Russell-Cooke podcasts

In this episode, family partner Hannah Field is joined by divorce consultant Rhiannon Ford to discuss the role of financial disclosure in resolving finances on divorce. They explore what full and frank disclosure involves, how the process works both inside and outside court proceedings, and the practical support available to help clients navigate what can feel like a daunting task.This episode covers:·       what full and frank financial disclosure requires·       how the disclosure process works in practice·       practical guidance on completing Form E·       budgeting and setting realistic income needs·       checking and raising queries on the other party’s disclosure·       dealing with concerns about incomplete or inaccurate information·       keeping financial disclosure up to date throughout the process

In this episode, family partner Hannah Field is joined by divorce consultant Rhiannon Ford to discuss transparency in the family courts and the role of the media. They look at how open justice functions within family proceedings, when journalists are permitted to attend hearings, and how reporting is balanced with the need to protect children and vulnerable individuals.This episode covers:the principle of open justice in family courtscircumstances in which journalists may attend hearingshow reporting restrictions and anonymisation are appliedhow frequently the media is present in practicesituations where the court may limit press accessalternatives to court, including private hearings and arbitration

In this episode, family partner Hannah Field continues her discussion with divorce consultant Rhiannon Ford, turning their focus to a crucial stage of the court process: witness preparation. They explore how careful preparation can transform the experience of giving evidence, helping individuals feel more confident, clear and in control when facing questioning in court.In this podcast we cover:what witness preparation involves and why it plays such a key role in court proceedingshow to organise your thoughts and revisit key documents without over-rehearsingpractical techniques to communicate clearly, honestly and effectively under pressurecommon pitfalls to avoid, including speculation, over-explaining and becoming defensivehow to handle difficult or unexpected questions while maintaining credibilitythe importance of staying focused on your own evidence rather than the other party’s case

 Family partner Hannah Field and divorce consultant Rhiannon Ford discuss what people often find most daunting about the family court process. This episode explores what a hearing is really like, how to prepare for giving evidence, and what happens if journalists attend family proceedings. It also touches on privacy concerns, special measures, and alternatives to court for those looking for a more private route to resolution. 

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. View all podcasts in the current series. In this podcast we cover:Discovering someone is having another relationshipSupporting a client and managing the feelings of betrayalProviding practical advice about the potential of one party wanting to introduce a new person to the children at a very early stage and tips for managing that situation

Russell-Cooke solicitors, Susannah Foden and Shabnam Ali-Khan, discuss drinking culture at legal events, the harm alcohol can cause as well as alternatives to alcoholic beverages and alcohol led events.

In this episode of ‘Let’s Talk’, Hannah Minty, partner in the family team at Russell-Cooke speaks to Sally Nash, a family lawyer and partner at Gilson Gray.Hannah and Sally discuss the legal position of cohabitants on the breakdown of a relationship in Scotland.  They cover:The need for reform in England and Wales and the renewed calls for a framework of basic protections for cohabiting couples now that progress has been made in other areas of family law like ‘no fault’ divorce;The legal framework in Scotland and the provision available to separated couples who have cohabited under the  Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006;How the Scottish provisions work on a practical basis;The call for reform in Scotland and how this might shape the legal protection offered thereIf you would like to speak an expert regarding any of the above you can contact us via our enquiry form or by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7528.

 In this follow up podcast (listen to part 1), Hannah Minty and Gareth Ledsham re-examine the cross-over between succession law and family law in dealing with issues that arise when a child habitually resident in England and Wales becomes the legal owner of property abroad.  They look at the recent case in which Gareth was instructed of Re BC (A Child), where a Specific Issue Order was secured under the Children Act 1989 and consider the useful guidance provided by Mr Justice Peel on the procedure to be followed in these hybrid applications. 

