The Law Show

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Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

The Law Show is your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK.

Weekly conversation that will give you an in-depth understanding of the law stories making news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it's unpicking a landmark legal ruling, explaining how laws are made or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

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The Law Show: Sewage-polluted waters, Divorce and financial orders, Leasehold reform

Sewage-polluted waters, Divorce and financial orders, Leasehold reform

BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show, Sewage-polluted waters, Divorce and financial orders, Leasehold reform

Your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK. This week: sewage-polluted waters - what's legal? New divorce laws, and Leasehold reform.

Weekly conversation led by Dr Joelle Grogan about the law stories making the news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it’s explaining a new law or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

This week:

Water: from the cryptosporidium outbreak in tap water in Devon, to E. coli bacteria in the Thames, and sewage in rivers, lakes and seas across the country - what does the law say about clean water? What obligations do water companies have, who enforces this, and who keeps an eye on the enforcers?  Do we have a right to clean water to drink or swim in?  Joelle explores all this and more with Angus Evers, Partner and Head of Environment Law at Shoosmiths, and with Dr Charlotte Proudman, a barrister and academic. 

Divorce:  in England and Wales, the only divorce available now is no-fault divorce, as a result of a law change that came into force last year.  As family law solicitor Tracey Moloney points out though, you also need to get a financial order. If not, your ties haven't been fully severed, and your ex-spouse could make a financial claim in future.  In Scotland, you need to prove irretrievable breakdown of the marriage to get a divorce, or that one of you is applying for a gender recognition certificate.  In Northern Ireland, you need to cite reasons like adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion.  

And: the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 was the last bill that became law just before parliament was dissolved for the general election. Under the Act, which covers England and Wales, leaseholders will gain more rights. For example, it will become easier and cheaper for them to buy their freehold, or extend leases to 990 years. There is also a ban on the sale of all new leasehold houses. But, the Act didn't cap, let alone abolish, ground rent, and hasn't come into force yet...

Producers: Ravi Naik and Arlene Gregorius
Editor: Tara McDermott
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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The Law Show

Sewage-polluted waters, Divorce and financial orders, Leasehold reform

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