Headnotes // A legal information podcast from Whitehead Monckton

In this important episode of the Headnotes podcast, Whitehead Monckton family team solicitors Jack Staker and Isabel Palmer sit down with Holly Broadley, Partnerships Manager at Oasis Domestic Abuse Service. Together, they break down the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and the family court system.Domestic abuse is an umbrella term that goes far beyond physical violence, encompassing coercive control, economic abuse, and psychological manipulation. This episode explores the realities of escaping an abusive relationship and how the legal system handles these sensitive cases. Whether you are a victim seeking guidance, a concerned friend, or simply interested in family law, this episode provides crucial insights into navigating one of the most challenging areas of the justice system. In this episode, we are covering:The broad definition of domestic abuse, including hidden forms like economic restriction and coercive control. An overview of Oasis Domestic Abuse Service and how they provide refuge, safety planning, and practical support to men, women, and children. The legal differences between Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, and how to apply for them. How the physiology of trauma affects a victim's memory and behavior, including responses like "fawning". The role of domestic abuse in divorce proceedings, financial remedy cases, and child arrangements. The purpose and impact of Fact-Finding hearings in family court. Practical and immediate steps for safety, such as changing locks and seeking emergency accommodation. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Helpline: https://www.oasisdaservice.org/FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors) / CourtNav: https://www.flows.org.uk/Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton> Visit Website  > Contact UsFind us on Social Media> LinkedIn  > Facebook> Instagram  > YouTubeDisclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.

What the New Tribunal Limitation Periods Mean for EmployersJoining the podcast today are Antonio Fletcher, Head of our Employment Team, and Rebecca Lister, an Employment Paralegal. While the headlines have been dominated by sweeping changes to unfair dismissal and statutory sick pay, Antonio and Rebecca sit down to discuss a major shift in how and when employees can bring claims against their employers. With the limitation period set to double to six months by October, and ACAS pre-claim conciliation times extending to 12 weeks, employers could be facing a waiting game of up to 10 months before a claim is even issued. We explore what this means for access to justice, how the current economic climate might drive up tribunal claims, and the immediate action steps your business needs to take to protect itself.In this episode, we are covering:\ The upcoming shift doubling the Employment Tribunal limitation period from three months to six months\ How the extension of the ACAS pre-claim conciliation process from six to 12 weeks impacts the timeline of claims.\ The potential for a significant backlog, with claims taking up to 9 or 10 months from the date of dismissal just to be issued.\ The economic factors such as a tightening job market that could lead to a rise in "claims of necessity" from former employees.\ Why employers urgently need to review their data retention policies to hold onto employee records for up to 18 months.\ The importance of robust internal grievance and disciplinary processes to mitigate risks before they reach a tribunal.Questions?If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode, or if you need straightforward legal guidance for your business, we are here to help.Connect with Antonio Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-fletcher-10813067/Connect with Rebecca Lister on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lister-b8780a234/Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton> Visit Website  > Contact UsFind us on Social Media> LinkedIn  > Facebook> Instagram  > YouTubeDisclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.

In this episode of the Headnotes podcast, Whitehead Monckton's head of Family department Emma Palmer is joined by two colleagues - Family Solicitor Sarah Brissenden and Mediator Dawn Harrison.Together, they discuss the rise of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) - methods designed to keep your separation out of the courtroom. With the court system currently facing severe backlogs and a lack of judicial availability, the team explains why litigation should be the "last resort" and how alternative routes can save you money, stress, and emotional energy.From the team-based support of Collaborative Law to the neutral facilitation of Mediation, and the innovative "One Lawyer, One Couple" model, this episode is a guide to choosing the path that allows you to look back on your divorce with dignity.In this episode, we cover:The Court Crisis: Sarah shares her recent experiences with court cancellations and why the current system is "unstable" and costly for clients.Collaborative Law: How having lawyers in the room who are committed not to go to court can create a safe space for negotiation (and why you might sign an "Anchor Statement").Mediation Explained: Dawn breaks down her role as a neutral facilitator who provides legal information rather than advice, helping couples build a "Memorandum of Understanding."One Lawyer, One Couple: Emma introduces the "new kid on the block"—a process allowed since the 2020 Divorce Act where a single lawyer advises both parties jointly to reach an amicable agreement.The "Motorway" Analogy: Why every divorce has a destination, but you get to choose whether you take the smooth motorway or the "bumpy road" to get there.Questions? Speak to us directlyIf you are going through a separation and need advice on divorce, we are here to help. Reach out to any of our team directly:Emma Palmer (Associate Director & Head of Family) - 01227 643267https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-palmer-17446170/ Sarah Brissenden (Associate Solicitor) - 01580 767533https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-brissenden-44a14782/Dawn Harrison (Consultant) - 01622 698013https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-harrison-6a51a235/Phone: 01622 698000 (General Enquiries)Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton> Visit Website  > Contact UsFind us on Social Media> LinkedIn  > Facebook> Instagram  > YouTubeDisclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.

