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Ludlow Lane Solicitors

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Ludlow Lane Solicitors

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We offer expert legal advice on Family and Matrimonial matters, Residential and Commercial Property

Ludlow Lane Solicitors was established by Sara Ludlow Lane, Principal Solicitor and Director of the firm. With over 15 year’s experience in all areas of family law and coming from a background working in Legal 500 law firms, most recently Head of Family Law at a local firm in Banstead, she has a wealth of knowledge to share.

28/09/2026

Should unmarried couples wait for the law to change?

The short answer is: don't rely on proposed reforms to protect your interests today.
The Government is considering significant changes to the law affecting qualifying cohabiting couples, but the proposals are not yet law.
In the meantime, unmarried couples may want to consider:
📜 Making a will
🏠 Clearly recording property ownership
🤝 Considering a declaration of trust where appropriate
📝 Putting a cohabitation agreement in place
💷 Reviewing life insurance and pension nominations
⚖️ Taking independent legal advice about their individual circumstances
The right arrangements will depend on each couple's circumstances.
We've covered the proposed reforms, what could change and what unmarried couples can consider doing now in our latest article.

👉 Read the full article: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rights-for-unmarried-couples/

22/09/2026

If your unmarried partner dies without a will, would you automatically inherit?

Many people assume that living together for years gives an unmarried couple similar protection to married couples.
Under the current intestacy rules, that isn't the case.
An unmarried partner does not automatically inherit in the same way as a surviving spouse or civil partner if their partner dies without making a will.
The Government is considering potential changes to the rights of qualifying cohabitants, including possible changes concerning financial provision from a deceased partner's estate.
But again, these are proposals — not current law.

For unmarried couples, this is a good reminder that wills and wider financial planning shouldn't necessarily be put off while waiting for possible legal reform.

We've explained what's being proposed and what couples can consider doing now in our latest article.
👉 Read the full article: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rights-for-unmarried-couples/

18/09/2026

What happens to the family home when an unmarried couple separates? 🏠

This can be much more complicated than many couples realise.
Unlike married couples and civil partners, unmarried couples currently don't have a comprehensive statutory framework for dividing finances when a relationship ends.

That can mean disputes involving property ownership, beneficial interests, trusts and financial contributions — particularly where the family home is owned in one partner's name or contributions have been unequal.
The proposed reforms could create a clearer statutory route for resolving some of these disputes.

But for now, the existing law remains in force.
If you own a property with your partner — or one of you owns the family home — it's worth understanding where you stand.
Our latest article explains the proposed changes and the practical steps unmarried couples can consider.

👉 Read the full article: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rights-for-unmarried-couples/

16/09/2026

Could the law be changing for unmarried couples?
For many couples who live together, the legal position can be very different from that of married couples or civil partners — particularly when a relationship ends.

The Government has been consulting on proposals that could introduce a new statutory framework for qualifying cohabiting couples, potentially giving courts greater powers to make financial orders following separation.
The proposals could potentially apply to couples who have lived together for at least three years, or who have a child together, subject to further criteria.
Importantly, these proposals are not yet law.
So what could change, and what should unmarried couples be thinking about now?

We explore the proposed reforms, the potential impact on property and inheritance, and the practical steps couples can take today.
👉 Read the full article: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rights-for-unmarried-couples/

31/08/2026

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to child welfare.

For parents, understanding changes to family law can feel overwhelming — particularly when unfamiliar clauses and legal terminology are involved.

That's why we've taken a closer look at Clause 17 in our latest blog.

Find out what it means, why it matters, and what parents should be aware of.

👉 Read the full blog: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/child-welfare-first-what-clause-17-means-for-parents/

30/08/2026

Putting children first — what does that look like in practice?

Child welfare is at the heart of many important discussions around family law. But what does this mean for parents when legislation changes?

Our latest blog takes a closer look at Clause 17, exploring the issue from a parent's perspective and highlighting why understanding the detail matters.

📖 Read the full article:

👉 https://ludlowlane.co.uk/child-welfare-first-what-clause-17-means-for-parents/

Have a read, and share it with someone who might find it useful.

29/08/2026

Do you know what Clause 17 could mean for parents?

When it comes to changes in child welfare and family law, the detail can be difficult to navigate — and the implications for families aren't always immediately clear.

Our latest blog explores Clause 17 and considers what parents should know about the focus on child welfare.

If you're a parent or have an interest in family law, take a few minutes to read the full article.

👉 Read it here: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/child-welfare-first-what-clause-17-means-for-parents/

28/08/2026

What does Clause 17 mean for parents?

When changes to family law and child welfare are proposed, it can be difficult for parents to understand what they could actually mean for them and their children.

Our latest blog takes a closer look at Clause 17, what it means in the context of child welfare, and why putting the welfare of children first matters.

If you're a parent, or simply want to better understand the issues surrounding child welfare and family law, this is well worth a read.

👉 Read the full blog: https://ludlowlane.co.uk/child-welfare-first-what-clause-17-means-for-parents/

31/07/2026

Every family situation is unique, and navigating children proceedings can be challenging—especially where expert evidence is involved.
Our latest blog explains the new rules on expert evidence, why they have been introduced and what they could mean if you're involved in a family court case.

Read the blog:
https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rules-on-expert-evidence-in-children-cases/
If you need advice that's specific to your circumstances, contact our experienced Family Law team for professional guidance.

29/07/2026

Keeping up with changes in family law can make a real difference if you're involved in children proceedings.
Our latest blog explains the new rules on expert evidence in straightforward language.

📖 Read it here:
https://ludlowlane.co.uk/new-rules-on-expert-evidence-in-children-cases/
Need advice about your own situation? Contact Ludlow Lane Solicitors.

Address

10, Chipstead Station Parade
Chipstead
CR53TE

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441737551821

Website

http://www.ludlowlane.co.uk/

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