Helen Boynton Family Lawyer

13/03/2026

Considering Divorce? A Clean Break Consent Order Could Be the Most Important Step You Take!

When navigating separation, it’s easy to focus on the immediate challenges — but protecting your long‑term financial future is just as crucial. A Clean Break Consent Order provides the legal certainty many people don’t realise they need.

Why it matters:
• Protects your future finances
Once approved by the court, it prevents future financial claims on your income, assets, pension, or inheritance.
• Provides clarity and peace of mind
You gain certainty about your financial position, allowing you to move forward confidently.
• Prevents future disputes
Life changes. A clean break ensures your future successes remain yours.
• Cost‑effective and efficient
Formalising your agreement now is far more affordable than dealing with disputes later.
• A genuine fresh start
With financial ties legally settled, you can focus on rebuilding your life with stability.

If you’re going through a separation or have recently divorced, now is the ideal time to secure your financial future.

👉 Get in touch to discuss how a Clean Break Consent Order can protect you and provide long‑term peace of mind. In most cases, I will be able to offer this service at a fixed cost.

23/02/2026

Life is constantly changing, which means your parenting plan will most likely need to change at some point. Great article, written by Erik Feig, founder, Feig Mediation Group, LLC about how to build a plan that will last through time. Article link is in comments section of this post.

17/02/2026

Thinking about a prenuptial agreement? Here’s a quick legal snapshot for couples in the UK:

A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a written contract signed before marriage that sets out how assets would be divided if the relationship ends.
In the UK, prenups aren’t automatically enforceable like in some other countries — but the courts do give them significant weight if certain criteria are met.

To improve enforceability:
• Both parties must enter the agreement freely and voluntarily — no pressure, threats, or unfair influence.
• Each person should have independent legal advice from their own solicitor.
• There needs to be full financial disclosure — each partner must honestly share all assets and liabilities.
• The prenup should be agreed with ample time before the wedding (not less than 28 days).
• It must be fair and reasonable in how it deals with both parties’ needs, especially if there are children involved.

If the court views the prenup as unfair or made under duress, it can set it aside — so getting the formalities right matters.

Even if you think you don’t need one now, a prenup can be a great way to plan with clarity and peace of mind.

If you would like to discuss whether a prenuptial agreement is appropriate for your circumstances, please feel free to connect or message me.

15/02/2026

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement… and Why Do So Many People Get It Wrong?

Prenuptial agreements often come with a lot of misconceptions, but the truth is they’re simply practical legal tools that help couples start their marriage with clarity and confidence.

A prenup is a legally binding agreement made before marriage that outlines how assets, debts, and financial matters would be handled if the relationship ends. It’s not about expecting the worst—it’s about planning responsibly and protecting both partners.

Here are some of the most common myths we hear:

❌ Myth 1: “Prenups are only for the wealthy.”
✔️ Truth: Anyone with assets, debt, a business, or children from a previous relationship can benefit.

❌ Myth 2: “A prenup means we don’t trust each other.”
✔️ Truth: Open conversations about finances actually strengthen relationships according to the statistics. A prenup encourages transparency.

❌ Myth 3: “Prenups only protect one person.”
✔️ Truth: A well‑drafted prenup protects both partners by setting fair expectations from the start.

❌ Myth 4: “Having a prenup increases the chance of divorce.”
✔️ Truth: A prenup doesn’t cause divorce—it reduces uncertainty and potential conflict down the road.

At its core, a prenup is about protecting your future, your assets, and your peace of mind. It’s one of the most responsible steps a couple can take before saying “I do.”

12/02/2026

A Prenup Isn’t About Distrust — It’s About Clarity.

Most people hear “prenup” and immediately think divorce. But here’s the truth: a prenuptial agreement is really about clarity, communication, and protecting the relationship you’re building.

A prenup doesn’t mean you expect things to go wrong. It means you’re willing to have the important conversations early — the ones about money, expectations, and long‑term plans that many couples avoid until it’s too late.

Think of it like this:

*You insure your home even though you don’t expect it to burn down.
*You write a will even though you plan to live a long life.
*You talk about budgets because you want to stay financially healthy together.

A prenup is just another tool for planning your future with intention. Think of it like an insurance policy, it's there if you need it but hopefully you don't. We insure our houses, our cars, our boilers , our holiday plans. Why wouldn't we insure our relationships just in case the worse happens.

When couples create one, they often walk away with more trust, not less — because they’ve been honest, transparent, and aligned from the start.

If anything, a prenup says:
“I care about us enough to make sure we’re protected, informed, and on the same page.”

If you’re navigating these conversations in your own relationship, you’re not alone. Follow along for guidance, clarity, and real‑world examples which I will share over the next few weeks.

06/02/2026

IMPORTANT ADVICE!

Own a property with someone else? This matters.

If you own a home as joint tenants, there’s a rule called right of survivorship. Basically: if one owner dies, their share automatically goes to the other person — even if their will says something different.

That can be a surprise for people who are going through a separation, having problems within their relationship or for those perhaps in a second marriage and want to pass their share of the property to their children from their previous marriage.

By severing a joint tenancy, you switch to tenants in common, which means:
* You decide who your share goes to
* Your will actually does what you expect
* Kids from previous relationships can be protected
* It gives you more control if life changes

It’s not dramatic. It’s just smart planning.

