/01/2026

02/12/2025

30/09/2025

30/09/2025

30/09/2025

30/09/2025

30/09/2025

10/09/2025

LIVE Q&A EVENT! With New Leaf Solicitors 🍃

Join us tomorrow lunch time at 12 noon LIVE on Facebook.

You will have the chance to ask one of our solicitors any questions you may have on Family Law, including divorce, separation, financial matters, child arrangements and cohabitation.

You can ask your question by leaving a comment on our livestream.

Set your reminder to come and join us ⏰

We look forward to welcoming you!

14/08/2025

Tomorrow marks a turning point at Wellingborough Family Court.

For the first time, families attending court will have real-time access to trained mediators through the new Wellingborough Family Court Mediation Pilot and we’re proud to be part of it.

I’ll be taking the lead on the ground for our mediation team as we begin this important work, supporting families directly at court during what can be an incredibly difficult and emotionally charged time.

Too often, separating parents come to court believing it's their only option. But what many don’t realise is this:

No judge can order you to co-parent well.
No legal ruling can rebuild trust or teach you how to communicate.
But mediation can.

Family mediation supports cooperative, child-focused decision-making, not just for today but for the years of parenting still to come.

It helps parents move from blame to problem-solving
It strengthens emotional regulation and respectful communication
And most importantly, it protects children from the long-term harm caused by chronic conflict

Research shows that it’s not separation that hurts children, it’s the exposure to unresolved parental conflict.

“Conflict between parents, not divorce itself, predicts poor outcomes for children, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioural issues.” (EIF, 2016; Harvard Center on the Developing Child)

The Vélez et al. (2011) longitudinal study found that where parents engaged in communication-focused support post-separation, children experienced better coping skills and reduced emotional distress even six years later.

Mediation doesn't just resolve the immediate dispute, it builds long-term resilience in children by supporting warmth, consistency and safe adult relationships.

This pilot is about more than offering a free service.
It’s about breaking cycles of conflict.
It’s about treating families with humanity, not hostility.
It’s about making space for change, even at the courtroom door.

It’s not too late to choose a better way.

27/05/2025

07/05/2025

❌ 50/50 Split? Not Automatic!

💡 The court considers fairness — not equality.

When couples divorce or separate, a lot of people assume that everything gets divided straight down the middle. But in reality, a 50/50 split is not a rule — it’s just a starting point.

The court’s main goal is to reach a fair outcome, not necessarily an equal one. Here’s what that means in practice:

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⚖️ What does the court actually consider?

The court looks at what’s fair based on each person’s:
• Needs (especially housing needs)
• Earning capacity
• Financial contributions (both during and before the relationship)
• Childcare responsibilities
• Health and age
• Standard of living during the relationship
• Length of the marriage or civil partnership

For example:
• If one person is caring for young children full-time, they may receive a larger share of the home or spousal support.
• If one partner has significantly less earning potential, a 60/40 or even 70/30 split might be fair.

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👩‍👧‍👦 What about child arrangements?

Child contact and where children live are completely separate from the financial split — but childcare needs can influence financial outcomes.

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🧠 So, when does 50/50 happen?

It might be appropriate when:
• Both partners earn similar incomes.
• The marriage was long.
• Assets were built up equally.
• There are no children or other significant needs.

But even then, the court won’t apply 50/50 blindly — it always comes back to fairness.

07/05/2025

Everything in my name = mine? Ownership doesn’t always mean you keep it!

🏠 Think everything in your name is safe? Think again! In divorce, ownership doesn’t always mean you keep it. Shared assets, debts, and savings could be subject to division, regardless of whose name is on them.

If your ex contributed financially or non-financially during the marriage, the court may still consider it a joint asset. This includes properties, pensions, and even businesses.

💡 Mediation offers a great way to negotiate the division of assets and create a plan that works for both parties.