Family Law in the UK

This episode features Natasha Slabas (creator and host of the podcast, and Senior Family Partner at DMH Stallard’s London Family Office), Victoria Ellis (barrister at Pump Court Chambers), and Rachel Osgood (Senior Family Partner, DMH Stallard's Guildford Family Office) discussing neurodivergence within family court proceedings. What is neurodivergence and why is it relevant to family law pro...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 pa...

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 sp...

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 l...

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 de...

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...

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 whe...

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...

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...

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 i...

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,...

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 alongsid...

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...

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...

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". Natash...

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 a...