Family Law Week's Podcast

In this episode, host Catharine Langley, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Amy Walpole, Partner and Head of Family, East Anglia and Karen Brennan, Partner and Head of Family, Leamington Spa, from HCR Law. In this episode, we discuss Nuptial Agreements; are they binding, the position post Radmacher, the issue of fairness and judicial discretion. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.  

In this episode, host Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Clizia Motterle, Senior Associate at RWK Goodman. In this episode, we discuss religious divorce reform. Religious divorce reform aims to address the legal "limbo" faced by individuals whose civil marriage is dissolved, but whose religious marriage is not. The Divorce (Religious Marriages) Act 2002 allows courts to withhold the civil decree absolute until religious divorce steps are taken. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, host Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Professor Jo Delahunty KC and Ian McArdle where they discuss their new book; Domestic Abuse and the Family Justice System: Law and Practice. This much needed new book looks at the legal framework governing allegations of domestic abuse from Statute and Rules to precedent and good practice. It assists those working with both victims and perpetrators of alleged coercive controlling behaviour and domestic abuse, and those who represent the children impacted by adult behaviours. Guiding the reader through the legal framework the court applies when assessing competing adult claims and denials, the work identifies areas that can be problematic to manage unless well anticipated and sets out ways in which they can be navigated. This book combines best practice from the criminal courts to assist family law practitioners in identifying common mistakes made by practitioners and the family justice system, offering solutions and promoting best practice. Each chapter identifies principles and practice points, highlighting the key points practitioners can deploy to enhance and develop their own case preparation and court room skills.  Not only essential reading for all involved in this area of law but a necessary addition to every courtroom. Professor Jo Delahunty KC (Author)  Ian McArdle (Author)  Michelle Heeley KC (Author)  Chloe Ashley (Author) Anita Mehta (Author) You can purchase the book here published by Bloomsbury Professional: - https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/domestic-abuse-and-the-family-justice-system-9781526528186/ This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, host Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Professor Jo Delahunty KC. In this episode, we discuss Jo's new book We Set the Bar - Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession. The Bar has a long-standing reputation for being the preserve of public-school educated, white men. Power and privilege can create abuses of power. From discrimination and disadvantage in entering the profession, to toxic work practices, sexual harassment, judicial bullying and more. In her trademark outspoken style, Jo Delahunty K.C. reveals what life at the legal aid Bar involves and identifies what can be done to change its culture and image for the better, reshaping the traditional image of a barrister in terms of the diverse profession it should be. By celebrating the highs, but not concealing the lows, of a life in law, Jo's love letter to her profession 'sets the bar' for action: what we can learn from the past and what needs to be done in future to galvanise it into a united, egalitarian, healthy environment for all. You can purchase this book here: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/we-set-the-bar This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones. Bristol University Press

In this episode, Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Vanessa Gardiner, Partner at RWK Goodman, in a lively discussion about Weddings Law Reform. Marriage Law in England and Wales still largely regulates buildings rather than people, meaning where and how you marry is tightly controlled — and many argue it no longer reflects our diverse modern society In this episode, they discuss the Law Commission's Review of major proposed changes, touching upon shifting from regulating venues to regulating officiants, allowing weddings in more places (fields, beaches, private homes), simplifying legal processes and notice requirements along with potential inclusion of non-religious belief organisations and independent celebrants. This episode of the Family Law Week Podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

