In an exclusive interview with the Today's Family Lawyer Podcast Circe Law CEO Jade Gani explains why a newly-launched alliance is taking the Solicitors Regulation Authority to task on changes to the compliance regime, explaining how the proposals will disproportionately impact small and medium sized law firms.

As one of the founders of the SME & Boutique Law Firm Alliance Gani explains the group is not opposed to protections which would reduce the risk of notable recent failures including Axiom Ince and PM Law, but raises concerns the route proposed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority would not only not be effective, but would disproportionately impact boutique and high street law firms with a knock-on impact on access to justice, consumers choice, and diversity in the law.

As it stands, from January 2027 law firms with a turnover over £600,000 or over £2m in their client account will be required to separate the roles of Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) from those with "unilateral decision making" responsibilities in the firm.

The group say they have asked for the rules changes to be paused while evidence of what risks are posed at the thresholds proposed is gathered. Gani adds the proposals are unworkable in smaller firms, around 15% of the overall number of regulated law firms, where there are no suitable alternative postholders.

So contentious is the debate, the Alliance has said it would call for a vote of no confidence in the leadership at the regulator should the proposals go ahead.

In an open letter and subsequent meeting with the SRA the group has proposed a number of alternatives which they say would have a more proportionate and effective impact.

In response the SRA has said it agreed with the need to better protect the public by strengthening the safeguards around client money and was "committed to continuing the conversation on this important issue" before responding further.

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The Today's Family Lawyer Podcast welcomes UK managing director at Stowe Family Law Rachel Roberts on to discuss leading the UK's largest specialist family law practice through an era of unprecedented change.

Stowe now span roughly 100 offices across England, Wales, and Scotland and like law firms up and down the country, is grappling with balancing growth, staff development, private equity investment and investing in technology, with the deeply personal, human touch required in family law.

Roberts talks candidly about how the firm is approaching these challenges; from managing shifting expectations of modern consumers, who increasingly rely on tools like Google and ChatGPT to research their legal issues; to major digital investment, building a bespoke case management system featuring early-stage artificial intelligence; and building career paths that offer distinct progression routes for those focusing purely on legal practice and those pursuing leadership roles.

The business is also exploring how it can expand its services by introducing unbundled options for cost-conscious clients, and a "two-client, one-lawyer" service offering a less adversarial approach.

Given the timing of the discussion, the conversation inevitably turns to the topic of cohabitation reform where reform is long overdue. Roberts reflects the views of many family lawyers who have campaigned for greater protection for cohabiting couples and welcomes the consultation. There is, she acknowledges, a tension between providing protection and imposing legal obligations on people who have not actively chosen them. But focusing on meeting needs rather than sharing, goes some way to addressing this and addressing public misconceptions about “common law marriage” is both important and right; public education will be essential to ensure individuals understand both their rights and any options to opt out of the new regime.

Looking ahead, Roberts predicts that worsening court delays will accelerate the adoption of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) methods and drive a gradual shift away from traditional hourly billing toward outcome-based pricing models. Indeed, ensuring family law remains dynamic, flexible, and forward-looking is just as important as core legal expertise concludes Roberts.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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Solicitor and mediator Helen Clyne, Senior Associate in the Family Team at Debenhams Ottaway, joins the latest Today's Family Lawyer Podcast to discuss how mediation training has shaped her approach to practice.

With 15 years experience behind her, Clyne recently established a mediation service alongside her legal practice which supports her own work helping clients understand family law is not about “winning” or “losing”, but about helping individuals move forward after some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. She argues that effective family solicitors must understand the emotional journey clients experience during relationship breakdowns, as emotional distress can significantly affect a person’s ability to absorb advice, make decisions and engage constructively in resolving disputes.

Through her mediation work, Clyne acknowledges the insight provided by hearing both sides of the matter informs her own legal work; enabling her to consider the viewpoint of the opposing party more carefully when negotiating settlements, often helping to unlock progress and achieve resolutions more efficiently.

Mediation training incorporates communication techniques including active listening, open-ended questioning, reframing statements and acknowledging emotions which has taught Clyne the value of slowing down, listening more carefully, and allowing clients to feel heard before moving towards, rather than being too quick to move from recognising a client’s concerns to proposing a legal response.

Given the drive to encourage greater out of court options Clyne's own default position is that most separating couples should consider mediation; but she acknowledges there are circumstances where it may not be appropriate, particularly cases involving domestic abuse or concerns about a party’s honesty in disclosing financial information. Mediation is not a “soft” option she adds; it requires participants to communicate clearly, articulate their priorities and engage constructively with difficult issues. Emotional readiness and proper support are therefore crucial considerations.

But it does provide greater ownership of the outcome, making agreements more acceptable and sustainable than solutions imposed by a court in her view; with the option to revisit mediation at various stages of proceedings rather than viewing it solely as a pre-court option.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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With more than 30 years of family law experience there are few more qualified than Yael Selig to talk about one of family law's most challenging specialisms; international child relocation disputes.

