In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Peter Burgess, Founding Partner at Burgess Mee Family Law, and Hannah Budd, Partner at the Rosefield Divorce Consultancy, to explore a new collaboration designed to reshape how family law professionals support clients in crisis.

The conversation centres on “Within the Window,” a trauma-informed framework developed to help clients navigate separation and divorce with greater emotional safety and clarity. Drawing on clinical insights and frontline experience, Peter and Hannah explain how trauma responses—such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—can profoundly affect decision-making, communication, and courtroom behaviour. Rather than treating these reactions as obstacles, their approach integrates them into strategy, preparation, and client care.

By delivering in-house training and empowering the firm's lawyers, Burgess Mee have embedded trauma-awareness into their practice, providing tools for the team to help clients like breathing exercises and grounding techniques tailored for key moments in proceedings. The collaboration also bridges the gap between legal and therapeutic support, ensuring clients receive consistent, coordinated guidance—especially when preparing for high-stakes events like hearings or fact-finding sessions.

Importantly, the episode doesn’t shy away from the realities of high-conflict cases. While non-court dispute resolution is ideal, Peter and Hannah emphasise that some clients—due to personality disorders, abuse histories, or complex dynamics—require a more robust, trauma-informed legal pathway.

This episode offers a fresh lens on how empathy, strategy, and collaboration can coexist—delivering better outcomes for clients and a more humane experience for all involved.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

The Today's Family Lawyer Podcast welcomes Annmarie Carvalho, director of The Carvalho Consultancy (TCC), to discuss her work at the intersection of law and therapy and the launch of her new book, 'Saying Sane in Family Law', available now through Bath Publishing.

A former family solicitor and mediator with over a decade of experience in a central London firm, Annmarie retrained as a therapist after recognising the psychological complexities inherent in family law. Her motto, 'Because we’ve walked in your shoes,' reflects the lived experience of her TCC team, many of whom are former lawyers themselves. The discussion explores strategies for family lawyers navigating emotionally charged cases, working with vulnerable clients, mental health disorders, suicidality, and resistance. These offerings are grounded in therapeutic principles but tailored for the legal context, equipping lawyers with practical tools to manage the emotional weight of their work.

Annmarie advocates for integrating relational and psychological training into legal education from the outset, arguing that lawyers should be seen more like GPs than surgeons—providing holistic support rather than just technical expertise. She also emphasises the importance of reflective practice and therapeutic supervision to prevent burnout and improve client outcomes.

Her book is the culmination of much of this work, discussing how family lawyers are increasingly expected to manage emotional aspects of cases, despite traditional training focusing solely on legal processes. Her training helps lawyers understand how to communicate effectively with distressed clients, avoid causing harm, and maintain professional boundaries—especially with “boundary bashers” who challenge time and emotional limits. The book is divided into two parts: the first addresses working with complex client issues (e.g., addiction, neurodiversity, trauma), while the second focuses on self-care and resilience strategies for professionals.

A series of upcoming workshops are now available to book on, with early bird prices until the end of September 2025. Delegates who sign up will receive a free copy of the book.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie discusses the increasing number of disputes between separating partners when it comes to pets, and a new working group looking at amending legislation to bring it more in line with the challenges family professionals face on this emotive topic.

Barrister Sarah Lucy Cooper, Diane Matthews, a senior associate at MSB Solicitors in Liverpool, and Karis Nafte, a certified dog behaviour consultant and accredited family mediator all join this discussion on the growing recognition of pets as family members in separation and divorce proceedings.

As pet ownership continues to rise, so too does the emotional complexity of deciding who keeps the dog, cat, or other companion animal when relationships break down. There is both an emotional and legal element to the conversation, highlighting how courts in England and Wales currently treat pets as property—often overlooking the welfare of the animal or the emotional bonds involved.

There is precedent abroad where other jurisdictions have enacted legislation which recognises the emotional and well-being role our pets play and a new working group, launched this year, it looking at how UK legislation could amended.

The discussion explores how this tricky topic can be navigated under current legislation, exploring how collaborative approaches—combining legal expertise with behavioural insight—can lead to more humane, balanced outcomes. From shared care agreements to pet parenting plans, the episode showcases practical tools that help families navigate separation without turning pets into pawns.

How can we evolve traditional legal frameworks to tackle a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply felt.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

This episode of the Today's Family Lawyer podcast features host David Opie in conversation with Grant Cameron - family lawyer, mediator, collaborative practitioner, and a partner at Trethowans. Grant recently concluded his tenure as Chair of Resolution, having led the organization during a transformative post-COVID period marked by significant legislative and cultural shifts.

He reflects on the implementation of no fault divorce and how Resolution maintained momentum through its Vision for Family Justice manifesto. The conversation explores future reform priorities, particularly cohabitation rights, early access to legal advice, and improvements to legal aid.

