Life, love and the law

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza explore the rising popularity of DIY divorces, how and when they work well, and the common dangers and pitfalls.  They explain what a DIY divorce is, the current online process, and the difficulties that can arise from the implications of not completing the paperwork correctly in the beginning. They then turn to the numerous problems that can be caused by not...

In the second part of this episode, Dr Supriya McKenna, a highly experienced specialist narcissism expert, continues to share her advice and practical tools and techniques for people trying to parent alongside a narcissist.  (You can access the first part of this episode here.) We pick the conversation back up as she explores the role of parallel parenting and how to help children understand the n...

 In the first of this two-parter episode, Matt and Liza were delighted to be joined again by Dr Supriya McKenna, a highly experienced specialist narcissism expert, as she shares her advice and practical tools and techniques for people trying to parent alongside a narcissist.  Building on our previous conversations (see links below to listen if you’ve not already), Dr Supriya starts by explaining w...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza explore the myth of common-law marriage and the reality of legal rights for cohabiting couples, who are now the fastest growing family type in the UK.  They talk through the minimal legal rights of cohabiting couples compared to their married counterparts, and how to deal with issues around property and child maintenance, should a couple separate.  They look...

In this episode, Matt & Liza look at the role a family lawyer can play to help survivors of domestic abuse, the injunction orders available, and the impact of domestic abuse on financial settlements and making arrangements for children in a divorce case. They walk through the role of the two injunction orders available: non-molestation and an occupation order, how to apply for them, how the ap...

In this episode, Matt and Liza were delighted to welcome back Dr Supriya McKenna, a highly experienced specialist narcissism expert, as she shares her advice and practical tools and techniques for people rebuilding their lives after narcissistic abuse.  Building on the conversation in our episode in Season 1 (see below to listen if you’ve not already), Supriya explores the impact of post-separatio...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza talk to dating coach and matchmaker Laura Buckley from Secret Alchemy to explore all things dating after divorce. Laura talks about how to get into the mindset of dating again, the red flags to look out for (love bombing being key), the importance of knowing your boundaries and what you want, not just what you don’t want.  Laura also shares her top tips on da...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza talk to Sushma Kotecha from Holistic Family Mediation & Coaching to look at how mediation can help couples work together to have a more dignified and amicable separation.  Sushma talks about what mediation is, how it works, the process, what a MIAM is, and how it helps separating couples work through their issues, explore their options and make informed d...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza talk to Certified Money Coach, Fanny Snaith, on how to best manage the drop from two salaries to one following a separation during a cost of living crisis.  Fanny talks about the emotional responses we all have to money, the 8 different money types, and how understanding your relationship with money can help you uncover the reasons behind your spending and sa...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza talk to Sue Atkins, a leading Parenting Expert, author of Divorce Journal for Kids, and Broadcaster, to look at how to best support children through all the changes that divorce brings.  Sue talks about the best way to tell children you are separating, whatever their age, the importance of listening and communication, and the power of the narrative you tell a...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza are joined by Emma Pickering, Senior Operations Manager at Refuge, as they look at technology assisted abuse, what it is, how to spot and how you stop it.  Emma explains what technology assisted abuse is, the signs, and the various tools used by perpetrators, including everyday devices such as ring doorbells, mobile phones, home hubs, along with stalkerware,...

In this episode, hosts Matt & Liza share their advice on where to start if you are thinking of ending your relationship, it has ended, or your partner has told you they want a divorce. A beginner’s guide to divorce, they explain the importance of getting legal advice early, the divorce process (step-by-step), the pitfalls of kitchen table settlements, how finances are usually divided, and arra...

In the second part of our series on the family court, hosts Matt & Liza offer their advice for anyone facing the family court without legal representation (litigant in person).  They explain how family court processes work, tips on how to prepare, the names of each judge and protocols for each stage, what to expect from each hearing, and the expected outcomes from each stage.  They also look a...

In the first of a two part series, Matt and Liza share their experiences of the family court system and how it can be a useful process for people in certain circumstances who cannot reach an agreement otherwise.  They also discuss the limitations of the system, funding issues, court delays, top tips for dealing with court, when it does, and when it doesn’t work, and what needs to be changed.  They...

In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Caron Kipping, an independent domestic abuse advocate and divorce coach specialising in domestic abuse recovery, to look at how to deal with post-separation abuse.   Caron explains what post-separation abuse is, the impact it has on people, building the right support team, the power of reframing, and how to focus on what you can control and let go of wh...

In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by divorce coach, NLP Master Practitioner and author of Break up: from Crisis to Confidence, Claire Macklin (nee Black) as they look at how to handle fear and uncertainty through your relationship breakdown and beyond.  Claire shares her experience of divorce, and tips and tools to help you cope with the overwhelming emotions separation can bring, includin...

In this festive themed episode, Matt and Liza look at the options available for separated couples struggling to sort out arrangements for Christmas.  In what can be a tricky time of year for separated couples, they share their advice on the importance of communication and the use of tools such as child-focused mediation, arbitration, and in some cases the family court for those couples who cannot...

In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Divorce Coach and Founder of Divorce Goddess Coaching, Tosh Brittan, as they talk about loneliness and how to overcome it following a relationship breakdown. Tosh explains how loneliness can easily sneak up on people, the difference between married lonely and divorce lonely, how embracing loneliness can help remove the fear and uncomfortableness of it,...

In this episode of Stowe talks, Matt and Liza are joined by specialist divorce financial planner Ceri Griffiths of Willowbrook Lifestyle Planning, as they look at the importance of pensions and how to deal with them in a divorce settlement.  Ceri shares her knowledge of the different types of pensions, how to value a pension, the role of an actuary report, issues around offsetting a pension agains...

In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Rosie Lyon, an Executive Assistant and divorce coach, public speaker and campaigner for survivors of economic and domestic abuse. Rosie shares her personal story of being in an abusive relationship that led to the repossession of her home through no-fault of her own, and how this has impacted her life and financial position.  Rosie explains what economi...

In this episode of Stowe talks, Matt and Liza are joined by Sara Davison, one of the UK’s leading divorce coaches and NLP Master Practitioner, as she talks through her advice on how to spot a toxic relationship and leave one Sara shares her deep knowledge of what a toxic relationship is, how to recognise the red flags of abusive behaviour, including love-bombing and gaslighting, the cycle of abuse...

 In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Dr Sue Palmer-Conn, a leading UK Certified Divorce Specialist and Chartered Psychologist, as they explore the challenges faced by women if their relationship breaks down during the menopausal years. Sue shares her own personal experience, having divorced at 50, and her expertise in supporting women through the menopause deal with a relationship breakdo...

In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Tom Nash, an internationally certified Life, Divorce & Business Coach, as he shares his advice on how to become a successful co-parent after separation and navigate the challenges of a blended family. Following his own marital breakdown, Tom shares his personal journey from going through the family courts to building a respectful and mutually benefi...

 In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Lottie Kent, founder and owner of True Financial Design, as they look at the importance of understanding your financial situation and making plans that meet your immediate and long-term needs following a divorce or separation. Lottie explains the importance of financial knowledge, managing expectations, understanding the value of the family home, how t...

 In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Dr Supriya McKenna, a highly experienced Specialist Narcissism expert, as she shares her deep understanding of narcissism, along with tools and techniques for people undergoing a divorce or separation from narcissistic individuals.  Supriya discusses the traits of a narcissist, how to identify them, how to best manage your response to their behaviours,...