 In this episode, Nathanael Harding of Westgate Chambers is joined by Yasmin Khan-Gunns (Family Lawyer at Keystone Law) and Marcie Shaoul (Marcie Shaoul, author of The Co-Parenting Method and Director of The Co-Parent Way) to discuss the Separated Parenting Programme Directory (SPPD).  SPPD is a newly launched (December 2025) UK Charity that provides parents and family professionals with a single, national directory of quality-assured separated parenting programmes. Our purpose is to support separating and separated parents by improving access to trusted parenting programmes that meet our specific quality standards - and, in doing so, to assist family lawyers, mediators, the court, Cafcass and other family related professionals who regularly signpost clients to such support. SPPD exists in response to a long-standing gap faced by family practitioners: the absence of a central, trusted source identifying which parenting programmes are available, what they offer, how much they cost and whether they meet certain standards. Family lawyers, Barristers and Mediators are encouraged - by the court, Cafcass, and the Family Procedure Rules - to promote early intervention and conflict-reduction support for parents, yet there has historically been no consistent framework for identifying suitable parenting programmes. SPPD's website and further information can be found here - https://separatedparentingprogrammedirectory.org/ They can be followed on Instagram here: @sppd.uk. This episode of the Family Law Week Podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Stuart Taylor-Jones hosts, Linda Lamb, (LSL Family Law), Felicia Munde (Stewarts), Lucie Bultitude and Keelan Shrimpton (RWK Goodman) who were all recent winners at Family Law Week's Private Law Recognition Awards 2025. Linda (Winner, Solicitor of the Year), Felicia (Winner, Highly Commended, Solicitor of the Year), Lucie (Winner, Young Professional of the Year) and Keelan (Winner, Highly Commended, Young Professional of the Year) discuss their successes along with their legal journey. They all look to the future to consider where will be in the next10 years with the implementation of AI and other recent proposed changes to Family Law Legislation. Congratulations again to all our winners: Barrister of the Year Winner: Jodie Cudworth (Westgate Chambers) Highly Commended: Dr Charlotte Proudman Solicitor of the Year Winner: Linda Lamb (LSL Family Law) Highly Commended: Emma Sanders (Sousa Law) Rising Star of the Year Winner: Poppy Harber Highly Commended: Felicia Munde (Stewarts) Young Professional of the Year            Winner: Lucie Bultitude  (RWK Goodman) Highly Commended: Keelan Shrimpton (RWK Goodman)