Partner and head of the Hampstead office at Osborne's Law, Selig joins the latest Today's Family Lawyer podcast to discuss her practice which uniquely draws on her qualifications as both a solicitor and barrister with expertise in Gibraltar and England and Wales.

How should practitioners deal with cases involving separated parents who wish to live in different countries and disagree about where their children should reside?

It's a growing issue given the increase in international mobility and recent changes affecting non-domiciled individuals where financial considerations, including the cost of private education, are factors driving some families to leave the UK and seek opportunities elsewhere.

Here in England and Wales we are blessed and cursed by our "highly discretionary" legal system explains Selig. Unlike more formulaic legal systems, English courts must determine what outcome best serves the child's welfare, considering a broad range of factors. In relocation cases, judges are tasked with deciding whether a child should remain in one country or move to another. These decisions are difficult because they require balancing educational opportunities, family relationships, financial realities, immigration considerations, and the practicalities of maintaining meaningful contact with both parents.

The outcome is fundamentally "binary" says Selig. The court must either permit the relocation or refuse it, meaning one parent is almost certain to be disappointed by the result. The consequences can be life-changing. If a relocation application succeeds, the non-relocating parent may face significantly reduced contact with their children. Equally, a parent opposing relocation may feel compelled to move countries themselves rather than become separated from their child.

Such cases can sway on the evidence presented by expert witnesses with courts reliant on independent social workers to assess the children's needs and wishes, while specialist lawyers from overseas jurisdictions may be instructed to explain how English court orders will be recognised and enforced abroad. Selig notes that ensuring compliance with international agreements, such as the Hague Convention, is critical. Where a destination country does not fully recognise or enforce English orders, additional concerns arise regarding child abduction and the ability of courts to protect ongoing parental relationships.

Parental alienation, geo-political uncertainty, judicial understanding and nuptial agreements are all additional factors to consider in this hugely complex area of law where practitioners must use all their patience, empathy, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to manage clients' expectations, supporting them through emotionally difficult circumstances, and preparing them for outcomes that may be favourable or disappointing.

In many respects concludes Selig, the human dimension of the work is just as important as legal expertise.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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The government's long-awaited consultation on cohabitation reform has received a mixed reaction from professionals.

To make sense of the proposals the Today's Family Lawyer Podcast welcomes Partner and Head of Family at William Sturges Graeme Fraser. Fraser is renowned for his campaigning and expertise in cohabitation reform and alongside his many media appearances, is also Chair of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee.

So who better to ask about the far-reaching consultation and wider family law modernisation?

The consultation is both ambitious and surprisingly comprehensive says Fraser, taking into account the previous work done on financial remedies, nuptial agreements, wedding reform and the Law Commission's proposals on will writing reform. This joined up approach is to be applauded says Fraser arguing that family law has become increasingly fragmented and difficult for non-lawyers to understand. He suggests the consultation reflects a deliberate attempt to modernise legislation and create a framework that is clearer, more accessible, and better aligned with contemporary family life.

There is a clear disconnect between modern relationships and outdated legal structures; cohabitation law has simply failed to keep pace with social change, despite a growing proportion of couples choosing not to marry. One simple example being the “common law marriage” myth which leaves vulnerable people, particularly women and parents, without adequate legal protection when relationships break down.

On financial remedies the consultation seeks to codify decades of case law into legislation that is easier to understand. The proposals focus largely on the principles of “needs” and “sharing,” while attempting to define key concepts more clearly than current legislation allows. Fraser notes one of the consultation’s most significant and unexpected features is its proposal that cohabitation claims should be based primarily on needs rather than compensation, representing a departure from earlier recommendations made by the Law Commission.

The conversation explores eligibility under the proposed cohabitation framework where Fraser emphasises the qualification period must not be set so high that the legislation becomes inaccessible to those who need it most; and proposals to allow couples to opt out of the new cohabitation regime. Cohabitation differs fundamentally from marriage because individuals have not entered into a formal legal contract, but the proposals do leave room for potential abuse or coercion. Robust safeguards, legal advice, improved screening processes, and wider awareness of domestic abuse issues will be essential to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately protected. Greater certainty around nuptial agreements is welcome adds Fraser.

The speed of political change is evident in the fact the consultation was launched by Sir Keir Starmer's government, and concluded under Andy Burnham; is there a risk then it could all be for nought?

