Latest - Cygnet Law

Child Care & Social Services Family Law

Family Group Decision Making: A Key Reform Under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

Child Care & Social Services Family Law

Cafcass’ New Strategic Plan: What It Means for Families in Teesside and Across England

By Stacey Phoenix, Head of Department, Cygnet Law Cafcass has recently published its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, setting out an ambitious vision for the...

Child Care & Social Services

Can I Take My Child Abroad This Summer Without the Other Parent’s Permission?

With the summer holidays approaching, many separated parents will be looking forward to spending quality time with their children, whether that’s a family holiday...

Lasting Powers of Attorney Wills, Trusts & Probate

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Are they needed? Are they important?

Conveyancing

£250 Ground Rent Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know

Child Care & Social Services Family Law

When Is a Child Made a Party to Family Court Proceedings?

Family Law Community

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Legal Affairs

For many people, summer provides an opportunity to slow down, take stock and focus on tasks that often get pushed aside during the rest...

Family Law Domestic Abuse

Women’s Aid Annual Audit 2026: A Growing Legal and Safeguarding Crisis

Women’s Aid, a charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse, published its Annual Domestic Abuse Report on 30 March 2026, revealing deeply concerning statistics regarding...

Child Care & Social Services Family Law

The legal side of surrogacy: A time for change in UK legislation?

It’s an exciting time for many couples and families as they prepare to welcome a child, whether that’s after emotional fertility struggles, as the...

Community

Dementia Action Week: Supporting Our Community Beyond Legal Services

At Cygnet Law, we believe supporting families goes far beyond legal advice. During Dementia Action Week, we want to highlight the importance of awareness,...

Conveyancing

Renters’ Rights Act 2026: Key Changes for Tenants and Landlords

From Friday 1st May 2026, major changes to renting law in England have come into force. Introduced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and...

Family Law Domestic Abuse

Suicide to Homicide: Government to Debate Investigating Abuse-Linked Suicides as Homicide

A recent article in The Guardian has sparked an important conversation: should suicides linked to domestic abuse be treated as potential homicides? Parliament is...

Child Care & Social Services

Promoting the relationships of brothers and sisters in care

Where are sibling relationships on the long list of professional duties arising from the making of Care Orders? We have all heard professionals say...

Domestic Abuse

Social Media v Domestic Abuse

When we analyse statistics properly, we begin to see the bigger picture. The same principle applies when examining domestic abuse. Since 2012, physical stalking...

Family Law

Understanding County Lines and Why Awareness Matters

County Lines is an issue that continues to affect communities across the UK, especially smaller towns like Middlesbrough, therefore making awareness essential. County Lines...

Family Law

Local Crime: What Parents Need To Know

Many parents across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland have shared growing concerns about crime and how it might affect their families. Whether it’s anti-social...

Conveyancing

A Guide to Stamp Duty in the UK

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make, and alongside the excitement of owning a new home, there are...

Conveyancing

£250 Ground Rent Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know

The government has announced a £250 cap on ground rent for leasehold properties in England and Wales, marking a significant step toward protecting homeowners...

Child Care & Social Services

M and R (Children) (Refusal of Legal Aid costs) 2025

A judgement was reported on 22nd September 2025 which highlights the importance of the preparation of statements. The Judgement signposts practitioners to Practice Directions...

Conveyancing

A First-Time Buyer’s Guide: Key Steps to Getting on the Property Ladder

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. From arranging your mortgage to understanding the legal process, there’s...

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Understanding Probate: What You Need to Know

When a loved one passes away, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is complicated legal paperwork. Unfortunately, settling an estate often requires...

Conveyancing

What to Consider When Buying a Leasehold Property

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While most people are familiar with freehold properties—where you own the...

Family Law

Government Action to Protect Children from Abusive Parents

Children exposed to the family courts will be protected from harm under plans by the Government to repeal the presumption of parental involvement under...

Conveyancing

Autumn Budget 2025: Limited Impact on the UK Property Market

The UK Autumn Budget 2025 delivered a measured set of announcements with minimal direct impact on the property market, despite considerable speculation in the...

Conveyancing

The Importance of Property Searches when Purchasing a House in the UK

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also be stressful—especially when...

Domestic Abuse

Government response to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report: “Victims in Their Own Right? Babies, children and young people’s experience of domestic abuse”

On 25 September 2025 the Department for Education published a response to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report, published in April 2025 ‘Victims in Their...

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Are they needed? Are they important? Who needs them?

When it comes to planning for the future, most people think of writing a will or setting up pensions for retirement. But what happens...

Family Law

Celebrating Pro Bono Week 2025: Pro Bono in Action at Cygnet Law

For us, pro bono isn’t just a phrase. It’s about using our skills to make a difference for people who might otherwise go without...

Conveyancing

Freehold vs Leasehold: What’s the Difference?

When buying a property, one of the most important factors is differentiating whether it’s freehold or leasehold. While both give you the right to...

Wills, Trusts & Probate

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Understanding Intestacy

Most people know they should have a will, but many put it off—sometimes until it’s too late. If someone passes away without a valid...

Child Care & Social Services Domestic Abuse

Recognising Abuse in Teenage Relationships

When you’re young, relationships are meant to feel exciting, safe, and supportive. But sadly, more and more teenagers are experiencing unhealthy and even abusive...

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Understanding the Basics of Wills: Why They Matter

Planning for the future is not always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones....

Conveyancing

Major Changes Proposed for Home Buyers: What You Need to Know

Cygnet Law Conveyancing Dept. Source: Sky News – “Major shake-up of home buying aims to make process cheaper, quicker and easier” Following a news...

Conveyancing

The Conveyancing Process for Property Investors: A Quick Guide

Investing in property can be lucrative, but the legal side, especially conveyancing, can feel complex. Whether you’re buying your first buy-to-let or adding to...

Child Care & Social Services

Back to School season: Parental Responsibility and the New School Year

The beginning of September brings the familiar “back to school” routine — new uniforms, school runs, and the return of structure after the summer...

Community

Celebrating Our Community Work on International Day of Charity

Here at Cygnet, giving back to the community is a core part of who we are, and on International Day of Charity, we take...

Community

Cygnet Law Named Finalist at North East Charity Awards for Corporate Charity Partnership

Supporting the local community has always been at the heart of Cygnet Law’s work, and this year that commitment has been recognised. The firm...

Family Law

Contempt of Court in Family Court Proceedings

What is Contempt of Court? Family matters before the court often become contentious, which can lead to disagreements between the parties and potential breaches...

Domestic Abuse

Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief — And Those Silenced in the Name of “Honour”

Legislation allows freedom of opinion and expression under the Human Rights Act 1998. The Law opens the floor to different ways of thinking and...

Domestic Abuse

A Step Forward in Protecting Victims: Cleveland Police Leads the Way with New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

In a powerful step forward for victim safety and perpetrator accountability, Cleveland Police has secured more than 120 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) since...

Community

A Proud Moment: Celebrating Our Private Client Team’s Award Win

Reflecting on our recent win at the Northern Law Awards What the Award Means to Us Being shortlisted was an achievement in itself ,...

Child Care & Social Services

Supervision Orders and Care Orders: Understanding When the Local Authority Goes to Court

By Nicholl Fitzgerald, Specialist Children Panel Solicitor As a solicitor representing children in care proceedings, I’m often asked by parents, carers, and even young...

Child Care & Social Services

When Is a Child Made a Party to Family Court Proceedings?

By Jess King, Specialist Children Panel Solicitor In most private law family court proceedings—where parents or carers are asking the court to help decide...

Child Care & Social Services

What Happens When the Local Authority Takes You to Court: Understanding Public Law Proceedings

By Stacey Phoenix, Head of Family at Cygnet Law, Specialist Children Panel Solicitor When the local authority (also known as social services or children’s...

Family Law

Matrimonial and Non-Matrimonial Assets, a Supreme Court Decision

Married couples who have separated and are proceeding with a divorce sometimes come across difficulties when dealing with the division of assets due to...

Community

North East firm, Cygnet Law, wins big at Northern Law Awards

Cygnet Law has been recognised for its outstanding legal work after taking home a total of three awards at the Northern Law Awards. The...

Child Care & Social Services

What Are Private Law Proceedings in the Family Court? A Family Solicitor’s Perspective

As family solicitors, we understand that navigating the legal system—especially when it concerns your child—can be emotionally overwhelming and often confusing. If a parent...

