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Ria Cohen Family Law

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Ria Cohen Family Law

For all your family law needs.An affordable, alternative, practical legal service 40 years experience Professional, friendly advice and support.

Specialist in divorce and children issues at an affordable price.

03/09/2026

🐾 Ruby’s Law: Protecting Victims of Abuse and Their Pets 🐾

A campaign group has been formed to improve support for victims of domestic abuse and to protect the pets who are often caught up in the cycle of violence.

Ruby’s Law is due to receive its Second Reading in Parliament this October, and campaigners are hopeful that MPs will support this important piece of legislation.

When we think about domestic abuse, we often focus on the direct impact on victims and children. However, many people may be unaware that perpetrators frequently use pets as a means of control, coercion and intimidation.

Research has shown that in households where domestic abuse is present, animals are also frequently targeted. Abuse can take many forms, including:

🐾 Threatening to harm or kill a pet
🐾 Withholding food, medication or veterinary treatment
🐾 Taking a pet away from its owner
🐾 Using a pet to intimidate or control family members
🐾 Physically harming or killing an animal

For many victims, a beloved pet is a member of the family. The fear of leaving an animal behind can become a significant barrier to escaping abuse.

That is why Ruby’s Law is so important. While it seeks to improve animal welfare protections, it is also about much more than that. It is about family safety, domestic abuse awareness, and access to justice. It aims to remove the impossible choice that many victims face between protecting themselves and protecting their pet.

If passed, Ruby’s Law has the potential to make a meaningful difference to the lives of victims and their animals alike.

As the Bill returns to Parliament in October, many will be hoping that it receives the support needed to move forward.

🤞 Fingers crossed that Ruby’s Law gets the green light and helps create safer futures for both people and pets.

This post is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

31/08/2026

Back to School: Making Child Arrangements Work After the Summer Holidays

As the summer holidays come to an end, many separated parents face the challenge of returning to school-time routines. What worked during six weeks of holidays often needs adjusting once school starts again.

Now is a good time to think about practical arrangements and, most importantly, what is in your child’s best interests.

Some key areas to consider include:

* School drop-offs and collections.
* After-school clubs and activities.
* Homework routines.
* Communication between parents about school events.
* Parents’ evenings, sports days and school performances.
* Childcare arrangements during working hours.

Children often benefit from consistency and predictability. Having clear arrangements in place can help reduce stress and uncertainty for everyone involved.

Where possible, try to discuss arrangements in advance rather than waiting until the first week of term. A shared calendar or parenting app can be a useful way to keep track of important dates and avoid misunderstandings.

It is also worth remembering that children’s needs change as they get older. An arrangement that worked last year may need to be reviewed to reflect a child’s age, school commitments and social activities.

If communication between parents is difficult, focus on the practical issues and keep discussions child-focused. The aim should always be to support the child’s education, wellbeing and routine.

A little planning now can make the transition back to school much smoother for both parents and children.

24/08/2026

Are you aware that coercive control is a criminal offence?

Coercive control isn’t always physical.

It can include controlling your money, monitoring your phone, isolating you from friends and family, making threats, or constantly making you feel afraid, guilty, or powerless.

Because it often happens gradually, many people don’t realise they are experiencing abuse until the behaviour has become deeply entrenched.

Coercive control is a serious form of domestic abuse and can be relevant in Family Court proceedings, especially where children are involved.

If this sounds familiar, seek advice. Help is available. do not hesitate to reach out to me (07791) 081697 or send me a message via WhatsApp.

17/08/2026

First CAFCASS Interview Coming Up? Here’s One Key Tip…

CAFCASS isn’t looking for the parent who complains the loudest – they’re focused on what’s best for the child.

When speaking to CAFCASS:

✅ Focus on your child’s needs and wellbeing
✅ Be honest and stick to the facts
✅ Give specific examples rather than general complaints
✅ Explain the arrangements you believe are in your child’s best interests

Avoid criticising the other parent unnecessarily. A child-focused approach is often the most effective.

Have a CAFCASS interview approaching? Feel free to contact me for advice and support.

10/08/2026

Could social media be harming your relationship?

More couples are citing online infidelity, social media jealousy, and digital detachment as factors in relationship breakdowns.

From reconnecting with ex-partners and private messages that cross boundaries, to constantly comparing your relationship with the highlight reels of others, social media can create real-world tensions.

Add in endless scrolling and less meaningful face-to-face communication, and it’s easy to see why digital habits are becoming a growing issue in modern relationships.

Do you think social media brings couples closer together, or pushes them further apart?

03/08/2026

Can text messages be used in family court?

Yes. Texts, WhatsApp messages and emails can be admitted as evidence if they are relevant to the issues before the court.

Focus on quality, not quantity:
✔️ Include dates and context
✔️ Keep original messages where possible
✔️ Present clear, relevant exchanges

Messages are often used to evidence child arrangements, missed contact, harassment, admissions, or financial discussions.

27/07/2026

MY EX HAS NOT RETURNED THE CHILDREN AFTER A CONTACT VISIT
**If there is no Child Arrangements Order in force, neither parent automatically has a greater right to keep or recover the children simply because they are the usual carer. If both parents have parental responsibility, the situation Is more complicated

**Practical steps include:

1. Contact the other parent and ask for the children to be returned immediately.
2. Keep a record of all communications.
3. If you are concerned the children may be removed from the area or are at risk, contact the police for advice.
4. Apply to the Family Court for:
a Child Arrangements Order determining where the children live; and/or
* a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent further unilateral action

If you encounter difficulties, contact me immediately on (07791) 881697

20/07/2026

Co-parenting or Parallel Parenting?

After separation, not every family is able to communicate in the same way.

💬 Co-parenting works best when parents can communicate respectfully and make decisions together for their children.

🛡️ Parallel parenting can be a helpful option where communication is difficult or conflict is ongoing. It allows parents to stay involved in their children’s lives while keeping direct contact to a minimum.

The most important thing is finding an approach that reduces conflict and supports your children’s wellbeing.

For more advice, please do not hesitate to contact me on (07791) 881697

13/07/2026

👵👴 Grandparents’ Rights: Myth or Reality?
In England & Wales, grandparents don’t have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren. But that doesn’t mean they’re without options.
If contact breaks down, a grandparent can ask the court for permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. The court will always focus on one thing: the child’s best interests.
If there has been a close and meaningful relationship, the courts may recognise the importance of keeping that bond alive. Every case is decided on its own facts.

29/06/2026

MY EX IS REFUSING TO HANDOVER MY CHILD’S PASSPORT SO THAT WE CAN TAKE A HOLIDAY. WHAT CAN I DO?
A child’s passport belongs to the child, not either parent. If both parents have parental responsibility, one parent cannot simply withhold the passport without a good reason. Refusing to hand it over to frustrate contact or prevent an agreed holiday is unlikely to be viewed favourably by the court.

If parents cannot agree, an application can be made for a Specific Issue Order requiring the passport to be released and, where necessary, permitting travel abroad. The court’s focus will always be the child’s welfare and the reasons for the refusal.

As with most family law issues, the outcome will depend on the individual circumstances and any existing court orders.

If you are having issues with this please do not hesitate to contact me on 07791881697

Address

Saltash
PL126YT

Opening Hours

Monday	7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	7:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

+447791881697

Website

http://www.riacohenfamilylaw.com/

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