Katie Price’s Shock Wedding: What It Means for Divorce & Family Law

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Lara Davies

OLS Solicitors Blog

Katie Price’s Shock Wedding: What It Means for Divorce & Family Law

By Lara Davies on January 30, 2026

Wedding cake illustrating the legal implications of remarriage in family law

When Katie Price announced her shock wedding, many people reacted with surprise — not just because of the high-profile nature of her relationships, but because moments like this often spark important questions about marriage, divorce, and modern family law.

Whether you’re a public figure or a private individual, major relationship decisions such as marriage — and the potential end of one — come with very real legal and financial implications. Katie Price’s latest announcement is a timely reminder that love and law are never entirely separate.

What Happens to Existing Family Law Agreements After Remarriage?

If someone remarries soon after a divorce, it’s common to wonder whether previous agreements — particularly financial settlements — still apply.

The key point is this: your financial settlement is the point in the divorce process where how to work out splitting up money, property and possessions is agreed, and once approved by the court, it remains binding unless formally set aside.

Remarriage does not automatically change those terms. A clean break consent order provides even greater certainty by preventing future financial claims between former spouses.

Many people mistakenly believe a new marriage “resets” their legal position. It doesn’t. If you’re unsure whether your agreement is a legally binding agreement between two parties, or whether it includes a clean break, it’s vital to check.

How Remarriage Can Affect Financial Rights

While remarriage doesn’t undo an existing settlement, it can affect other financial rights, particularly around inheritance and estate planning.

If significant assets are acquired after remarriage, this can impact wills, trusts, and pensions
If the original settlement was incomplete or failed to include certain assets, there may be very limited scope to revisit it — usually with legal advice

This is why many people use a divorce settlement calculator and seek professional guidance before finalising terms. A strong agreement reduces disputes later — especially after major life changes.

Children, Step-Parents and Parental Responsibility

Changes in marital status often raise important questions where children are involved.

Remarriage does not change parental responsibility. A step-parent does not automatically gain legal rights unless this is formally agreed through a parental responsibility agreement or court order.

Blended families should have clarity around:

schooling and medical decisions
travel and passport consent
day-to-day care arrangements

Relying on informal agreements can lead to conflict. Formal arrangements provide certainty and protect everyone involved.

Cohabitation vs Marriage: Why Legal Status Matters

While Katie Price’s wedding is a clear legal event, many couples choose to live together without marrying.

Cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples in the UK
Marriage creates enforceable rights relating to finances, property, pensions, and inheritance

There is no such thing as “common law marriage” in UK family law. Marriage fundamentally changes your legal position.

When Things Don’t Go to Plan: Second Divorces and Complexity

If a remarriage breaks down, the process of how to work out splitting up money, property and possessions begins again — often with added complexity.

The court may consider:

the length of the second marriage
financial and non-financial contributions
the needs of any children

This is why clear agreements and legal understanding from the outset are essential.

Final Thoughts

High-profile stories like Katie Price’s shock wedding highlight issues many people face privately — from divorce financial settlements to the legal impact of remarriage.

Whether you’re planning a second marriage, navigating a divorce, or thinking ahead, understanding the legal landscape helps you protect your finances, children, and future.

If you’re unsure where you stand — particularly around financial settlements, clean break orders, or parental responsibility — getting advice early can prevent disputes later.

Speak to our specialist Family Law team at OLS Solicitors for tailored advice on 01554 756952 .

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Quick Divorce in England & Wales – How to Get Divorced Faster

Posted on 27 January 202616 February 2026 by Sian Stevens

OLS Solicitors Blog

Quick Divorce in England & Wales – How to Get Divorced Faster

By Sian Stevens on January 27, 2026

How to get a quick divorce in England and Wales explained by family law solicitors

Quick Divorce in England & Wales: How to Get Divorced Faster

If you’re searching for a quick divorce, you’re probably looking for two things: a clear timeline and a practical way to avoid delays. While there is no “overnight divorce” in England and Wales, you can keep your case moving by taking the right steps from day one.