Fraser remains cautiously optimistic. He points to the significant work already undertaken by the Ministry of Justice, extensive stakeholder engagement, and the strong policy rationale underpinning the proposals. While acknowledging that parliamentary time remains a challenge, he argues that modernising family law is both necessary and beneficial, with the potential to create fairer outcomes, reduce pressure on courts, and provide greater certainty for millions of people navigating relationships and family life.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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Divorce coach, five-time bestselling author, founder of the International Divorce Coach Centre of Excellence, and an advocate for domestic abuse awareness, Sara Davison joins the Today's Family Lawyer podcast for a wide ranging discussion exploring the growing role of divorce coaches within the family justice landscape and explaining how family lawyers and coaches can work together to better support clients

Davison's own story is deeply personal. Following the sudden collapse of her marriage, which involved infidelity, the breakdown of a shared business, and the challenges of becoming a single parent, she struggled to find practical support that addressed the emotional realities of separation. Combining her background in business and life coaching with her own experiences, she developed a range of coaching tools designed to help people recover from heartbreak and navigate divorce more effectively. Those tools eventually formed the basis of her bestselling book Uncoupling and the coaching methodology she uses today.

Davison is keen to point to the distinct roles family lawyers and divorce coaches play, emphasising coaches do not provide legal advice; instead, they focus on the emotional, psychological and practical challenges clients face during separation. By helping individuals manage grief, fear, anger and anxiety, coaches can enable clients to make clearer decisions and engage more constructively in the legal process. This complementary relationship allows lawyers to focus on legal strategy while coaches help clients regulate emotions and overcome obstacles that might otherwise delay or complicate proceedings.

It's a scientific process; many clients become overwhelmed by fear, loneliness, or decision paralysis, particularly when children are involved. Divorce coaches can provide practical techniques to help individuals regain confidence, process difficult emotions and approach decisions with greater clarity. The discussion also highlights how unresolved emotional trauma can affect a client's ability to participate effectively in their case.

The discussion turns to domestic abuse, and the rise of technology-facilitated abuse monitoring, controlling or intimidating former partners, creating new challenges for both victims and legal professionals.

The final word highlights the emotional toll that complex and high-conflict cases can have on family lawyers themselves. She advocates for improved awareness, training and self-care practices to help professionals manage the demands of working with vulnerable clients and difficult situations.

Davison's own courses provide family lawyers with the tools to improve understanding of relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and trauma-informed client care. Find out more here: Breakup, Divorce & Domestic Abuse Awareness Accreditation CPD-Accredited Training for Family Law Professionals

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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The latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast turns its attention to a role that is often misunderstood and undervalued in the courts system; that of intermediaries.

Intermediaries play an important role in supporting better, and more informed participation in courts.

Rachel Cohen, director at the Intermediary Cooperative and a communication specialist, joins host David Opie to discuss the work of intermediaries in supporting witnesses, parents and participants whose communication needs make the court environment overwhelming

Cohen brings more than a decade’s experience to the role which in her words is “really narrow and very specific… simply to ensure that everybody understands what a person’s communication needs are and how most effectively they can interact with that vulnerable person.”

The discussion highlights a shift in judicial awareness. Neurodivergence, brain injury, developmental language disorder and situational communication difficulties are now better recognised, but assumptions still creep in. Intermediaries are still left out of ground rules hearings, despite this being the very stage where their input can prevent later disruption. “It’s a brilliant time and opportunity to plan… when we’re not invited, we can be kept out of the loop.”

How can the criminal and family courts best work with intermediaries? Early engagement, says Cohen. Late referrals, sometimes just days before a hearing, leave little time to build rapport, assess fluctuating communication needs or simplify documents into accessible formats. The result can be adjournments, inefficiency and avoidable stress for vulnerable court users.

With further insight into vulnerability, neurodivergence and participation measures the podcast reminds family lawyers that participation is not a luxury, but a legal necessity.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

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After a baptism of fire when just 16 days into her new role as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Jennifer Coupland was thrust into one of the biggest crises legal services has faced since the Legal Services Act with the Mazur ruling and subsequent appeal.

In a wide ranging discussion on the Today's Family Lawyer Podcast, Coupland discusses how she handled the immediate aftermath of the decision, the appeal, and how she plans to shape the organisation going forward after plans to bring CILEX under SRA regulation were shelved.

She leads CILEX after a successful period running the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, transforming the perception of apprenticeships into a respected and sought-after career route. She sees strong parallels with CILEX’s model of “earning while learning,” which she believes is vital for improving diversity and accessibility in the legal profession.

Although CILEX was ultimately successful in its Mazur appeal, the ordeal was a "really, really tough 10 months for some of our members" says Coupland who adds the case exposed outdated aspects of the Legal Services Act 2007 and advocates for a sector-wide review to modernise legislation.

Through the course of the podcast she also highlights the need to improve consumer understanding of legal services, particularly awareness of specialist providers and the importance of quality, regulation, and affordability. Internally, Coupland has navigated challenges around potential regulatory alignment with bodies like the SRA, ultimately pausing plans but maintaining a commitment to reducing duplication and complexity.

Looking ahead, CILEX’s five-year strategy focuses on growth, education, influencing legal reform, and raising the organisation’s profile, with member engagement seen as crucial to its future direction.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors LEAP.