As 2025 draws to a close, it is a good moment to reflect on how family law has continued to evolve and what we, as practitioners and clients alike, can expect as we move into 2026. At TV Edwards, our family law team has seen first-hand how social change, economic pressure and legal reform continue to shape the way families navigate separation and plan for the future.
One of the most significant shifts of recent years – no-fault divorce – is now firmly embedded in practice. By the end of 2025, the emotional temperature of many divorce proceedings has noticeably reduced. Removing the need to apportion blame has helped couples focus earlier on practical solutions: arrangements for children, financial settlements and future planning. While divorce is never easy, the process is generally more constructive, and this has supported the wider move towards non-court dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative law.
Alongside this, the financial landscape has had a real impact on family law. Ongoing cost-of-living pressures have meant that careful, realistic financial planning is more important than ever. We are seeing greater scrutiny of budgets, housing needs and pension provision, particularly where parties are separating later in life. There is also increased awareness of the long-term consequences of financial settlements, with clients keen to achieve outcomes that are resilient in uncertain economic times.
Cohabitation remains one of the most pressing and misunderstood areas of family law. Despite repeated public debate and long-standing calls for reform, there is still no comprehensive legal framework governing the rights of unmarried couples when they separate. The “common law marriage” myth continues to catch people out. As a result, cohabitation agreements have become increasingly mainstream in 2025. More couples are recognising that putting clear arrangements in place at the outset – or when circumstances change, such as buying a property or having children – can prevent costly and painful disputes later on. We expect this trend to accelerate in 2026, particularly if legislative reform remains slow.
Another notable development is the growing emphasis on early legal advice and preventative planning. Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements are now widely accepted as sensible tools rather than pessimistic gestures, especially where there are family businesses, inherited wealth or international connections. Courts continue to give significant weight to well-drafted nuptial agreements, provided they are fair and entered into with proper advice.
Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate further refinement rather than radical overhaul. The courts are likely to continue encouraging out-of-court resolution, and technology will play an increasing role in how cases are managed. At the same time, societal changes – including how families are formed and how parents share care – will keep family law firmly in the spotlight.
At TV Edwards, our focus remains on combining technical expertise with a practical, human approach. As we move into 2026, our priority is to help clients navigate change with clarity, confidence and compassion, whatever the future holds, please contact one of our family law specialists by calling 020 3440 8000 or email family@tvedwards.com.
Disclaimer: The information on the TV Edwards website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication.
