Nuptial agreements can help with the division of assets and income on separation or divorce, and although they have been more commonly been associated with certain jurisdictions like the United States, their popularity is growing globally, including in European countries such as Spain, Italy and Germany. 

Plotting a course through matrimonial issues and across international borders can be complex at the best of times, especially when dealing with legal systems that differ significantly in their approach. Your ship might cast off in the right direction, but where is the final destination?

A historic vote was passed on 15 February 2024 legalising same sex marriage and affording parental rights for same-sex couples in Greece including the right to adopt. 

There are many myths and misconceptions about international surrogacy which can make surrogacy abroad feel daunting. To help tackle this, we have set out some of the most common myths and our advice below:

While surrogacy law can be criticised for not being fit for purpose, there is at least a solution in place that is cumbersome.  When it comes to the impact of death of one of the parties, while already a traumatic event, a barefaced lacuna in the law causes the problems to go from bad to worse.

Leading legal expert, Andrew Spearman, comments on the Report by the Law Commission of England & Wales and the Scottish Law Commission, released on 29 March 2023:

Last week, Resolution continued their annual campaign: ‘Good Divorce Week’ to help people find a better way to divorce and raise awareness of the ongoing family court crisis. For many, divorce is an extremely emotional and worrisome time in which often someone does not know where to start or who to turn to for help.

Reflecting on the UK’s recent National Fertility Awareness week, the team at Laytons would like to raise awareness of the work our Family Law department does to help those dealing with fertility challenges and those who have become parents via alternative routes.

A landmark Family Court judgment has highlighted the risks involved in international surrogacy arrangements. Granting a parental order in the case of Y & Anor. v V & Ors. [2022] EWFC 120, the judge was critical of the conduct of the intended parents and warned that in similar future cases the outcome might not be so happy.

The Government has published draft legislation which will introduce two important and welcome changes to the current capital gains tax (CGT) rules under which (a) the period for no gain/no loss transfers between separating and divorcing couples and (b) principal private residence (PPR) relief where one spouse or civil partner leaves the family home is to be extended.

Our leading experts in fertility & surrogacy law help you to get it right, from the beginning. We have over 15 years of legal experience, ensuring clients have smooth journeys to parenthood and frequently guide clients through the most complex domestic and international surrogacy and fertility issues.

We understand that dealing with your family affairs requires more than just sound advice and technical excellence. We invest the time to get to know our clients’ circumstances, needs and preferences to deliver commercially informed and practical results for you.