Oxford BA: Family Law Exam Paper

Helena and Ivan married in 2010 and have two children, aged 8 and 12. Helena is a City solicitor earning £350,000 per year. Ivan gave up his career as an architect to care for the children. The matrimonial home is worth £1.2m (mortgaged for £200,000). Helena inherited a flat worth £400,000 before the marriage. Ivan wants to divorce. Advise on the likely financial outcome.

"The absence of any statutory regime for cohabitants' property rights is the single biggest gap in English family law." Critically evaluate with reference to the Law Commission's proposals and the case law.

The local authority is seeking a care order in respect of Kai, aged 5. His mother, Lisa, has a history of substance misuse. Kai has attended school with unexplained bruising on three occasions. Lisa denies any abuse and says the bruises are from playing. Lisa's mother, Margaret, offers to care for Kai. Advise on: (a) the s31 threshold, (b) the court's options, and (c) Margaret's position.

"The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has finally brought English divorce law into the 21st century." Discuss.