Blogs

Real families, changing stories

At the Resolution DR conference in March 2026, Rebecca Christie and Professor Susan Golombok explored the exhibition "Real Families: Stories of Change", examining how family structures have evolved over the past 50 years. Drawing on decades of research and powerful artistic representation, the exhibition challenges assumptions about what defines a family and highlights the diverse realities family lawyers encounter in practice.

Book review: Litigants in Person and the Family Justice System

by Sapna Shah

As litigants in person become an increasingly common feature of family proceedings, understanding their experiences is essential for all practitioners. In this blog, Sapna Shah – a barrister undertaking direct access work and a highly valued member of Resolution’s LiPs Committee – brings both professional and practical insight to her review of Jessica Mant’s Litigants in Person and the Family Justice System. For Resolution members, it underscores the importance of empathy and accessibility, and how this work underpins the Code of Practice in supporting fair and effective outcomes.

When “happily ever after” doesn’t fit: why it’s hard to decide whether to stay or leave

by Jennie Sutton

Clients can feel trapped between staying and leaving, not through indecision but because of fear, expectations and deeply held beliefs about relationships. Divorce coach, Jennie Sutton, explores how those pressures create paralysis, and how divorce coaching can help clients step back, gain clarity and make informed decisions. It shows that moving forward is less about certainty and more about understanding what truly matters.

The hidden risks of fertility tourism

by Nichola Bright

Fertility treatment in northern Cyprus has attracted UK patients with lower costs and fewer restrictions, but recent cases involving donor mix-ups have raised serious concerns about regulation and oversight. Nichola Bright explores the legal, ethical and emotional risks of treatment abroad, highlighting the importance of transparency, traceability and informed decision-making for prospective parents.

Child Focused Courts: the need for speed, but not at any cost

by Rebecca Hawkins

The national rollout of Child Focused Courts promises faster, more child-centred outcomes in private law cases, reducing delay and conflict. Early pilot results are positive, but concerns remain around resources, consistency and long-term sustainability. Rebecca Hawkins explores how the the model must balance speed with quality, ensure access to legal advice, and integrate non-court dispute resolution as a central, not secondary, pathway.

Pets on divorce and separation: a practical case for reform

by Emily Prince, Estella Newbold-Brown, Diane Matthews and Karis Nafte

This blog highlights the gap between the legal treatment of pets as property and their real significance in family life. Drawing on recent research, the independent Working Group on Pets on Divorce and Separation sets out a practical case for modest reform. It suggests that clear statutory criteria would support earlier resolution, reduce conflict, and better reflect families’ lived realities on separation.

Prepare for mediation or prepare to fail

by Laura Clapton

Hybrid mediation offers flexibility and greater client control but its success depends on commitment to the agreed timetable. Without preparation and active solicitor involvement, sessions can lose focus and become costly. In this post, Laura Clapton gives a clear message: treat mediation timetables with the same respect as court directions to ensure efficient, constructive outcomes.