Grant discusses the renewed emphasis on Resolution’s Code of Practice in 2025, encouraging professionals to revisit the values of respectful communication and dignified practice. He advocates for refresher training and emphasizes kindness as central to client care.

The episode also highlights a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to family law, incorporating financial and emotional expertise alongside legal guidance. In closing, Grant shares his three wishes for the sector’s future: equitable access to justice, sustainable support for legal aid practitioners, and long-awaited reform for cohabiting couples. These, he believes, are vital to building a more compassionate and effective family law framework.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today's Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie welcomes Sally Robinson, partner and head of the HCR Law Family Team in Central England. Broadcasting from the Northampton office, Sally brings over two decades of legal experience to a timely discussion on how language in family law is evolving.

Sally reflects on the landmark shift introduced by no-fault divorce, calling it the most significant change in her career. She highlights how the move away from adversarial language fosters amicable resolutions and reduces emotional strain, particularly in cases involving children.

The conversation dives into practical adjustments—like switching from "my client/your client" to using first names—to humanize the legal process. Sally candidly shares how even small changes in tone can reshape outcomes and reduce conflict.

David and Sally explore the role of lawyers in promoting a less combative narrative. As trainers and role models to the next generation, today's professionals are crucial in redefining perceptions, both within legal circles and in the public eye.

Referencing initiatives like Resolution and the Language Matters paper, Sally urges the profession to use its influence thoughtfully—because every word counts in safeguarding families through separation.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie is joined by Jude Eyre, Associate Director at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO).

Together, they explore the newly released Toolkit for Judges on Writing to Children, a guidance document designed to support judges in communicating directly with children in family law proceedings.

Jude offers insight into the collaborative process behind the toolkit, developed with input from the Family Justice Young People’s Board, judges, social workers, researchers, and families with lived experience.

The discussion centres on improving accessibility and compassion in court communications—highlighting how a well-crafted letter can empower children to understand decisions affecting their lives.

Jude also addresses concerns about judicial workloads and explains how early collaboration with legal professionals can ease implementation of this approach.

With its practical examples and supportive tone, the toolkit reflects a growing shift toward a more transparent, child-focused justice system.

Essential listening for professionals across the family law landscape, this episode reinforces the power of clear, empathetic communication at every stage of the process.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this powerful episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast, host David Opie welcomes Shoba Aziz, an experienced barrister at Great James St Chambers, for an important conversation exploring the psychological dimensions of domestic abuse—specifically narcissistic behaviour and gaslighting.

Drawing on over 20 years in legal practice, Shoba shares her deep expertise in private child and family law, especially in cases involving coercive control and emotional manipulation. She explains how narcissistic traits and gaslighting manifest within relationships, often leaving victims confused, isolated, and doubting their own reality.

Shoba offers real-world insights from her courtroom experience, highlighting the emotional toll this abuse has on victims and the need for practitioners to spot often-subtle signs. She emphasises the importance of creating a safe space for clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are validated.

The episode also explores the evolving legal landscape, with Shoba referencing landmark cases and the application of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. She underscores the critical need for joined-up support services, wider education among professionals, and greater societal awareness.

This episode is a compelling call to action, encouraging legal professionals and the wider community to better understand, identify, and support those affected by psychological abuse in the family court system.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie is joined by Mike Mack, CEO of the Family Mediation Trust, and Lorraine Bramwell, a seasoned family mediator and trainer, to discuss the creation of a new Domestic Abuse Screening Tool.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Family Mediation Trust and the Family Mediation Council (FMC), aimed at improving the consistency and effectiveness of domestic abuse screening in mediation settings.

The conversation begins with an overview of the Family Mediation Trust’s longstanding role in supporting families through separation and its broader mission to enhance the mediation sector. Mike explains the Trust recognised a gap in consistent domestic abuse screening, a sentiment shared by Lorraine who added while mediators are trained to recognize and respond to abuse, current approaches vary widely.

The new tool aims to consolidate best practices into a unified framework, ensuring all FMC-registered mediators have access to a consistent, practical resource.

Alongside a range of sensitive, non-intrusive questions, the toolkit will also provide guidance on interpreting responses and help direct clients to appropriate support services when mediation is not suitable. There is also the evolving nature of domestic abuse, including the rise of technological abuse (e.g., misuse of smart home devices), which requires the adaptation of mediation practices accordingly. He adds around 40% of the Trust’s cases involve some form of domestic abuse, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.

And with the changes to Family Procedure Rules increasing the volume and complexity of cases referred to mediation, now is absolutely the right time to focus efforts on this initiative; with consultation ongoing and a planned launch at the FMC’s conference in September 2025.

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; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.