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. View all podcasts in the current series.In this podcast we cover:Talking about arrangements for children and how to work these outWhat are parenting plans and how do these workSuggestions of what could go into a successful parenting plan

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. In this podcast we cover:How to tell children about a separationRecommendations on resources to assist with difficult conversationsDiscussing the reactions and how to manage them

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. In this podcast we cover:How can a divorce consultant provide practical support once the divorce and financial settlement has been resolvedWhat are the key things a divorce consultant can help with post divorce and how this benefits clients

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consulant can have as well as running through how to deal with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce.In this podcast we cover:Providing practical help and support for preparing for courtHow a divorce consultant can assist when a solicitor can not

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. In this podcast we cover:Supporting clients who want to make the decision to leave a marriageHelping them to manage feelings of guilt and understating the impact it could have on their judgementGiving practical advice about managing feelings and dealing with bringing the relationship to an end

In this series of podcasts, partner Hannah Field from our family law team and divorce consultant and coach Rhiannon Ford discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits using a consultant can have when dealing  with a number of common problems and issues that might potentially disrupt a relationship or lead to divorce. View all podcasts in the current series.In the second in the series Hannah and Rhiannon discuss the benefits of a solicitor and a divorce consultant working together when dealing with a client who is separating from a controlling and abusive partner.

High Court considers whether court-approved divorce settlement can be challenged by new spouse under Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) Act 1975Hannah Minty and Gareth Ledsham consider the implications for family lawyers and for private client lawyers following the recent decision in Sismey v Salandron [2021] 10 WLUK 372 

Experienced mediators and solicitors, Lauren Hall and Louise Connolly discuss how best to prepare for your first mediation and what to expect. 

Hannah Field (family law partner) and Rhiannon Ford (divorce coach) discuss the role of a divorce consultant and the benefits it can have.

Hannah Minty, specialising in family law, and Gareth Ledsham, specialising in trust and estate dispute law, discuss the case of Re AC (A Child) and the more recent case of Re Shanavaz, in which it was confirmed that applications dealing with inherited property overseas on behalf of a child are an issue to be dealt with by the family courts, and consider the cross-over between succession law and family law in this area.

Jane Klauber and Kizzy Augustin consider the health and safety and employment law challenges provided by home working during the pandemic which has accelerated the trend towards agile working. 

Shabnam Ali-Khan, a senior associate in our Enfranchisement team discusses the key leasehold reform proposals with Colin Horton of Hortons surveyors. In this session the pair unpack the proposals and give some of their own thoughts. 

Join Shabnam Ali-Khan for the first of two (maybe more!) conversations with Colin Horton of Hortons Valuers where they discuss the routes and pitfalls to lease extensions for residential flats. In this session they set out the basics of lease extensions and why it is not good to wait till your lease falls below 80 years. Watch this space for the next conversation - the proposed leasehold reforms: what they mean and when will it happen?

"I'm a flat owner. I want to extend my lease to make my flat more marketable. What are my rights?""How do I know if I have the right to extend under the 1993 Act?"In this podcast, Russell-Cooke senior associate Shabnam Ali-Khan and associate Maryam Saud answer these and the other questions they get asked most often about the lease extension process. Shabnam is a senior associate in the enfranchisement team.She specialises in lease extension and enfranchisement matters, primarily under the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 working with a variety of clients ranging from high net worth individuals and companies to individual leaseholders and investor landlords. Shabnam has carved out a niche in right of first refusal matters pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.Maryam is a licensed conveyancer in the enfranchisement team with over 10 years' experience in property transactional work.She specialises in residential leases and leasebacks and will be able to assist you in both voluntary lease extensions and lease extensions pursuant to the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and other non-contentious residential landlord and tenant matters.

"Whichever side of the Brexit debate you fall on, it has been a terrible example of how to conduct yourself in a negotiation," says Oscar Smith, associate in the family team."As a family lawyer, I would strongly advise clients not to follow the example set by the UK and the EU." Divorce is a complicated and delicate process that can easily turn into a Brexit-style stand-off if handled poorly. In this brief podcast, Oscar gives his top tips on how to efficiently settle a divorce and avoid lengthy, frustrating and unsuccessful negotiations.

Russell-Cooke solicitors podcast. On 22 July 2020 Russell-Cooke hosted an online event for aspiring solicitors from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.The panel discussion featured prominent external speakers I. Stephanie Boyce, current deputy Vice-President of the Law Society, Paulette Mastin, Counsel at Linklaters and President of the Black Solicitors Network and Isaac Eloi, trainee at Freeths and co-founder of the Black Men in Law network.The event was chaired by Russell-Cooke partner and Precious Award winner Kizzy Augustin and introduced by Gareth Ledsham, Equality Diversity and Inclusion lead at the firm. Also on the panel to discuss their experiences were partner Shabnam Ali-Khan and associate Rebecca Olaniyan.