OLS Solicitors supports clients across England and Wales with fixed-fee options (where suitable), clear advice, and proactive case management to help you reach your Final Order as efficiently as the court process allows.

Is a “Quick Divorce” Actually Possible?

Under the current no-fault divorce process, there are built-in waiting periods the court will not usually shorten. That means the speed of your divorce is limited by the legal stages. However, many delays are avoidable — and that’s where good preparation and correct paperwork makes a real difference.

What typically makes a divorce slower?

Incorrect or incomplete application details
The respondent not engaging (or delaying the Acknowledgement)
Problems serving documents
Disputes running alongside the divorce, such as finances or child arrangements
Waiting until late in the process to deal with the financial settlement

Typical Divorce Timeline

Every case is different, but for an uncontested divorce (where both parties cooperate), the process often completes in around 6–8 months. Some cases take longer, particularly where service issues arise or the court is experiencing delays.

The main stages

Divorce application submitted (sole or joint)
20-week “reflection period” (minimum)
Conditional Order (applied for after the 20 weeks)
Final Order (available after a further minimum of 6 weeks and 1 day)

Important: A divorce legally ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve finances. For most people, the divorce financial settlement process is where the real protection lies.

How to Get a Divorce Faster

You cannot remove the legal waiting periods, but you can reduce avoidable delays. These steps are the practical route to the quickest outcome.

1) Use the correct application route

Choosing the right type of application (sole or joint) and completing the details accurately reduces the risk of rejection, queries, or re-service.

2) Make sure the respondent cooperates (where possible)

Where the respondent engages quickly, documents are acknowledged promptly, and the case progresses more smoothly.

3) Avoid paperwork errors

Small mistakes can cause weeks of delay. Examples include incorrect names, addresses, marriage details, or missing evidence where required.

4) Deal with finances early

Even if your divorce is progressing, unresolved financial issues can create stress and risk later. In many cases, it’s sensible to work towards a consent order alongside the divorce.

Key point: A consent order is a legally binding agreement between two parties and, once approved by the court, it becomes an arrangement under which a couple’s assets and financial affairs are separated upon divorce.

5) Agree terms wherever you can

If you and your ex can reach an agreement between spouses on how to split their assets and liabilities, you can usually avoid the time and cost of contested court proceedings.

Finances: Don’t Finalise the Divorce Without Protection

Many people want a quick divorce and only think about money later. That can be risky. A divorce financial settlement is often the point where people secure certainty over the family home, savings, debts, and pensions.

If you’re trying to work out how to work out splitting up money, property and possessions, it helps to understand that calculating a divorce settlement involves several key steps:

List all assets and debts (property, savings, loans, credit cards, investments)
Value pensions and consider whether there may be a transfer of some income-generating assets
Review income, outgoings, housing needs, and childcare arrangements
Consider whether a clean break is appropriate (and if so, what type of order)
Record what you’ve agreed and convert it into a court-approved consent order

People often search for a divorce settlement calculator or divorce settlement calculator style estimate, but the reality is that outcomes vary widely. Even a “50/50 split” is not automatic — the court focuses on fairness and needs.

If you already have broad agreement and want it made legally binding, a consent order may be the right next step.

FAQ: Quick Divorce

How quickly can I get divorced in England and Wales?

In a straightforward, uncontested case, many people reach the Final Order in around 6–8 months. Delays can happen if the respondent does not engage, service is difficult, or paperwork needs correcting.

Can I speed up the 20-week period?

Usually, no. The 20-week period is built into the process and is intended as a period of reflection. The practical focus is reducing avoidable delays either side of it.

Does agreeing finances make divorce faster?

It doesn’t remove the legal waiting periods, but it often reduces stress and prevents separate financial proceedings dragging on. It also helps you move forward with certainty.

Should I apply for the Final Order straight away?

Not always. If finances are not resolved, taking the Final Order can have legal and financial consequences in some situations. We can advise you on the safest timing for your circumstances.

What if we separated years ago (including after 5 years separation)?