In this episode, Westgate Chambers' Barrister Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, hosts, Rebekah Gershuny, Founder of Evolve Family Mediation. In this episode we explore the issue of What's the Difference between a Shared Care Arrangement and a Joint Lives With Order (if any) and what are the practical implications when focussing on the recent case of AZ v BX [2024] EWHC 1528 (Fam). Elissa and Rebekah also explore the benefits to separated parents of using Child Inclusive Mediation and parenting courses to enable parents to navigate their new situation of parenting both separately and together. This episode of the Family Law Week Podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers' Barrister Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, hosts Laura Williams, Partner, Mediator and Joint Head of Family at HCR Law. In this episode we discuss; Cohabitation – How cohabitation law is still in the 19th Century, the lack of sensible provision for cohabitants, as well as the current government's manifesto promise to reform this area of law and whether Scotland or Australia have a better model for former unmarried partners. This episode of the Family Law Week Podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister Scott Sharp, hosts Jude Eyre, Associate Director at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, Anna Yarde from Harcourt Chambers as well as "Anne" a young person and member of the Family Justice Young People's Board. In this episode we discuss; the President of the Family Division's recently published resource for judges – Writing to Children – A Toolkit. The President of the Family Division published this toolkit for family judges to support them in writing to the children.  As the toolkit sets out, judges writing to children is a key means by which judges can ensure children feel heard and are supported to understand what the family court has decided in relation to their family and why. Judges writing to children is one important way of supporting children's participation in proceedings. It allows children to hear directly from the person who made life changing decisions about them and their family. Letters of this type can help ensure children know that the judge was thinking about them and understand how their views, thoughts and feelings were taken into account. This episode of the Family Law Week Podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister Ayisha Robertson, hosts Andrew Pack, Lawyer at Brighton & Hove City Council and creator and author of Suesspicious Minds child law blog along with Dr Kate Hellin, Chartered Clinical Psychologist and expert witness in the family courts with a background in working with people with personality disorders in groups and therapeutic communities, and with staff teams and organisations. In this episode we dig deep into process vs people and addressing the system vs changing the parent. This episode of the Family Law Week podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.  __________________________________ Obholzer, A., and Zagier Roberts, V. (eds) (2019). The Unconscious at Work: A Tavistock Approach to Making Sense of Organizational Life, Routledge: London and New York. Dr Ciaran Murphy, senior lecturer in social work at Edge Hill University and his research into the systemic factors associated with child protection systems and why they fail.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister Ayisha Robertson, hosts Keeley Lengthorn, Partner, and Head of Public Law Children (London) at RWK Goodman, Emma Davies, Past President of CILEX and Associate at Everys and Elissa Da Costa-Waldman, Barrister at Westgate Chambers In this special episode, we explore and support our guests past and future. Keeley and her team of campaigners who have recently achieved success in changing the law (made via the employment rights bill) to enable mothers and their partners to receive two weeks of bereavement leave if they have suffered a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks' gestation. The bill, which will implement Labour's flagship workers' rights reforms in England, Wales and Scotland, is set to pass its final Commons hurdles shortly. We also discuss Emma's tenure as CILEX President, as well overcoming significant health issues, to now thrive and specialise in Employment Law, Fitness to Practise, Professional Discipline - Along with Elissa Da Costa-Waldman who speaks passionately, touching upon women's roles and how past leaders have shaped the way for the women of today to be successful. This episode of the Family Law Week podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister Ayisha Robertson, hosts Keeley Lengthorn, Partner, and Head of Public Law Children (London) at RWK Goodman. Trigger warning. Today, on George's 3rd birthday, Ayisha and Keeley discuss baby loss and the proposed imminent changes to government legislation surrounding what is commonly known as 'Georges Law'. Keeley continues to campaign for statutory leave for baby loss under 24 weeks of pregnancy. This episode of the Family Law Week podcast is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister John Hatton, provides our listeners with a recap on legal and newsworthy recent family law updates. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister's Ayisha Robertson hosts Bob Greig, Angharad Rudkin and Marcus Hicks. Bob Greig is the co-Director of OnlyMums and Dads and the Family Separation Support Hub (FSSH), co-editor 'Separating With Children 101' (3rd edition), co-editor '(Almost) Anything But Family Court' as well as a co-founder of The Parents Promise. Angharad Rudkin is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with 20 years' experience of working with children and families, and a lecturer at the University of Southampton. With regular appearances in the media as a subject matter expert, from gender fluidity through to parental addiction, she is also a key contributor to the screen time national policy and guidelines committee. Marcus Hicks works as a paediatric nurse. Presently, he works as a Mental Health Practitioner with CAMHS. Marcus has also previously worked in the ambulance service and with Great Ormond Street and Children's Hospice. He is building a website  www.griefmapping.com aimed at bringing disconnected families together. It will offer retreats, a chance to share into a book and to pin your story to a world map and connect with others. In this packed episode we discuss; Parental Alienation as well as trauma and support. We also look at the impact this has on children's mental health and relationship building. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister's Ayisha Robertson and Scott Sharp hosts Dr Kate Hellin  Dr Hellin is a Chartered Psychologist with over 30 years' experience of working within the NHS, dealing with personality disorders, substance misuse and dependency. She has also worked as a psychotherapist as well as in forensic and community mental health services. For the last 15 years, she has worked as a court expert undertaking psychological assessments of parents. In this packed episode we discuss; Parental conflict and its impact on children, whilst branching into the concept of parental alienation, and how conflict pre separation can also flag into Parental Alienation post separation. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister, Scott Sharp hosts Jo O'Sullivan & Jacinta Gallant, where they discuss Non-Court Dispute Resolution. Jo, Present Chair of East Sussex Resolution, who specialises in helping clients, students and fellow family law professionals to avoid the family court; all in the hope that doing so will minimise the emotional damage of parental separation on children. Jo's recent book, (Almost) Anything But Family Court, edited by social enterprise Only Mums & Dads, which aims to encourage couples to reduce conflict at the point of separation (and thereafter) can be purchased, here. With Jacinta, who is a respected Canadian collaborative lawyer, conflict trainer, mediator and innovator in her field. She is recognized internationally for her insightful and experiential approach to teaching and managing conflict, and has been welcomed as a trainer throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. In this packed episode we discuss; What is Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) and the recent change in Family Law, Why NCDR is so important, Working Practices and approach to disputes, Solicitor Neutral Process (One Solicitor, One Couple), Mediation and Arbitration. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister, Laura Buchan hosts Lucy Barnes (Co-Founder & CEO, Future Pupil Barrister at East Anglian Chambers), Kate Aubrey-Johnson (Co-Founder, Barrister at Garden Court Chambers) and Gemma Creamer (COO) of Lawyers who Care. We dive deep into who Lawyers who Care are and what the future holds. We discuss how to become a mentor/mentorship organisation, which has been backed by both the Chair of the Bar Council & President of the Law Society, as well as how they are erasing the stigma of being ' care-experienced'. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister, Scott Sharp hosts Mani Singh Basi from 4PB.  Mani specialises in family law disputes relating to children, particularly cases with an international element. He has published two books in 2023, the first being 'A Practical Guide to Stranded Spouses in Family Law Proceedings' and more recently, 'A Practical Guide to Exercising the Inherent Jurisdiction in Family Law Proceedings'.  This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barrister, Ayisha Robertson hosts, CILEX President, Emma Davies and Registrar, Linda Ford along with Emma Taylor, Partner at GoodLaw Solicitors LLP. This episode digs deep into the recent wins for CILEX, and why training with CILEX has many benefits when compared with the traditional route. Emma Taylor goes on to explain her education through CILEX and promotion to a law firm Partner at a young age. 5 Minutes More with John Hatton makes a welcome return where John provides a legal and case law update. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor

