Family Law in the UK

In this episode, Family Law Partner Natasha Slabas is joined by Divorce coach, Sarah Woodward to explore the increasingly important role of divorce coaches and how they work alongside divorce solicitors to support clients through the separation process.Unlike solicitors, divorce coaches do not offer legal advice. Instead, they help clients manage the psychological and logistical challenges that accompany the end of a marriage, such as decision-making, communication with a former spouse, and planning for life after divorce.When divorce coaches and solicitors collaborate effectively, clients benefit from a more holistic approach to the divorce process. Solicitors focus on the legal framework: advising on financial settlements, child arrangements, and court proceedings. Divorce coaches, meanwhile, prepare clients emotionally for key meetings, help them articulate their priorities, and reduce the likelihood of decisions driven by heightened emotions rather than long-term interests.This division of labour can make legal consultations more productive. Clients who have worked with a coach often arrive at appointments with clearer goals, better-organised documentation, and a calmer mindset—saving time and potentially reducing legal costs.

In this episode of Family Law in the UK, Family Partner Natasha Slabas is joined by Amelia Groom, an Associate in the DMH Stallard family team in London, for a discussion on ‘Divorce Day’, and the tips and tricks for navigating the divorce process. Every year, the first Monday in January—often dubbed “Divorce Day”—marks a surge in enquiries from people contemplating separation after the holidays. While it is a busy date in the family law calendar, for many it is a moment of clarity rather than impulsivity. Natasha and Amelia discuss how early, expert advice from a family lawyer you trust can turn a daunting period into a structured, safer process. A collaborative approach should be the default, with court reserved as a last resort— save where immediate protection or urgent court intervention is necessary.Key talking points include:How does the divorce process work in England and Wales?Why is a financial order essential?What if it's unsafe to remain in the same household?What routes exist to resolve finances and children issues outside court?What practical steps should you take early?What common misconceptions should you avoid?

In this episode of Family Law in the UK, Family law Partner, Natasha Slabas is joined by Chartered Financial Planner, Jade Swanston of Advanta Wealth to unpack the financial realities of divorce and why expert advice - taken early - can be the difference between reactive decisions and a confident, sustainable plan. Jade explains how Advanta Wealth’s specialist divorce proposition grew out of real experience, including a colleague’s own divorce—illustrating how even finance professionals can feel overwhelmed without structured, future-focused planning.The conversation centres on practical, plain-English guidance for people at any stage of separation. Jade outlines how cashflow modelling brings clarity to the “two households from one” challenge by creating a “base case” for life immediately post‑divorce and then stress‑testing realistic scenarios. Using financial disclosure (Form E), budgets and sensible assumptions, she shows how to assess affordability, prioritise needs, and avoid the common trap of focusing only on the family home at the expense of income, pensions and long‑term security. Natasha highlights how clients often overvalue the here‑and‑now and undervalue retirement planning; Jade describes how scenario planning helps weigh trade‑offs such as offsetting pension claims to keep the home, the long‑term cost of doing so, and whether downsizing or adjusting retirement timelines might be more prudent.They also tackle Duxbury calculations and the appeal of a “bird in the hand” lump sum to capitalise maintenance. Jade explains how personalised cashflow modelling complements Duxbury by tailoring assumptions to an individual’s risk profile and life goals, exploring how to deploy a lump sum - whether via risk‑managed investments or income‑producing products - to meet spending needs over time. This episode also looks at hidden items that frequently get missed when couples “agree a deal” without full advice: updating wills and pension death nominations, revisiting beneficiary designations, splitting joint protection policies, and insuring maintenance obligations against death, incapacity or job loss. The takeaway is practical and empowering: comprehensive, early financial planning provides a calmer decision‑making framework in an emotionally charged process, helps you see beyond survival mode, and supports outcomes that stand up not only on day one after decree absolute, but 10–15 years down the line. 

In this episode, Natasha Slabas (Family Law Partner in London) and Samantha Jago (Family Law Partner in Guildford) sit down with James Evans, Head of Professional Education at Our Family Wizard (OFW), to explore how the platform is transforming communication in family law proceedings. Whether used before, during or after court involvement, OFW offers a structured and secure space for separated parents to manage co-parenting more effectively. Having recommended OFW for over a decade, Samantha shares how valuable the tool has been in her own practice. She highlights the “ToneMeter” feature as particularly useful. It gives live feedback on the tone of written messages, helping parents reflect and potentially reframe aggressive or emotionally charged language. There’s also an upgraded version of this feature powered by OFW’s own closed AI system, which can suggest more appropriate wording. The podcast also touches on potential concerns, such as a parent refusing to use the app. If OFW is court-ordered and one party fails to engage, this is logged and visible to the other party and professionals involved. In cases of faked or manipulated communications, which are sadly not uncommon, James emphasises that OFW offers greater security than alternatives. Fake WhatsApp messages are increasingly found in proceedings, whereas OFW’s system is tamper-proof, GDPR-compliant, and developed with safeguarding and integrity in mind.Although OFW is a paid service, a fee waiver system is available for those who need financial assistance, ensuring the platform remains accessible.

In this podcast, Family Law Partner Natasha Slabas discusses drug and alcohol testing in family law with guests James Nutt, Operations Manager for Cansford Laboratories, and Lauren Blythe, Senior Associate in the Family Team. In family law proceedings, concerns about alcohol misuse by a parent or guardian can significantly impact decisions regarding where a child shall live and the time they spend with each parent. To address these concerns, courts often order alcohol testing to provide objective evidence of consumption patterns.If a parent's alcohol use is suspected to compromise their ability to care for a child, or if there are allegations of excessive drinking, testing can help the court assess the level of risk and make informed decisions. It can also be used to:Assess chronic and excessive consumption: To determine if someone has been drinking heavily over a sustained period.Monitor abstinence or reduced consumption: For parents who are trying to demonstrate sobriety or a commitment to changing their drinking habits.Verify changed patterns of alcohol use: To track progress and ensure compliance with court orders.Rebuild trust: Consistent testing can help rebuild trust between parents, authorities, and child welfare professionals.James details the various tests available in the UK and explains what they each offer. He sets out that these tests offer different detection windows and type of information. Examples of the types of tests are: Hair Strand Testing, Blood Alcohol Testing, Nail Testing, Breath Alcohol Testing and SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring by way of an Ankle BraceletNatasha and Lauren go on to provide some insight regarding the impact of drug and alcohol testing in Court proceedings. Including: Court Orders: Alcohol testing is typically ordered by the court, especially when concerns about substance abuse are raised.Consent and Refusal: While a parent cannot be physically forced to provide a sample, refusing to comply with a court-ordered test can lead to the judge drawing negative inferences, effectively assuming the allegations of alcohol abuse are true. Similarly, attempting to interfere with test results (e.g., by cutting hair very short) can also lead to negative inferences.Interpretation of Results: Test results are analysed by experts and presented in a report. These reports consider various factors, including declared medications or external influences on hair, to provide a comprehensive interpretation. It's important to note that a positive test result doesn't automatically mean a parent loses custody; the results are part of a broader assessment alongside all other evidence in the case.Costs: The cost of testing can be borne by the tested party or shared between parties, with courts often ordering shared costs due to the impact on the child's contact arrangements. Legal aid may be available in some local authority cases.Alcohol testing serves as a crucial tool in family law, providing objective evidence to help courts make decisions that prioritise the best interests and safety of children. Understanding the different types of tests, their capabilities, and the legal implications is vital for anyone involved in such proceedings.

The podcast discusses the abolition of the Remittance Basis for UK Resident Non-Domiciled individuals and explains the new Four Year Foreign Income and Gains regime, after which worldwide income and gains become subject to UK tax. It also considers the new basis for inheritance tax which has changed from a domicile basis to tax to a Long-Term Residence Test, capturing worldwide assets and offshore trust assets within the UK inheritance tax net.  Also discussed are the changes to Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief which Caps the combined relief at one million per individual and discuses how this may affect the faring families including future intergenerational gifts.There is reference to the interplay between the changes and likely impact this will have on international UHNW/HNW families and on factors to consider before April 2025. These include whether to pull the trigger on divorce beforehand in England while there is jurisdiction to do so, and where this may otherwise be lost if not done, and of how to consider any relocation of children because of the split within families who may want to retain educational placements for minors while avoiding the rise in taxes.Hosted by Family Partner Natasha Slabas and Ingrid McCleave Partner in Private Client and Tax joining as a speaker, to share her insights on the consequences for UK resident Non-Domiciled individuals of the budget changes to the Non Dom rules and the changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief.

In this episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, is joined by guest speakers Ingrid McCleave, Partner in Private Client at DMH Stallard, Danielle Ford, Partner and Head of Tax Disputes, and Katharine Arthur, Partner and Head of Private Client from accountancy firm Haysmacintyre, to discuss the protection of assets pre-marriage and the key considerations for wealth planning for the future.

In this episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, is joined by guest speakers Danielle Ford, Partner and Head of Tax Disputes, and Kay Mind, Director (Tax), Private Client & Trusts from accountancy firm Haysmacintyre, to discuss the impact of the new legislation that came into effect on 6 April 2023, to make Capital Gains Tax (CGT) fairer for separating couples.Natasha can be contacted via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected]

In this episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, is joined by Senior Associate, Ella Welsby, to discuss the hot topic of prenuptial agreements which has recently featured in the news, following the High Court case of MN v AN [2023]. The judgment by Mr Justice Moor looked at the principles laid out in the case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010], which was the ground-breaking case that made prenuptial agreements binding in English Law. Natasha can be contacted via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected]

In this latest episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, is joined by her colleague Jennifer Ray, who is a Private Client Partner, to discuss the topic of Wills in relation to marriage, divorce and death. Overview of this discussion:In UK, marriage automatically invalidates a will made before the marriage unless it is made in contemplation of marriage. If the person does make a new will their estate will be distributed in accordance with intestacy rules. These are pretty rigid and don’t really reflected the growing number of blended families we see in the UK. You can draft a will to say it will not be revoked following the marriage/civil partnership to avoid this happening and allow you to address these issues before you marry. Afterwards the honeymoon is probably going to take priority. If there are foreign wills the rules will vary depending upon the jurisdiction and the consequences of not having a valid will will also  vary, you’ll need specialist advice from a lawyer within the relevant jurisdiction.Divorce does not invalidate the will but an ex-spouse will be treated as if they have predeceased the testator. This means they cannot be an executor, cannot inherit under the will and any gifts to them will fail. Inheritance act claims. If you separate from a civil partner/spouse but are not divorced be careful about trying to exclude your soon to be ex under your will, if you have not provided for them, they could have a claim. In certain circumstances ex-spouses can also claim. Predatory marriage – this is where someone takes advantage of a vulnerable usually elderly person and marries them so that they become the main beneficiary of the estate, without having to fake/coerce a new will. Its also increasingly common where someone may lack capacity to make a new will but still has capacity to marry. There’s obviously a clear public policy reason for keeping the test for capacity to marry at a relatively low threshold in terms of human rights but it does mean there is this anomaly when the it comes to estates. Although marriages can be ended the old will cannot be revived which leaves loved ones in the position of having to make Applications to the Court of Protection for statutory wills to be put in place. Natasha can be contacted to clarify her podcasts further via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected] 

In this Episode 13 of the Family Law in the U.K. podcast hosted by Natasha Slabas, litigation lending is explored.Natasha Slabas interviews Avni Vaghela from Rhea Family Finance, a specialist provider for lending in family law proceedings. The types of family matters inside and outside of court which can be covered by Rhea are addressed in this episode, as well as the sorts of things that are looked at when checking whether or not an individual is eligible. The premise for this arose from there being a noticeable gap between those who are in real need of legal assistance (and parity in arms with their opponent), and affordability to raise substantial costs in doing so. Note it should not be construed that any financial advice is being given by Ms Slabas during the episode.Natasha is a Family Partner at DMH Stallard. If any questions arise then individuals can directly get in touch with Natasha Slabas via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or her email: [email protected], or Rhea Family Finance.

In this episode, Natasha Slabas explains the newer 'no fault' divorce system which came into force on 6 April 2022, enabling spouses to divorce without placing blame on one another or waiting a period of time following separation. Some 6 months on, Natasha looks at the new legislation and how the system works online.Additionally, Natasha discusses briefly the context of the available defence of jurisdiction, should there be connections with foreign countries with your marriage. Natasha is a Partner in the multi-serviced, award winning firm, DMH Stallard and works from their London office. She can be contacted using her Instagram page: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected] All thoughts and opinions are that of the author's. 

Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, hosts this episode which expands from Episode 10 on the complicated topic of child maintenance. Natasha explains ways in which one can get a longer term and higher quantum of child maintenance beyond that of the statutory limitations of the court and introduces additional provision for the benefit of children for unmarried, separated couples with a child.Natasha can be contacted via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected] 

In this episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard and based in their London office, explains the key principles and framework underpinning child maintenance claims.This is a broad topic, so this episode only deals in part and mainly focuses on the Child Maintenance Service's role and the reported case CB v KB [2019] EWFC 78, which in some ways has created more difficulties when assessing the court's discretion in determining 'top up' orders.Natasha has been working exclusively in Family Law for 10 years, with a plethora of experience in all types of family related problems. Should you wish to get in touch with her, please feel free to do so via her Instagram account: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email at: [email protected]

In this episode, Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, explains the considerations which must be taken when applying at court for a Legal Services Order. The caselaw is highlighted as to the criterion which must be adhered with when making such an application as well as the practicalities of making the application form and statement itself. As ever, Natasha will explain the process and the need for attempts to negotiate prior to making an application at court.Natasha solely practises in Family Law and has specialist knowledge in this area of expertise. Natasha has been a Partner since 2019 and has worked exclusively in Family Law since 2013. Her views are expressed from her own experience. If any listener has further queries or wishes to engage with Natasha then she may be contacted via her Instagram account: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected]

Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, presents to you a role on episode on finding of fact hearings in the family courts. The emphasis is on this particular Court of Appeal case, given its significance in steering the family courts into a directions which does not overlook circumstances where there is a series of events pointing towards abuse.There is a clear tension between the need to uphold the paramountcy principle underpinning the Children Act 1989 in ensuring a child's welfare is at the forefront of the court's decision-making, the court's lack of judicial availability where there are several allegations and in the construct of how such facts are devised. Natasha will examine the impact of the four cases heard before the Court of Appeal judges, examining key paragraphs and also look towards how these might synergise with the recent enactment of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.Natasha can be contacted via her Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected]

Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, welcomes you to this episode of her podcast on the operation and construct of Fact Find Hearings which operate in the family courts to determine allegations of domestic abuse. Natasha takes you through the considerations that need to be taken from the start of your application, such as completing the Form C1A and the operation of family courts in ironing out such abuse before any arrangements for a child may be determined. Natasha goes through examples of instances of abuse which the court may not consider as relevant or sufficiently connected to the judge's determining of the main question arising from the application. Natasha also defines and describes the importance and relevance of a Scott Schedule for the court's perusal within the Fact Find.Further, Natasha goes through a landmark case of Mr Justice Hayden at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, F v M [2021] EWFC and of the importance of his decision with regards to instances where coercive control features as a form of abuse.If you have any queries arising from her podcast, please contact her via her Instagram account: @natashathefamilylawyer or email: [email protected]

Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard, explains the nature and process of obtaining a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order, otherwise known as protective injunctions, from the family courts.Starting from the top to bottom, Natasha goes through the legislation underpinning the framework and of the factors you need to consider if applying at court. As well as going through this in detail, Natasha explains what a defendant to an application ought to do to disprove the allegations.Should there be any queries arising from this episode, Natasha can be contacted via her Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer or via email: [email protected]

This episode is presented to you by Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard. In this episode, Natasha discusses the principles underpinning the Children Act 1989 when considering an application under Section 8 for a Child Arrangements Order. Taking you through the form C100 and considering any concurrent matters such as allegations of harm which should be completed separately and alongside this form, it is a snapshot introduction to the process.If you have any questions, you may contact Natasha either via email: [email protected] or via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer

This episode is presented to you by Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard. Natasha has extensive experience in representing clients who apply for permission for leave to remove children permanently from the jurisdiction. Of particular significance is the case of Tigipko, which involved naming abductors where the children's whereabouts were known - an unprecedented outcome in family law which should assist for future cases involving heinous individuals who ignore legal process and rules.In this episode, Natasha summarises the key principles underpinning the decision-making of the Court and in relation to how to map out a plan for such an application. The stakes are at their highest with these cases and so it is important to think things through thoroughly and properly.If you have further queries, Natasha can be contacted via email: [email protected] or via Instagram @natashathefamilylawyer

This episode is presented to you by Natasha Slabas, Family Partner at DMH Stallard.The episode sets out details of how to complete your Form E which is the underpinning Statement within financial remedy proceedings.The most difficult questions are considered, so as to give the listener an understanding of what to spend time on and what information is relevant and critical in assisting the user, depending on various sets of circumstances.If you have further queries, Natasha can be contacted via email: [email protected] or via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer 

Natasha Slabas, a Family Partner at DMH Stallard, London presents episode 2 of the podcast which strives to make family law in the UK easier to understand.In this episode, Natasha goes through the entire court process of how to apply for a Financial Order in the family courts in England and Wales. It is a snapshot of the steps you will need to take and assumes "smooth sailing". Natasha will be taking questions in the future episodes, for those of you who have any. If you have further queries, Natasha can be contacted via email: [email protected] or via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer 

This first episode introduces me, the speaker, Natasha Slabas, as I describe the methodology for starting a petition for a divorce in the U.K. I am a Family Partner working at DMH Stallard, London. I know the process of divorce is daunting and confusing on top of the fact you are probably in a bad emotional space. I attempt to break down the main elements of the petition itself into a detailed and clear, explanatory bitesize version of advice so that you may think about where to start with your divorce, with reference to specific caselaw where appropriate. The aim of the podcast is to help those who are unfamiliar with family law in understanding what issues lie ahead. It is a snapshot into the area of law and is intended to be given in a simple manner. If you have any further questions, please contact me via email: [email protected] or via Instagram: @natashathefamilylawyer