Matrimonial Causes Act 1973: Primary legislation governing divorce and separation in England and Wales. Establishes grounds for divorce/separation, provides framework for financial settlements, and defines court powers regarding property division.
Family Law Act 1996: Provides legal framework for separation arrangements, including occupation rights and domestic violence protection measures.
Children Act 1989: Comprehensive legislation dealing with child arrangements, parental responsibility, and child maintenance provisions in family proceedings.
Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984: Addresses jurisdictional issues and procedural aspects of family law proceedings.
Civil Partnership Act 2004: Legislation governing civil partnerships and their dissolution, relevant if the separation involves a civil partnership.
Welfare Reform Act 2009: Contains provisions relating to child maintenance arrangements and enforcement.
Human Rights Act 1998: Ensures compliance with European Convention on Human Rights in family law matters.
Equality Act 2010: Provides protection against discrimination and promotes equality in family proceedings.
White v White [2000]: Landmark case law establishing the principle of fairness in financial division, starting point of equality.
Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane [2006]: Key case law establishing the three principles of needs, compensation, and sharing in financial settlements.
Radmacher v Granatino [2010]: Leading case on the treatment of prenuptial agreements in English law.
