Explaining family law

Join hosts Tim and Jen as they conclude the first series of the Explaining Family Law podcast. In this episode, they address common questions that have emerged from previous discussions and provide a sneak peek into what’s ahead for the next series. Questions covered: Do I need a lawyer? Can I get divorced I don’t know where the other person lives?  What are the costs of getting divorced? What hap...

According to the ONS, 51% of children were born to unmarried mothers in 2021, the highest since records began in 1845. However, when unmarried couples with children separate, is the only thing to sort out child maintenance through the government-run Child Maintenance Service?   In this episode, Jen Curtis is joined by Mills & Reeve Associate Stephanie Hawthorn office and Principal Associate Da...

Recent figures reveal that cohabiting (unmarried) couples are the fastest growing family type in the UK. In 2021, cohabiting couples accounted for 24.3% of families in the UK and this is set to rise further. Unmarried couples are often referred to as common law spouses and there is the expectation that, if the relationship breaks down, the couple can expect the same financial treatment as divorcin...

Despite surrogacy being available in England and Wales, many UK couples find themselves looking for alternatives overseas. There may be more availability of surrogates, more affordable fertility treatment or the option to have a pre-birth order. Likewise, couples from overseas may look to the UK for a surrogacy arrangement. In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Head of Ferti...

Over the past decade, the number of parents opting for surrogacy in England and Wales has nearly quadrupled. However, there’s a common misconception that surrogacy is illegal in the UK. In this episode, Tim is joined by Mills & Reeve Head of Fertility Law, Colin Rogerson and Principal Associate Rose-Marie Drury. Together, they discuss surrogacy arrangements in the UK, how things like expenses...

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that 2.1 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending to March 2023. But does domestic abuse have to involve violent or physical abuse? In this episode, Tim is joined by Mills & Reeve Principal Associates Claire Burton and Claudia Gilham.  Together they discuss what we mean when we talk about domestic abuse, how...

When couples with children separate, the main concern revolves around child arrangements. The perception amongst mothers and fathers is that mothers always get custody of the children after separation, but is it true? In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Principal Associate Claire Burton, discussing child arrangements and reaching an agreement or going to court about your c...

Dealing with finances during a divorce can be quite complex and will often involve going to court to deal with the asset split. We’ve all seen TV shows portraying what happens in court during a divorce case, where the opposite party comes up with last-minute evidence. But is this the same in real life? In this episode, Tim and Jen will discuss the process a couple will follow when trying to divide...

Dealing with finances on divorce is often the most complicated part of a divorce. Many people assume that in a divorce the financial assets are split 50/50. But is that true? In this episode, Tim and Jen demystify the 50/50 asset split myth and discuss how the courts treat finances on divorce: what is the role of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, what are the orders the court can make and what are...

Getting divorced is an unfamiliar, unsettling and upsetting process for many people. But since the introduction of the “No fault” divorce laws, does the reason for ending a marriage impact the divorce proceedings? In this episode, Tim and Jen discuss divorce: the process of legally ending a marriage in England and Wales, the requirements, the court application and timings, and what to consider. To...

Are prenups unromantic? In this episode, Tim and Jen discuss prenuptial agreements: what misconceptions there are, the benefits, what you need to consider and how to introduce them to your partner. You can read more about how to introduce the topic of prenups to your partner here: Next generation focus: Discussing marital agreements To find out more about our prenuptial agreements and how our team...

In this episode, Tim and Jen discuss mediation. What is mediation and is it really only suitable for simple and straightforward cases? Tim, as well as being a family lawyer, is an accredited family mediator and has a wide range of experience mediating both children and financial issues. Jen will approach this topic from a family lawyer's perspective and how lawyers can support their clients throug...

In this short episode, our hosts Tim Whitney and Jen Curtis introduce themselves and talk a bit more about their job and their journey into family law. You can find out more and get in touch with our hosts by visiting our website: Jennifer Curtis Tim Whitney Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates.