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iGlossary
A list of family law terminology to help better understand what lawyers are talking about and some of the specific terms used. This glossary provides general information only. Professional advice should always be taken and we cannot accept any liability for reliance on it.
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White
A case decided by the House of Lords in November 2000 which radically altered the whole direction of English financial provision law. Warned against gender discrimination. Said wrong to refer to “reasonable requirements” instead of basic needs. Said there must be good reasons to depart from equality, certainly where assets exceed needs. Now showing a bigger contribution by the bread winner rather than by the wife, mother, home maker etc as a reason to depart from equality will be very difficult. Equality of assets is not always the same as equality of outcome and court takes account of different assets e.g. illiquidity, risk aspects of certain assets etc. See Miller and Fact sheet on Financial Outcomes.
Will
The document without which so many of us crazily choose to die; an item which must be an early agenda item with your solicitor. See Intestacy, above.
Without Prejudice offer
Is one that “may not prejudice the court” and so it is prevented from ever being shown to the court. It is an attempt to find a settlement and save costs and so is secret. Now has no impact on costs in cases where the application is made after April 2006. See Calderbank offer.
