An occupation order is a family court order under the Family Law Act 1996 that decides who can live in the family home and who must leave. It's most often used when someone is no longer safe living with a partner or ex, and it can remove an abuser from the property even if they [...]
If you've lived through domestic abuse and are now facing a child arrangements dispute, you may have felt that the family court didn't fully grasp the damage done not just to you, but to your children. Even children who were never physically harmed carry deep wounds from witnessing abuse at home. For a long time, [...]
Coercive abuse is one of the most misunderstood forms of harm a person can experience in a relationship. There are no visible bruises. There may be no single dramatic incident. Yet the damage it causes can be profound and long-lasting. We work with many clients who have lived through this kind of abuse for years [...]
For years, family law in the UK has walked a difficult line — balancing a child’s right to maintain relationships with both parents against the need to keep them safe. Recent family law reforms are reshaping that balance. The focus is now shifting from parental contact to child protection, ensuring the welfare of children remains [...]
Financial abuse in marriage is a hidden, deeply damaging type of abuse. It is not just about money. It is about control. One partner uses finances to dominate or manipulate the other. This often leaves victims trapped in an abusive relationship. This form of domestic abuse can quietly take over daily life. It affects who [...]
If you’re experiencing abuse at home, whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise, there are legal routes available to help you stay safe and regain control. The law in the UK offers several protections for those affected by domestic violence, and understanding these options is an important first step. In this guide, we explain what legal [...]
We live in a digital age and with it comes many benefits. But there is a sinister side to the new world order that presents fresh challenges for family law – the rise of deep fake images and videos being used as evidence in divorce proceedings. However, new laws aim to stamp out deep fake [...]
Warning: This blog covers some extremely sensitive issues. The UK government has refused to define honour-based abuse - but it’s on the rise in Britain and risks remaining a hidden crime. With few legal options for honour-based abuse sufferers to pursue, Holland Family Law wants to further bring this issue into the light. Honour-based abuse [...]
On 20 February 2024, the UK Home Office launched a consultation calling for views on whether draft statutory guidance for police on Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) is clear and comprehensive. Here’s the outcome of the consultation and what happens next. The current landscape According to a Crime Survey [...]
In the right hands, technology can be used for good. In the wrong hands it can be used for unspeakable acts. Unfortunately, perpetrators of domestic abuse have found ways to exploit technology to further control and torment their victims. The question is, what can victims do from a legal standpoint to prevent the abuse? Here’s [...]