If you don’t want your share of a property to automatically pass to the other owner, this is one of those things worth checking sooner rather than later. I can do this for you for a fixed fee, which is available on request.

Always get proper legal advice. www.helenboynton.co.uk

14/01/2026

Economic abuse: what it is and why it matters

Economic abuse happens when someone uses money and resources to control another person’s life. It’s a common but often overlooked form of domestic abuse.

Examples include:
> – Stopping you from being in work
> – Controlling access to bank accounts and keeping financial information a secret
> – Taking wages, benefits, or savings
> – Taking out debt in your name, sometimes without you knowing
> – Limiting money for food, housing, or basic needs
> -Not making child support payments after you separate

Economic abuse can happen on its own or alongside other forms of abuse. Its effects can last long after a relationship ends, making it harder to leave or rebuild financial independence.

What you can do?
✔ Learn the signs and talk about them
✔ Share this post to help raise awareness
✔ Check in on friends, family, or colleagues
✔ Seek support if this resonates with you — help is available

📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247
🌐 Free, confidential advice and support for anyone experiencing abuse

Financial control is abuse. No one should face it alone. I offer a free initial telephone consultation if anyone would like to discuss this further.

01/01/2026

I am often asked about when the appropriate time is to apply for the final divorce order.

I usually recommend that you do not apply for the final divorce order until the financial matters have been resolved by way of a final financial remedy order. This is very important and there are very good reasons not to make the application.

If your spouse has a pension, you will currently benefit from a widow’s pension if your spouse dies before the final divorce order is pronounced. When the final divorce order is pronounced, you will no longer be legally married and therefore you will not benefit from that widow’s pension.

It is possible that you will receive a pension sharing order as part of the overall financial settlement. It is sensible to wait for the final financial order to be made before you apply for the final divorce order, so your right to your spouse’s death benefit is protected.

You may think it is in your best interests to apply for the final divorce order at the first opportunity. If you would prefer to apply, please feel free to discuss this with us before making the application.

When can my spouse apply for the final divorce order?

Eventually, your spouse can apply for the final divorce order in their own right. The first date that they may do so is 3 months after the first date that you can apply.

Can we stop spouse from applying for the final divorce order?

You may be able to prevent your spouse from applying for the final divorce order by asking them to give you an undertaking not to apply for the final divorce order until the final financial order is made. An undertaking is a solemn promise not to do something; however, your spouse is not obliged to give that promise.
If your spouse does not give that promise, you should be aware that recent case law suggests that they will be able to apply for the final divorce order unless there are exceptional circumstances. I can discuss this possibility at the point at which you can apply for the final divorce order as we should know more about the financial settlement by then.

If the former matrimonial home is owned by your spouse in their sole name, and you have registered your legal right to occupy the property through applying to the Land Registry for a home rights notice, your right to occupy the property will terminate on the pronouncement of the final divorce order. This may be considered to be an exceptional circumstance to ask the court to delay the pronouncement of the final divorce order.

Finally, Wills!

You should also be aware that while you remain married your existing wills continue to take effect against each other. Once the final divorce order is pronounced, you will both need to make new wills.

Should you wish to discuss this any further please do not hesitate to contact me. I offer a free no obligation consultation to all new enquiries.

02/12/2025

I have been very quiet on my socials lately which is testament to the amount of new work I am attracting from my valued connections, which I am very grateful for (even though a few more grey hairs are emerging). Today I have been awarded a 'merit' by the law society for my knowledge and practice surrounding client care. Apparently I was one mark from a distinction! Client care is a very important part of my role as a family lawyer. This badge displays my ability to handle difficult and emotionally charged situations with empathy and in a constructive manner.

I promise to be more present on my socials in the new year. Thank you for your continued support!

15/07/2025

Are you planning a holiday abroad with your child this summer?

If you’re co-parenting or parenting solo, taking a trip can involve more than just booking flights. There may be a few important legal steps to check off like confirming travel consent, passport arrangements, or understanding any court orders in place.

Taking time to get everything in order now can help ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday for you and your family.

If you’re unsure about your rights or need guidance, our Family Law team is here to support you every step of the way.

18/03/2025

I don't normally share testimonials on social media as I am not a grandstander by nature however this one is exactly the reason why I do the job I do (even though it can be very stressful at times). This client was clearly entitled to legal aid as soon as I spoke with her however instead of just signposting her elsewhere, I allowed her to have the benefit of the free initial telephone consultation that I offer to all new referrals regardless of whether I am going to secure their business or not.

"I cannot thank you enough for your help today. You are truly a blessing & I appreciate your expertise but ultimately I am so grateful for your invaluable support, advice, kindness and support. 🙌"

I am taking a week off next week but I am back from 31st March 2025 if you, or anyone you know, needs some advice and support. [email protected]
01733 303453

Helen Boynton Family Law is a Family Law Specialist in Leyland specialising in Divorce and Civil Partnerships, Financial Disputes and Prenuptial Agreements, Children Disputes and Cohabitation Disputes.

03/01/2025

Did you know that if your press 55 after you have dialed 999 ( after you have connected to the operator), the operator will know that it is not safe for you to speak and will instantly try to track your whereabouts and give you instructions without you having to say a word and further compromise your safety . This is not common knowledge, please share with your network!