Even after 5 years separation, you still need to follow the formal divorce process. There are also risks if finances were never finalised — including claims being brought later. We can explain your options and any time limit uk issues that may apply in your situation.

How OLS Solicitors Can Help

We provide clear, practical advice and handle the legal process with minimal stress for you. If your goal is the quickest possible outcome, we focus on:

Correct applications and prompt submission
Reducing avoidable court queries and delays
Guidance on the best timing for the Conditional and Final Order
Support with financial settlements, including consent orders and clean break outcomes

Speak to a Divorce Solicitor

If you want the fastest, cleanest route through the divorce process, contact OLS Solicitors for straightforward advice and clear next steps.

Call: 01544 756952 | Email: [email protected]

Note: This page provides general information, not legal advice. Timescales vary by court capacity and individual circumstances.

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A Lower-Cost Option for Straightforward Divorces

If your divorce is uncontested and you’re comfortable using a guided online service, you may not need a solicitor-led process.

Our sister company, Divorce-Online, offers a fixed-fee online divorce service for £299. It is designed for couples who:

agree the marriage has ended
want a clear, structured process without face-to-face appointments
are happy to manage their divorce online with professional support

The service covers the preparation and submission of your divorce application and keeps the case moving through each stage of the court process.

Important: As with any divorce, this service does not automatically resolve finances. If you need a divorce financial settlement, consent order, or advice on whether a clean break is appropriate, OLS Solicitors can step in to advise or take over where needed.

View the £299 Online Divorce Service at Divorce-Online

Choosing between a solicitor-led service and an online divorce comes down to complexity, confidence, and the level of support you want. We’re happy to help you decide which route is right for you.

Mesher Orders in Divorce: What Happens to the Family Home?

Posted on 26 January 202626 January 2026 by Georgina Hitchins

OLS Solicitors Blog

Mesher Orders in Divorce: What Happens to the Family Home?

By Georgina Hitchins on January 26, 2026

Illustration showing a Mesher Order in divorce, with one parent and child remaining in the family home while the other leaves, representing a delayed sale of the property.

Mesher Orders in Divorce Explained

Deciding what happens to the family home is often one of the most difficult issues to resolve during divorce. The property may represent not only significant financial value but also emotional security, particularly where children are involved.

One option the court may consider when dealing with the future of the matrimonial home is a Mesher Order. In this article, we explain what a Mesher Order is, how it works, and when it may be used as part of a divorce financial settlement.

Mesher Orders and the Cost of Living Crisis

As the cost of living crisis continues to intensify, Mesher Orders are being used more frequently in divorce cases. Rising house prices, higher mortgage rates, and stricter lending criteria mean that many separating couples cannot afford to rehouse immediately.

This has had a disproportionate impact on women, who are often the primary carers for children and may struggle to secure an independent mortgage following divorce. In these circumstances, a Mesher Order can provide short- to medium-term stability.

What Is a Mesher Order?

A Mesher Order is a court order that postpones the sale of the matrimonial home following divorce. It is named after a landmark legal case and is designed to delay the sale until a specified future event, known as a trigger event.

Typically, the order allows the parent with primary care of the children to remain living in the family home until the youngest child reaches adulthood or another trigger event occurs. The property remains jointly owned during this period.

Mesher Orders are usually recorded within a consent order, which is the court document that makes a divorcing couple’s financial agreement legally binding.

Key Things to Know About Mesher Orders

One parent can remain in the family home: A Mesher Order delays the sale of the property, often until the youngest child turns 18, the resident parent remarries, or both parties agree to sell.
The property remains jointly owned: Both parties stay financially connected, meaning responsibility for the mortgage, insurance, and maintenance usually continues.
It prevents a clean break: Unlike a clean break order, a Mesher Order keeps financial ties in place for many years, which may limit future financial independence.
It is not always the best solution: Alternatives such as selling the property, downsizing, or buying out the other party’s share may provide faster financial closure.

The Impact of the Current Financial Climate

In today’s economic climate, lower average incomes, career gaps, and increased mortgage affordability checks make it difficult for many individuals to rehouse following divorce.