This special episode, in support of International Women's Day, see's Westgate Chambers Barrister, Ayisha Robertson host; Her Honour Judge Sarah Earley, Elizabeth Isaacs KC MCIArb (Head of St Ives Chambers), Mary Prior KC (Head of 36 Crime and Vice Chair of the Criminal Bar Association) and Karen Dovaston (Founder of Dovaston Law and Chair of The Law Society Family Law Committee). In this episode called 'invest in women: accelerate progress' our guests discuss their backgrounds and routes to present day.   This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barristers, Laura Buchan and Scott Sharp host James Evans, Head of UK Professional Education at OurFamilyWizard to discuss the platform, its benefits and to confirm two new features for 2024 which are a new Parenting Plan written in conjunction with NACCC and the ability to use in-app voice and video calls. This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor Visit the Family Law Week website for more episodes.

In this episode, Westgate Chambers Barristers, Ayisha Robertson and Scott Sharp host His Honour Stephen Wildblood KC and Dr Freda Gardner about their joint works and how writing has become a large part of their collaboration. John Hatton also provides a news and case law update.  This episode is produced by Sean Gould and Stuart Taylor Visit the Family Law Week website for more episodes.

Rachel Cooper is joined this week by Diana Hamade, an international renowned lawyer based in the UAE.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Susan Baldock and Jacqueline Marks of The Mediation Space to discuss their new dispute resolution offering in family law, as well as discussing their lives and careers.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Ayesha Vardag of Vardags. Ayesha discuss her life, career, and 3 of what Ayesha considers to be her most important cases.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Alexis Campbell QC, joint head of chambers at 29 Bedford Row.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Karin Walker of KGW Family Law and Dr Supriya McKenna

Rachel Cooper is joined by Marilyn Stowe, Founder of Stowe Family Law.

Rachel Cooper is joined this week by Dr S Chelvan, Head of Immigration and Public Law at 33 Bedford Row

Rachel Cooper is joined in this episode by Andrew Powell of 4PB and by Natalie Sutherland, partner at Burgess Mee solicitors.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Elizabeth (Liz) Isaacs QC, member of St Ives Chambers and door tenant at Coram Chambers in London, Atlantic Chambers in Liverpool and 18 St John Street Chambers in Manchester

Rachel Cooper is joined this week by Edward Devereux QC of Harcourt Chambers.

