The Family Law Podcast

This week, the Pump Court Family Law podcast hosted a very special guest, the formidable Samantha Hillas KC from St John’s buildings. Listen to Sam talk to host Tara Lyons about her views on private FDRs and an important emerging pilot aimed at assisting litigants in persons in settling their cases early and at minimum cost. A must listen.

In an all-host affair, Tara Lyons hosts Mark Ablett to discuss his new book about Barder events in financial remedy proceedings. Mark discusses his view on the definitive test for a Barder application, having considered 35 years of case law in writing his book. The pod in particular discusses foreseeability and the seemingly variable standard applied in the case law, depending on what the Barder event is. A worthwhile listen for any financial remedies practitioner and for anyone who wishes to know more, Mark's book is available on Amazon now.

Maria Henty of Pump Court joins host Mark Ablett to talk all things Standish following the Court of Appeal's decision early this year. The podcast discusses the concept of matrimonialisation as well as a reality check in terms of how often these arguments will generally be relevant in the run of the mill cases. Maria and Mark give insight as to how they have seen the decision in Standish play out in their own practices, as well as commenting on HHJ Hess' decision of RM v WP, which endorsed Standish in particular in relation to the family home.

Host Mark Ablett is joined by Annie Ward and Rebekah Batt of Pump Court to consider the latest rule changes to encourage NCDR in the Family Court. Annie and Rebekah bring different perspectives, Annie being an arbitrator, Rebekah being at the coalface with cases that ought to explore NCDR but frequently do not due to (misplaced?) costs concerns. The podcast considers how the new rules have applied so far, what further changes might be made and the different forms of NCDR available. Recent cases, e.g. NA v LA [2024] EWFC 113, have made clear that issues such as non-disclosure will not make a case in and of itself unsuitable for NCDR and practitioners need to be aware of Form FM5 and the court's ability to adjourn proceedings for NCDR.

Host Mark Ablett is joined by Graeme Fraser (BBS Law) and Victoria Clarke (Elite Law) to discuss Resolutions Vision for Family Justice, in particular those elements affecting cohabiting couples. Both Graeme and Victoria sit on the Resolution Cohabitation Committee and it will quickly become apparent to listeners what they think of the current state of the law. The pod discusses the need for wholesale change as well as the current deficiencies and frank unfairness in an increasingly out of date Schedule 1 as well as whether child maintenance should be returned to the Family Court's jurisdiction. This is undoubtedly an area of law crying out for change and the podcast was privileged to host two of those at the forefront of this change.

Following up from our podcast on George's Law, Pump Court was pleased to welcome Keeley Lengthorn of Taylor Rose MW back to the podcast, this time joined by Ashleigh Ulyssess who is an Operations Manager and Sands Befriender. Both were speaking to Imogen Robins in connection with Baby Loss Week. Listeners should be warned that this podcast may be triggering for those who have experienced baby loss. Following up from George's Law, this podcast is also not about family law but it is an important issue which affects families and we hope listeners agree that these incredibly brave women deserve this platform to tell their story and continue to raise awareness.