Mesher Orders can provide breathing space, allowing children to remain in the family home while the resident parent works towards longer-term financial independence in a more manageable way.

Pros and Cons of Mesher Orders

Pros

Stability for children: Children can remain in their familiar home environment during and after divorce.
Financial respite: The resident parent gains time to improve their financial position.
Market flexibility: Delaying a sale may be beneficial if the property market is unfavourable.

Cons

Ongoing financial ties: Both parties remain financially linked, which can lead to future disputes.
Market risk: The property value may fall over time, affecting the eventual proceeds.
Delayed independence: Both parties may find it harder to move on financially.

Can I Refuse a Mesher Order?

If the court proposes a Mesher Order, it is because it considers the arrangement appropriate based on the facts of the case. However, a party can object and present arguments against it.

Options may include:

Seeking legal advice from a family law solicitor
Negotiating an alternative agreement
Proposing different arrangements, such as selling the property or buying out the other party
Presenting objections at a court hearing
Appealing the decision, where valid legal grounds exist

The court’s primary focus will always be the welfare of any children involved and fairness between both parties.

What Are Trigger Events in a Mesher Order?

Trigger events determine when the deferred sale of the property will take place. Common trigger events include:

The youngest child reaching 18
The youngest child finishing full-time education
The resident parent remarrying or cohabiting
The passage of a specified number of years
The death of the resident parent

Once a trigger event occurs, the property is sold and the proceeds are divided in accordance with the Mesher Order.

A Shift in Judicial Perspective

There has been a noticeable shift in judicial attitudes towards Mesher Orders. Courts are increasingly limiting the length of these arrangements, encouraging earlier financial independence and finality.

While this reflects the importance of moving on after divorce, it can place additional pressure on the resident parent to achieve financial stability more quickly.

Conclusion

Mesher Orders can provide a practical, temporary solution for divorcing couples who cannot immediately sell the family home, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

However, they are not without risk. Ongoing financial ties, market fluctuations, and delayed independence mean that a Mesher Order should always be considered carefully. Taking legal advice early can help you understand whether a Mesher Order is appropriate for your circumstances, or whether an alternative arrangement would better support your long-term financial future.

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Understanding Property Adjustment Orders in Divorce Proceedings

Posted on 26 January 202626 January 2026 by Lucy Batstone

OLS Solicitors Blog

Understanding Property Adjustment Orders in Divorce Proceedings

By Lucy Batstone on January 26, 2026

Property adjustment order in divorce proceedings involving the family home and financial settlement

When Is a Property Adjustment Order used?

One of the biggest assets to deal with on divorce is often the matrimonial home. As a result, many disputes between divorcing spouses focus on what should happen to the property after separation.

In some cases, couples are able to agree between themselves how the property should be dealt with. Where agreement cannot be reached, the court may need to step in and decide the most appropriate outcome.

What is a Property Adjustment Order?

A Property Adjustment Order in the UK is a legal order that allows the court to redistribute property and other financial assets between spouses or civil partners following a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.

This type of order can be applied for during divorce proceedings or after the divorce has concluded. Legal advice should always be sought to ensure your interests are properly protected.

The primary purpose of a Property Adjustment Order in divorce proceedings is to achieve a fair division of assets, taking into account the financial needs and contributions of both parties, as well as the needs of any children.

Factors the Court Will Consider

When deciding whether to make a Property Adjustment Order, the court will consider a range of factors, including:

Each party’s financial needs, obligations, and resources
Financial and non-financial contributions made by each party to the family
The welfare of any children, including their housing needs

The court has wide discretion and may order an immediate transfer of property or postpone any transfer until a later date, such as when children reach the age of 18 or finish full-time education.

Why Would I Need a Property Adjustment Order?

A divorcing couple will usually need a Property Adjustment Order to give legal effect to any financial agreement involving the family home.

If the parties cannot agree on how the property should be divided, the court will impose a financial settlement. Even where agreement is reached, court approval is required for the agreement to become legally binding.