Rachel Cooper is joined in this episode by Rachael Kelsey of SKO solicitors

James Stewart is known for his top-level work on international financial matters. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and is on the Consultation Board of Practical Law. He is a recognised expert in the field of Anglo-Russian family law, is the general editor of 'Family Law Jurisdictional Comparisons' (third edition, 2015) and 'Practical Law Company's Multi-Jurisdictional Guide to Family Law'. He has authored the Russian and Ukrainian chapters of International Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements. James is a qualified solicitor in Northern Ireland and a visiting Professor of Law at Ulster University. James and Rachel discuss some of the most interesting cases of James' career, including Clibbery v Allen [2002] EWCA Civ 45, Re AI and MT [2013] EWHC 100 (Fam) and AG v VD [2021] EWFC 9. They also discuss his life and his career as a family lawyer more generally. The case of Clibbery v Allen considered the balance between achieving confidentiality / privacy and open justice in family proceedings. The case of AI v MT considered the relationship between the civil and the religious courts in family proceedings. The recent case of AG v VD was a Part III case under the MFPA 1984 where the wife received a needs based award and where Cohen J made some timely comments about parties adhering to the requirements of PD 27A

Rachel Cooper is joined by Natasha Shotunde of Garden Court Chambers 

Rachel Cooper is joined by Sir Paul Coleridge to discuss his career at the bar, on the bench and his work with the Marriage Foundation.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Andrew Bagchi QC for a discussion on having confidence as a family lawyer. They also discuss the Court of Protection with specific reference to LB Tower Hamlets v NB v AU [2019] EWCOP 17 and A Local Authority v JB [2020] EWCA Civ 735, and the issue of how the Court of Protection should approach capacity to consent to sexual relations.

Rachel Cooper is joined by Ruth Henke QC to look at devolution in law and look at the cases of Re C (Children) (Care: Change of Forename) [2016] EWCA Civ 374 and T-S (A Child) [2019] EWCA Cov 742.

Rachel Cooper hosts a parental alienation special with Martha Cover

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Carolina Marín Pedreño, partner, and Sulema Jahangir, Senior Associate, both of Dawson Cornwell solicitors for an International Children Law special. They look at a range of international family law issues but specifically, two Hague Convention cases: (1) The Rachael Neustadt case; and (2) LC (Children)(No 2) [2014] UKSC 1. They also look at the issue of stranded spouses or Transnational spouse abandonment and Forced Marriage, with reference to Re K (Forced Marriage: Passport Order) [2020] EWCA Civ 190.

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Barbara Mills QC of 4PB. 

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Alex Laing, also of Coram Chambers to discuss Deprivation of Liberty safeguards and the interrelationship between the inherent jurisdiction and s.25 CA 1989 / s.119 Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014; and Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30.

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers hosts a Costs Special looking specifically at the amendments to the FPR 2010 on costs in financial remedy proceedings which took effect from 6 July 2020. Nick Allen QC, Charlotte Trace and Emily Page of 29 Bedford Row join her to look at where we have come from on costs, where we are now and where we are going. Cases considered in depth: WG v HG [2018] EWFC 84 MB v EB (No 2) [2019] EWHC 3676 RM v TM [2020] EWFC 41 New cost rules looked at in detail: FPR 2010, r 9.27 and FPR 2010, r.9.27A 

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Charles Howard QC of 1KBW to discuss Imerman v Imerman [2010] 2 FLR 814 and issues of non-disclosure by parties in financial proceedings, and the decision of Williams J in DN v UD [2020] EWHC 627 (Fam) on Schedule 1, the significance of that decision and Sch 1 CA 1989 claims generally.

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Jenny Beck of Beck Fitzgerald

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Lucy Maxwell at 1GC to discuss the complications brought about by the Coronavirus Covid-19 and the opportunity to move forward with paperless working. 

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Dr Rob George of Harcourt Chambers.

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Suzanne Kingston from Mills & Reeve

Rachel Cooper of Coram Chambers is joined by Nkumbe Ekaney QC to discuss diversity at the bar and in the legal profession generally, use of s.43 CA orders in radicalisation cases, FGM cases and the relationship between findings in the criminal and family courts.