LawTorn: Conversations from the Frontline of Family Fights
LawTorn: Conversations from the Front Line of Family Fights
Hosted by Samara Dutton, Partner in our Private Wealth Disputes Team, and Philippa Dolan, Partner in our Family Team. LawTorn is a podcast exploring family law, divorce, wills disputes, and inheritance challenges.
When family disputes turn into legal battles, emotions run high and the court system can feel daunting. In this new podcast series, Samara and Philippa draw on their experience in family and inheritance law to unpack the legal processes while honouring the very human stories behind this kind of litigation. They discuss the emotional and practical difficulties their clients face, the similarities and differences between family and civil court’s approach to these, and how lawyers can help clients find resolution and regain a sense of calm amid conflict.
Our hosts will explore topics including common-law marriage, will challenges, prenups and postnups, as well as the moral questions that arise when families fracture. With insights from guest experts and colleagues, LawTorn aims to demystify complex legal concepts and procedures while making family law and dispute resolution more accessible.
If you have a question you’d like Samara and Philippa to discuss, please send it to lawtorn@collyerbristow.com. New episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information contained in this material.
LawTorn: Conversations from the Frontline of Family Fights
Common Law Marriage: What Cohabiting Couples Need to Know
In this episode, Samara Dutton, Partner in Collyer Bristow’s Private Wealth Disputes team, is joined by Philippa Dolan, Partner in the Family team, to explore the widespread misconception of common law marriage, a “status” believed by 46% of the population, yet one that has no legal standing in England and Wales.
Using a listener scenario involving a decade-long relationship, two children, and a home owned by one partner, Samara and Philippa break down:
- Why common law marriage doesn’t exist
- What rights cohabiting partners actually have
- How children change the legal position
- Schedule 1 claims under the Children Act
- Property rights, promises, and the limits of trust-based claims
- The stark contrast with the rights of married couples
- How inheritance and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 applies
The conversation moves frankly, and often humorously, through the practical realities faced by unmarried couples, highlighting the risks, the protections available, and when legal advice is essential.
If you’re cohabiting, thinking about marriage, or advising someone who is, this episode offers clarity where myths continue to thrive.
Stay tuned — new episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.
For questions or feedback, please contact us at lawtorn@collyerbristow.com.
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