Common Ways Couples Deal With the Family Home

The two most common approaches to dealing with the matrimonial home are:

Property Transfer
Ownership of the property is transferred to one spouse. This can happen immediately or at a later date, for example when children reach adulthood or complete full-time education.This may also involve transferring or refinancing a mortgage from joint names into one person’s sole name.
Property Sale
While not strictly a Property Adjustment Order, selling the family home is one of the most common solutions.Any agreement to sell should be recorded in a Consent Order to prevent either party from withdrawing at a later stage.

What Types of Property Orders Can the Court Make?

The court has wide powers to make orders relating to property in divorce proceedings. The most common Property Adjustment Orders include:

Delaying the sale of the family home (for example, until children finish education)
Transferring ownership of the property from one party to the other
Selling the property and dividing the proceeds fairly

Specific Types of Property Orders

In addition to standard Property Adjustment Orders, the court may also make more specific orders, including:

Mesher Order
A Mesher Order postpones the sale of the family home until a specific “trigger event” occurs. This commonly allows one party (often the primary carer) to remain in the property with the children until they reach 18 or complete full-time education.

Martin Order
A Martin Order goes further than a Mesher Order by postponing the sale of the property indefinitely. The occupying party may remain in the home for life, subject to trigger events such as remarriage or voluntarily leaving the property.

How Do I Get a Property Adjustment Order?

There are two main ways to obtain a Property Adjustment Order:

Consent Orders

Where both parties agree on how the property should be dealt with, the agreement can be recorded in a Consent Order. The Property Adjustment Order will form part of this document and must be approved by the court to become legally binding.

Family Court Proceedings

If agreement cannot be reached and mediation is unsuccessful, an application to the Family Court will be required. The court will then impose a decision by way of a Financial Order, which may include a Property Adjustment Order.

Does the Court Need to Be Involved?

Yes. The court must always be involved in some capacity when making a Property Adjustment Order.

Even where both parties agree, the Consent Order must be approved and sealed by the court before it becomes legally binding and enforceable.

Who Needs to Apply for a Property Adjustment Order?

A Property Adjustment Order is suitable for couples who want to place property arrangements into a legally binding financial order, preventing future claims by either party.

Traditionally, these orders are drafted by a family or high-street solicitor as part of a wider Consent Order.

However, to reduce costs, it is possible to obtain a fixed-fee Property Adjustment Order with the support of our family lawyers at OLS Solicitors.

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Competition Horse Legal Planning: Protecting Your Horse as an Asset

Posted on 23 January 2026 by Lara Davies

OLS Solicitors Blog

Competition Horse Legal Planning: Protecting Your Horse as an Asset

By Lara Davies on January 23, 2026

Competition horse legal planning – protecting a competition horse as a valuable asset

By Lara Davies

Protecting a Competition Horse as an Asset

For riders who compete, a horse is never just a hobby. Alongside the partnership and emotional bond sits something else entirely: a high-value asset shaped by years of training, financial investment, and specialist care.

As an accomplished equestrian, I know how easy it is to focus solely on performance, progression, and day-to-day management. Legal planning is rarely top of the list. Yet equestrian sport carries real risk, and when the unexpected happens, a lack of clear arrangements can leave families – particularly those with little horse knowledge – facing difficult decisions about a horse’s future.

Why competition horses require legal protection

Competition horses often represent one of a rider’s most valuable assets. The purchase price is only the starting point. Ongoing costs such as livery, training, veterinary treatment, transport, competition fees, and professional support all contribute to a horse’s true value.

In some cases, horses may also produce income through prize money, breeding, or sponsorship. Without formal legal arrangements, uncertainty can arise around ownership, control, and decision-making, often at times of emotional or financial pressure.

Forward planning helps protect both the welfare of the horse and the value of the investment.

How riders can safeguard their horse

1. Record ownership clearly

If a horse is jointly owned, loaned, or part of a syndicate, ownership should be confirmed in writing. Informal or verbal agreements can quickly break down when circumstances change.

