K J Smith Solicitors

In traditional family divorce arrangements, children typically move between the homes of each parent, which can be disruptive and stressful. Some parents find themselves commuting lengthy distances to ensure contact or maintain existing family routines. These arrangements also involve all the inconveniences that come with moving children and their belongings to different homes, perhaps several times a month. In contrast, 'bird nesting' is a unique approach to provide children with a stable, consistent environment and to minimise upheaval during a turbulent time. The term ‘bird nesting’ is inspired by birds in nature, where the offspring remain in the nest while each parent takes turns caring for them.  While the children stay in the family home, the legal guardians rotate in and out according to an agreed schedule. Bird nesting is an unconventional family arrangement. Little is known about its use in the UK today. Across the world, family law solicitors have seen an emerging upward trend in its use for co-parenting. If the arrangement is successful and suits all parties, it can be sustained for many years, even until the offspring ‘fledge’ and leave home. For others, the bird nest is simply a temporary arrangement to create a short-term period of stability.

Learn more about Emily Wood, a solicitor from our Guildford office. Discover what Emily enjoys most about her role, what she believes sets KJS apart from others in the legal industry, and who her dream dinner party guests would be. #MeetTheTeamMonday

We understand that your child’s wellbeing is your top priority. Ensuring they receive the financial support they need is an important part of that. If your child’s maintenance payments suddenly stop, this could create significant worry, as well as increased financial strain. Fortunately, there are several ways you can address the situation and restore peace of mind. In this blog, we discuss different types of child maintenance arrangements and common issues that can lead to non-payment. We also outline the steps to secure payments and ensure your children’s needs are met. Continue reading: https://lnkd.in/edb5HyPj

Congratulations to Stephanie Glover for receiving this glowing review! Thank you for navigating Jill through her divorce with such empathy and professionalism. Your dedication truly makes a difference! 🙌

Get to know Bel Hester, a paralegal at our Basingstoke office. Discover what drew Bel to a career in family law, what she enjoys most about working for KJS, and her musical talents! 🎶 #MeetTheTeamMonday

Our Guildford office will be at the next Guildford Mikkeller Running Club event on Thursday, 05th September! The Guildford KJS team is famously known as our 'Running Office', and with good reason. They are excited to attend their second event - joining like-minded runners for a fun evening of exercise and social connection. The run starts at 18:30 from Kerrera Bar, Guildford, with bag drop and check-in from 18:10. Everyone is welcome, with routes available for all abilities. We'd love to see you there!

If you’re planning to relocate overseas with your child or are opposed to such a move, we've outlined the step-by-step guide to the legal process. The first step should be to speak to a family law solicitor with expertise in International Family Law. Check they have specific experience in ‘international child relocation’. A good solicitor should take the time to understand your circumstances before explaining the initial steps you should take. They may also advise you of the likelihood that you’ll be able to achieve the outcome you’re looking for. To find out how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial 45-minute consultation. We are here to listen and advise.

At KJS, your team is much more than just those you share an office with. As part of our hybrid working policy, you can choose to work from any of our offices. This means you have the opportunity to learn from and work with incredibly talented legal professionals from across the South of England. With KJS offices in Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Basingstoke, Guildford, Beaconsfield, Ascot, Oxford, Newbury, Winchester, St Albans, and Southampton; where would you choose to work from? Learn more about the career opportunities available at KJS: https://lnkd.in/eHCTC4gS

Meet Kiran Landa, an HR admin based in our Southampton office. Discover what inspired Kiran to pursue her role, what she enjoys most about working at KJS, and her cameo in a production of Peter Pan 🦋 #MeetTheTeamMonday

Southampton's dynamic duo are back with another fantastic review! Thank you Robyn Bowyer and Lydia Anson for guiding Grace through a tough time with your knowledge and unwavering support. Your dedication and expertise are truly commendable. Keep up the amazing work! 🙌