Surrogacy is a beautiful way to build a family, but from a legal standpoint in the UK, it can feel a little like navigating a maze built in the 1980s. In this episode of Headnotes, Whitehead Monckton’s family law experts explore why current surrogacy legislation is often described as "not fit for purpose" and discuss how to ensure intended parents are best supported through their surrogacy journey.  We are joined by Hayley King, a donor-conceived adult and advocate, and Lara Izzard-Hobbs, a specialist family law barrister, to discuss the emotional and legal realities for intended parents and surrogates. Whether you are considering surrogacy in the UK or looking at international pathways, this episode breaks down the essential jargon and highlights the reforms needed to protect children and parents alike.What you can expect to hear in this episode:The "Altruistic" Model: Why the UK bans commercial surrogacy and what "reasonable expenses" actually means in the eyes of the court.Parental Orders & Legal Parentage: A breakdown of why the person who gives birth is legally the mother at birth, and the process intended parents must go through to claim legal status.The International Gap: The risks and complexities of seeking surrogacy abroad, including issues with donor anonymity and immigration.The 2023 Law Commission Proposals: Insight into the four key recommendations for reform, including the "new pathway" that would recognize intended parents from birth.The Human Element: Haley King shares her unique perspective as a donor-conceived person on why transparency and early communication about a child’s origins are vital for long-term wellbeing.Paths to Parent-Hub: https://pathstoparenthub.com/Donor Conception Network: https://dcnetwork.org/Surrogacy UK: https://surrogacyuk.org/My Surrogacy Journey: https://mysurrogacyjourney.com/Law Commission Surrogacy Reform Report: https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/surrogacy/Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton> Visit Website  > Contact UsFind us on Social Media> LinkedIn  > Facebook> Instagram  > YouTubeDisclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.

In this inaugural episode of Headnotes, we dive deep into the Employment Rights Act. This legislation is set to transform the landscape for businesses and employees alike, introducing major changes that range from "Day 1" rights to new enforcement agencies.Whether you run a small family business, manage a large HR department, or are simply trying to understand your new rights at work, this episode breaks down the complex legal jargon into clear, actionable information. Join Antonio Fletcher, Head of Employment, and Solicitor Eloise Jones as they map out the timeline of changes from 2025 through to 2027 and explain what you need to do to stay compliant and protected.In this episode, we are covering:The Timeline of Change: Understanding the phased introduction of new laws between December 2025 and 2027.Unfair Dismissal & Probation: The shift from a two-year qualifying period to "Day 1" rights and the likely reduction of probationary periods to six months.Tribunal Changes: The removal of the compensation cap for unfair dismissal and the extension of the time limit to bring claims from 3 to 6 months.Zero-Hours Contracts: New rights to guaranteed hours and the end of "Fire and Rehire" practices.Sexual Harassment: The new duty for employers to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent harassment, including third-party harassment.Family-Friendly Rights: Immediate changes to Paternity Leave, unpaid Parental Leave, and new protections for pregnant women and new mothers (including a ban on dismissal for 6 months post-return).Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Removal of the waiting days and the lower earnings limit—sick pay from Day 1 for everyone.The Fair Work Agency: A new body for proactive enforcement of workers' rights.Mandatory Action Plans: New requirements for large employers regarding the Gender Pay Gap and Menopause support.Get in Touch: If you have concerns about how these changes affect your business or your rights, our Employment team is here to help.Antonio Fletcher  | LinkedIn | WebsiteEloise Jones  | LinkedIn | Website Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton> Visit Website  > Contact UsFind us on Social Media> LinkedIn  > Facebook> Instagram  > YouTubeDisclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.