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Many people have misconceptions about family law and their rights—there are plenty of myths out there! In each episode, Lucy Hart will be joined by colleague sto debunk these myths, giving you the truth. Family law doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
If you’re dealing with a family law issue or simply curious about how it all works, this podcast is for you.
Episodes are available to watch on our website, YouTube, or you can subscribe on Spotify.
This content is for general information only. If you require legal advice on your specific circumstances please get in touch.
Episode 2: The difference is between a civil partnership and marriage
In the second of our episodes our family law experts discuss what the difference is between a civil partnership and marriage — and what happens legally when either ends?
In this video we cover:
Legal status and terminology differences
Divorce vs dissolution – what’s the process?
How children’s arrangements are handled
Financial settlements, housing, pensions, and spousal maintenance
The importance of early legal advice, mediation and collaborative law
Episode 3: Home insemination & donor agreements | Legal guidance for LGBTQIA+ families
In this video, we take a close look at the “do it yourself” home insemination option and the importance of donor agreements for LGBTQIA+ families and couples exploring parenthood. We discuss:
Why some couples choose home insemination (cost, privacy and personalisation)
Legal implications of home insemination for parental responsibility
How marital or civil partnership status affects birth certificate rights
Risks associated with donors asserting legal rights
The role and significance of donor agreements
Tips for having important conversations before conception
Why professional legal advice is crucial, even if parents create an agreement themselves
Episode 4: Non-Biological parents & parental responsibility | LGBTQIA+ family law guidance
In this video, we discuss how non-biological parents can secure parental responsibility in England and Wales, especially in same-sex relationships or LGBTQIA+ families. Understanding parental responsibility is key to ensuring that all parents have legal rights and duties regarding their child. Topics covered include:
What parental responsibility means and why it matters
How non-biological parents can gain legal rights
Differences between licensed clinic conception and home insemination
How marital or civil partnership status affects parental responsibility
Options for obtaining parental responsibility, including agreements or court orders
Planning ahead to avoid legal complications and ensure both parents have equal standing
We highlight the importance of having early conversations, understanding the donor’s role, and seeking professional legal advice to protect your family and your child’s future.
Episode 5: Who gets what in divorce? Understanding financial settlements
In this discussion, we talk about some of the most common questions we get from clients going through divorce, including what they’re entitled to financially and what their future might look like after separation. We break down how assets such as property, savings, debts, and pensions are considered, and why the answer to “what will I get?” is rarely straightforward.
We also explore the emotional side of divorce, particularly around the family home, and how important it is to manage expectations with clear, realistic legal advice from the outset. Our focus is always on helping clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Episode 6:The hidden asset in divorce: Understanding pension rights
Pensions are often one of the most overlooked assets in divorce, yet they can be the most valuable part of the financial settlement.
In this conversation we discuss why so many people do not realise pensions can be shared on divorce, and the misconceptions that often lead to them being ignored altogether. We explore a real case where a significant pension was initially dismissed as “nothing to do with me”, despite being worth over a million pounds and built up during a long marriage.
The discussion explains how pensions are treated as matrimonial assets in England and Wales, even if they are in one person’s name and have been built through their earnings alone. We also look at common myths, including the belief that pensions cannot be accessed until retirement, and clarify how pension sharing orders actually work in practice.
This episode highlights the importance of taking proper legal advice, particularly when dealing with complex financial assets, and how failing to do so can have a major impact on long-term financial security.
Episode 7:No-fault divorce: Splitting up without blame
No fault divorce has changed the way couples separate in England and Wales, but many people still have questions about what it actually means in practice.
In this conversation we explore why the law moved away from blaming one partner, how the old system of fault-based divorce worked and why terms like unreasonable behaviour were previously used. We also discuss how the new process focuses simply on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, removing the need to set out allegations or assign blame.
We look at how clients respond differently to the change, from those who want to express what happened in detail to those who prefer complete privacy, particularly high-profile individuals. The discussion also touches on common misconceptions, including whether behaviour such as affairs affects financial settlements.
Overall this is a practical look at how no fault divorce works in reality and why it was introduced to reduce conflict and make the process more straightforward.
Episode 8:Prenups explained: What actually belongs and what doesn’t
What should actually go into a prenuptial agreement? In this conversation we explore common misconceptions around prenups, from what people expect based on TV and media to what is actually legally realistic in England and Wales.
We discuss how prenups can vary depending on the couple, from straightforward agreements where terms are already aligned to more complex negotiations about protecting wealth and assets. The conversation also highlights unusual and sometimes humorous requests, from domestic arrangements to personal belongings, and explains why not everything can or should be included.
Most importantly, we look at the purpose of a prenup as a practical and fair agreement rather than a way to control every detail of married life. With the right advice and timing, it can be a useful tool for clarity and protection, helping couples start their marriage on the same page.
Episode 9: Dividing house contents: Why the little things don’t matter
Dividing assets in a divorce is often straightforward when it comes to the big things like the house and pensions but house contents can be a completely different story.
In this conversation we explore why everyday items such as furniture, kitchenware and personal belongings often become surprisingly emotional and contentious. Even seemingly minor things like sofas or cutlery can lead to prolonged disputes after everything else has been agreed.
We discuss common ways couples try to divide contents, from informal lists to negotiated agreements, and why these arrangements can sometimes break down or create unexpected issues later on.
The key message is the importance of keeping perspective, considering the bigger picture, focusing on practical outcomes and recognising when it is not worth turning small items into major conflict. Early discussion and a realistic approach can help avoid unnecessary stress, time and legal costs during an already difficult process.
Episode 10: DIY divorce: Why legal advice still matters
Thinking about doing a DIY divorce online? This video explains why the process isn’t as simple as it looks and the common mistakes people make when handling divorce without legal advice.
We cover the key risk most people miss: even after the divorce is final, financial claims can still be made if a proper financial order isn’t in place. Through real examples, including property settlements and unexpected assets, it highlights why getting legal advice early can prevent costly problems later.
Learn the difference between being legally divorced and financially protected, and why a “clean break” order matters.