Ownership details should also be consistent across breed societies, governing bodies, and the equine passport.

2. Separate ownership from control

In some situations, a trust arrangement can offer valuable protection. A trust allows trusted, knowledgeable individuals to make decisions about training, competition, or sale if the owner is no longer able to do so.

This approach can be particularly helpful where family members are not experienced with horses.

3. Review insurance as circumstances change

Insurance should reflect a horse’s current role, competition level, and market value. Mortality, veterinary fees, public liability, and loss of use cover all play an important role.

Policies should be reviewed regularly as a horse’s value or career develops.

4. Formalise care and competition arrangements

Where another rider competes or rides the horse, clear written agreements help avoid misunderstandings. These should cover financial responsibility, authority over decisions, and what happens if the arrangement ends.

The same principles apply to loan agreements, which should specify permitted use, care standards, and termination arrangements.

5. Address your horse in your will

A will should deal specifically with your horse, setting out who is to take responsibility and whether the horse is to be kept, transferred, or sold.

Without clear instructions, families may feel forced to make quick decisions without understanding the horse’s needs or true value.

A practical example

I have seen first-hand how effective simple planning can be. One amateur competitor made arrangements to ensure her sensitive but talented horse would pass to a trusted and experienced friend rather than being sold quickly to the first available buyer.

This clarity protected the horse’s welfare and gave her family reassurance at what would otherwise have been a very difficult time.

Final thoughts for competitive riders

Whether a horse is worth a few hundred pounds or a six-figure sum, the principle remains the same. Responsible ownership includes planning for the unexpected.

Putting the right legal structures in place helps preserve value, safeguard welfare, and ensure your horse’s future reflects the care and commitment you have invested.

If you would like advice on protecting a competition horse through ownership agreements, trusts, or wills, speak to a specialist who understands both the legal framework and the realities of equestrian sport and law

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Later-life divorce: the risk profile family lawyers underestimate

Posted on 20 January 202620 January 2026 by Lara Davies

OLS Solicitors Blog

Later-life divorce: the risk profile family lawyers underestimate

By Lara Davies on January 20, 2026

Later-life divorce: the risk profile family lawyers underestimate

Later-life divorce is often discussed in terms of rising numbers. In practice, its significance lies elsewhere. These cases carry a different risk profile — legally, financially and professionally — and treating them as routine family matters with longer marriages attached is increasingly problematic.

As practitioners, we are seeing a growing cohort of clients in their 50s, 60s and beyond whose separations sit at the intersection of family law, pensions, estate planning and vulnerability. The law may be familiar, but the consequences of getting advice wrong are magnified. Outcomes that might be workable for a 40-year-old client can be actively harmful when applied later in life.

This is not simply a demographic shift. It is a structural change in the nature of the work.

Why conventional divorce frameworks fall short

Later-life divorce exposes the limits of standard assumptions about fairness, needs and future planning. These cases are rarely about rebuilding earning capacity or supporting dependent children. Instead, they focus on maintaining stability, income security and housing for the remainder of a client’s life.

Financial reality: pensions, income and illiquid wealth

In later-life divorce, pensions frequently eclipse all other assets. Defined benefit schemes, in particular, can dominate negotiations and introduce difficult moral and practical questions.

The emotional weight of accumulated lives

Later-life divorce carries an emotional density that is easy to underestimate. Homes, possessions and savings are not simply assets; they are repositories of memory and identity.

Adult children: invisible participants in the dispute

The absence of dependent children does not remove family dynamics from the equation. Adult children often become influential voices, particularly where one parent appears more vulnerable.

Practical challenges and evidential fragility

Later-life cases also present practical difficulties that affect how work must be delivered.

The unavoidable overlap with private client advice

Later-life divorce almost always necessitates a wider review: wills, powers of attorney, pension nominations and estate planning structures must all be revisited.

A recalibration, not an add-on

Later-life divorce is not simply mainstream family work with a longer timeline.

Lara Jayne Davies
Solicitor, OLS Solicitors