Latest Watford Blogs from the Watford Observer

I am a solicitor specialising in all aspects of family law. I am regularly contacted for advice about marriage, divorce, children, pre nups, gay and lesbian parenting etc. I want to use this blog to dispel myths about family law and comment on reports in the press that may concern readers. I will also be responding to your questions so do blog for general advice! In my spare time I will be acting as Partner at www.bestsolicitorsllp.co.uk.

Gay surrogacy / Alternative families

Gay marriages, surrogacy, IVF babies, gay adoption and gay parenting are all put under the umbrella of ‘alternative families’ because they are unusual.

Surrogacy - Can the surrogate mother keep our baby?

The surrogate mother doesn't have to give you the baby. The fact that you have spent hundreds or even thousands on making her pregnancy as comfortable as possible is irrelevant.

Wendi Deng's fabulous right hook

Wendi Deng’s instinctive reaction to the atrocious and indefensible attack on Rupert Murdoch was met with applause in our office. Whatever the protestor’s intentions, the incident only served to shift the mood slightly in favour of the Murdochs, distracting from the scandal. Best regards Harjit Sarang

Should I get married?

Thank you for your question. You have been living with your partner for 13 years and have 3 children. Marriage has never been an issue because neither of you are religious. You are independent and individually wealthy which is one of the reasons why the relationship works so well. The children are aged 5,3 and 10 months. You want to know where you stand should the relationship break down and stress to me that getting married for financial reasons goes against all of your principles as an independent woman. (I hear you!)

Divorce season continues and fertility law on the increase...........

Statistics aside, my experience is that divorce season normally runs from about November to April. However, there seems to be no sign of a slowdown at BEST.

I'm divorcing. Can I add my maiden name to our daughter's surname?

If your husband has parental responsibility for your child then you will need his consent to change the surname. Parental responsibility is automatic if his name is on the birth certificate as you were married.

Surrogacy - Elton and David

We have seen an increase in enquiries from couples considering surrogacy ‘arrangements’ post Elton and David’s wonderful news.

Can I Christen our daughter without ex's consent

Hi there, thank you for your question and Happy new year.

The Prince, the Princess and the pre-nup

Great headline from the Guardian last month. Will the Princess agree to a prenup? Will the Prince insist on a pre-nup? William and Kate have just got engaged and family law solicitors are talking money!

Contact with the children over Christmas

Family law solicitors are inundated with Christmas contact enquiries during this time of the year. My advice is usually that if you live close enough to one another, the day could be shared between you. Parent 1 could have morning to 1400/1500 and Parent 2 could have the afternoon / evening (times may vary). That way, the children see both of you and enjoy the day.