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
How Does Christmas Affect Divorce and Children? A Family Law Perspective
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In this episode of Law Torn, Samara Dutton, Partner in the Private Wealth Disputes team, and Philippa Dolan, Partner in the Family team, reflect on the festive period discuss how the Christmas can bring family tensions and disputes into sharper focus.
They explore the common perception that divorce rates increase after Christmas, reflecting on whether this is supported by experience or evidence, and consider how extended time together, family expectations and blended family dynamics can place additional strain on already fragile relationships.
The conversation looks in particular at the challenges faced by separated parents during the festive period, including how Christmas and New Year arrangements for children are typically managed, what happens when agreed arrangements or court orders are not followed, and how disputes over contact, gifts and competing households can escalate.
Samara and Philippa also provide a practical overview of the divorce process in England and Wales for those contemplating next steps in the New Year, including timescales, costs, and the role of mediation and legal advice. In addition, the episode touches on how Christmas can highlight concerns around capacity and vulnerability in older relatives, particularly where families spend extended time together.
This episode offers insight into the legal, emotional and practical issues that often arise after Christmas, and how families can approach separation, parenting arrangements and wider family disputes with greater clarity in the New Year.
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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