Domestic Abuse

Equality and Diversity Week

As a mixed-race woman in the legal industry, my journey hasn’t followed a traditional path. I struggled at school, often feeling like I didn’t...

Child Care & Social Services Domestic Abuse

Making Children’s Voices Count – Domestic Abuse and the Fight for Real Recognition

Domestic abuse does not discriminate. So, what can we do to prevent this impacting children? When we think about victims of domestic abuse, we...

Domestic Abuse

Understanding Psychological Abuse: A Silent Catalyst in Domestic Abuse Cases

At Cygnet Law, we understand that not all abuse leaves physical scars. Psychological abuse is often hidden from sight and can be just as...

Child Care & Social Services

Family Justice Council Guidance on Alienating Behaviours: A New Dawn?

In December 2024, the Family Justice Council published a guidance on ‘responding to a child’s unexplained resistance, resistance or refusal to spend time with...

Community

Legal Aid Agency Data Breach Notification

A serious data breach that has occurred within the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) — the government body that handles legal aid applications and payments....

Domestic Abuse

Improving Justice for Domestic Abuse Survivors: Key Insights from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Report

The criminal justice system (CJS) is often the last hope for domestic abuse survivors seeking justice and protection. However, a recent report from the...

Child Care & Social Services

Adoption & SGO Support

Adoption & SGO Support ADOPTION What is adoption? Adoption is a legal process that establishes a permanent relationship between an adoptive parent and child...

Domestic Abuse

Understanding Domestic Abuse: Safeguarding Children in Family Court Proceedings

Domestic abuse is a critical issue impacting countless families, often leaving deep, long-lasting scars on children who witness or experience it. The Cafcass Domestic...

Domestic Abuse

Understanding Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO): Your Guide to Protection and Support

Domestic abuse can have devastating effects on individuals and families, making it crucial to have robust legal protections in place. Domestic Abuse Protection Orders...

Community

Cygnet Law Shortlisted as Finalists at the Tees Businesswomen Awards

Cygnet Law has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Tees Businesswomen Awards, Training and Apprenticeships category. The predominantly female-led law firm has been...

Community

Cygnet Law Celebrates Successful Launch of Middlesbrough Office and Showcases Commissioned Artwork

Serving the local community since May 2024 with the successful launch of its Middlesbrough office, the firm have unveiled a commissioned piece of artwork...

Conveyancing

Bank of England Cuts Interest Base Rate to 5% : What It Means for Your Mortgage and Savings

Bank of England Cuts Base Rate: What This Means for Mortgages, Savings, and Borrowers The Bank of England has announced a reduction in the...

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse and The Elderly

The Independent Domestic Abuse Service have highlighted that older people may be more likely to suffer abuse from an adult child than young people;...

Domestic Abuse

Mel B Speaks Up for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Melanie Brown, a member of the Spice Girls, has set up a petition calling for Judges to receive compulsory domestic abuse training. She believes...

Child Care & Social Services

Kinship Care: An Afterthought for Children in Care

What is Kinship Care? Kinship care is where a child lives full-time or most of the time with a relative or close family friend,...

Child Care & Social Services Domestic Abuse

Child Maintenance: Support for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse

What is Child Maintenance? Child Maintenance is a financial arrangement between two parents, one of which the child does not normally live with and...

Child Care & Social Services Domestic Abuse

Understanding A Non-Molestation Order

What is a Non-Molestation Order? A Non-Molestation Order, often referred to as an injunction, is a legal measure designed to protect individuals from harassment...

Child Care & Social Services Domestic Abuse

The Difference Between ‘Clare’s Law’ and ‘Sarah’s Law’

Clare’s Law and Sarah’s Law are both pieces of legislation aimed at protecting individuals from harm, particularly in the context of domestic abuse and...

Community

Plans For Further Growth After Law Firm Opens New Office

Cygnet Law has hit the ground running after expanding into a new office in the heart of Middlesbrough. The company, which was established in...

Child Care & Social Services

Addressing Social Inequalities – A Call to Action for Children in Care

The North – South Divide A report recently published by Health Equity North on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group...

Family Law

A Decade of Love: Celebrating 10 Years of The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act.

Love knows no boundaries, and a decade ago, significant steps were taken towards recognising and celebrating that truth. This week as we commemorate the...

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