The Harbour Family Law Podcast

Nicky Howarth and Fiona Greener discuss the potentially tricky issues around children’s passports and international travel after separation.Both parents with parental responsibility usually need to consent to a child’s passport application so when agreement can’t be reached, parents should try to resolve matters together. In cases where this doesn’t happen, the court can decide and will generally support travel in the child’s best interests unless there are safeguarding concerns.Nicky and Fiona explain that a parent with a “lives with” order can usually take a child abroad for up to 28 days, but that communication with the other parent is still advised.Finally, episode offers some practical tips for travel, including avoiding issues at border control when surnames differ, and cautions against wrongly reporting a passport as lost or stolen during disputes.To find out more or speak to a specialist, visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/

In this episode, Katie Zikking  and Ros White discuss the fact that a divorce order only ends the marriage, not any financial claims, which need to be closed separately through a financial remedy order.Katie and Ros explain that while many people think they don’t need one, it’s still advisable as a form of protection against future claims. They explore case study examples, from lottery wins to business growth, that show how financial disputes can reopen years after divorce.The episode covers how in many cases, agreements are straightforward and quick to reach and outlines the value of early legal advice when it comes to understanding your position and securing a final settlement that allows both parties to move on with certainty.To find out more or speak to a specialist, visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/

In this episode, Nicky Howarth and Hannah Holdaway unpack divorce statistics in England and Wales and have some good news about the commonly quoted claim that “one in two marriages end in divorce”. The episode explores why divorce rates have fallen in recent decades, how long marriages typically last and explores the idea of the “seven-year itch”.Nicky and Hannah cover the the introduction of the no-fault divorce in 2022 and how this has changed the legal process by removing the need to assign blame, helping couples separate more constructively, especially where children are involved.If you are considering separation, Harbour Family Law can help.Visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/

In this episode, Nicky Howarth, Emma Gordon, and Hannah Holdaway discuss the rapid rise of AI technology and its implications for the legal field, particularly family law. They explore how AI has become integrated into everyday life and many professional practices but has limitations and risks associated with its use in legal contexts and demonstrate the importance of human expertise in providing legal advice.The podcast emphasises that while AI can be a useful tool, it it absolutely should not replace qualified legal professionals. Alongside AI’s ability to “hallucinate” facts and even legal proceedings, it lacks the nuanced understanding required for individual cases.To find out more about Harbour Family Law, visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

This episode sees Harbour Family Law solicitors Katy Zikking and Emma Gordon join Hannah Holdaway in the studio to discuss the implications of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in family law, particularly during divorce proceedings. As family law specialists, Katy and Emma unpack how NPD affects financial and child arrangement cases, the challenges faced by clients, and the importance of counselling and support strategies. The conversation also covers the need for legal professionals to understand NPD and help provide clients with effective coping mechanisms while navigating the complexities of separation and divorce.To find out more about Harbour Family Law, visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

In this episode, Nicky Howarth and her Harbour Family Law colleagues Ros White and Fiona Greener discuss the implications of recording conversations in the context of family law. As recording conversations has become a common practice in family law cases, the conversation covers the legal and ethical considerations surrounding them, and the court's perspective on recorded evidence. The conversation highlights the potential risks and benefits of recordings, particularly when it comes to children, and emphasises the importance of understanding the legal framework before deciding to record any interactions.To find out more about Harbour Family Law, visit https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk

Hannah Holdaway, Ros White, and Katy Zikking, all family lawyers, sit down in the studio to discuss “Resolution Together”, a new approach to resolving disputes between separating couples.Hannah, a specialist Resolution Together solicitor explains how Resolution Together involves one lawyer and two clients in the room and unpacks its benefits. These are particularly relevant in the context of the recent no-fault divorce legislation, as it offers a more amicable and constructive way to handle financial settlements and child arrangements. The discussion also highlights the importance of identifying any power imbalances before proceeding, as well as the flexibility of the process to adapt to individual needs.Find out more about Harbour Family Law here, https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/

Katy, Fiona and Nicky, the Directors of Harbour Family Law, address the most common questions they get asked in relation to family law, including what a court room is actually like, financial claims after divorce, child arrangements, divorce timelines, 'prenups' and TV portrayals of divorce. They all emphasize the importance of approachable, supportive and timely legal advice, when it comes to understanding the nuances of family law and effectively navigating the complex issues that can arise.

In the inaugural episode of the Harbour Family Law podcast, the Directors of the firm -  Katy, Fiona and Nicky -  delve into what you might expect at your first meeting with a family lawyer and the sort of things lawyers think about in the very early stages of meeting a new client.With their extensive experience of family law they cover the importance of understanding client needs, the role of mediation, and the emotional support necessary during divorce. They highlight the significance of co-parenting and maintaining a child-centred approach throughout the legal process.