Why do clients change their minds or give instructions that seem at odds with their goals? Elinor Harvey explores how the emotional impact of separation can affect decision-making and offers practical guidance to help family lawyers understand what lies behind difficult instructions, how to support clients through uncertainty and manage their own emotional responses with confidence.
A parliamentary debate on surrogacy law has reignited questions about who should be recognised as a child’s legal parents at birth. Shaili Gohil-Desai considers the case for reform, the safeguards built into the current parenta lorder process, and the Law Commission’s proposed new pathway, asking whether change can better balance the interests of surrogates, intended parents and children.
Family lawyers are professional problem-solvers, but is telling clients what they need to know always the best approach? Jacinta Gallant explores the power of asking rather than telling. She considers how curiosity, careful listening and noticing defensive behaviour can help practitioners understand what really matters to clients – and recognise when it might be time to stop talking and start asking.
Coercive control can have a significant impact on financial remedy proceedings, affecting finances, evidence and a client’s ability to engage effectively in the process. Georgina Pearson explores how practitioners can recognise and evidence patterns of coercive and economic abuse, take a trauma-informed approach, and consider how financial orders can be drafted to minimise opportunities for ongoing control and further dispute.
This week's "Ask Elinor" column explores what happens when family lawyers’ empathy and commitment begin to blur professional boundaries. Using the Drama Triangle, Elinor explains how the urge to “rescue” clients can lead to exhaustion and resentment, and offers practical ways to set boundaries, manage client expectations and provide compassionate support without being constantly available.
A trauma-informed approach to family law does not mean stepping outside the lawyer’s role. Emily-Jo Moore considers the small, practical changes practitioners can make to reduce unnecessary distress and better support clients, from thoughtful communication and checking special measures are in place to recognising the value of wider support and listening carefully to what individual clients need.
How far should a couple’s historic connections with a country influence where their divorce takes place? Two recent decisions have brought renewed uncertainty to an area of law that had appeared relatively settled. Michael Allum looks at the differing judicial approaches and considers what they mean for determining the appropriate forum in international divorce cases.
In this second blog from McKenzie Friend Gergely Fried, he continues to explore the gap between what parents think is happening in the family justice process and what is actually taking place. Building on his previous post, Advice Is not orientation, he looks at one of the most common misunderstandings in Cafcass safeguarding letters and section 7 reports, explaining how a better understanding of their structure can help parents engage more calmly and constructively with proceedings.
Handling domestic abuse matters for the first time can feel daunting. Solicitor apprentice Molly Walton shares practical lessons on listening, safeguarding, recognising the impact of trauma and building confidence, alongside a reminder that empathy is just as important as legal knowledge.
South Asian Heritage Month provides a timely opportunity to reflect on how family law responds to the lived experiences of Britain's diverse communities. Nazia Rashid considers whether witnessed and documented non-legally binding religious ceremonies should become a qualifying factor in any future cohabitation regime, and what that might mean for the wider law reform debate.
There are two kinds of holiday readers: those who finally escape family law completely ... and those who somehow end up reading novels that make them think about mediation, parenting and relationships anyway. If you're in the second camp, this list is for you. Whether you're reading on a sun lounger, in the garden after work or with a coffee on an August afternoon, summer is the perfect time to pick up a novel that makes you think differently. Rebecca Hawkins selects four novels that stayed with her long after turning the final page.
Many parents enter family court proceedings with information they have found online, but not always the understanding they need to navigate the process confidently. Writing from the perspective of a professional McKenzie Friend, Gergely Fried explores the important distinction between legal advice and "orientation" – helping families understand where they are in the process, what to expect next and how early guidance can reduce confusion, conflict and costly mistakes.
Welcome to the first instalment of our new advice column, where psychotherapist member Elinor Harvey answers your questions about the emotional realities of family justice practice. From managing difficult cases to maintaining resilience and professional boundaries, this series offers practical, compassionate guidance for the challenges that don't always feature in legal handbooks. In our first column, Elinor responds to a practitioner struggling with the emotional impact of a distressing case.
When a business owner says, "The business isn't really worth anything", is that always true? Through two real-life case studies, Richard Brady of The Valuation Team explores why business valuations in financial remedy cases are rarely straightforward, the warning signs practitioners should look for, and the value of independent expert evidence in reaching a fair outcome.
Advances in fertility treatment have made posthumous conception increasingly possible, but the law remains firmly centred on one principle: consent. Brittany Rodwell explores the legal framework governing the use of gametes and embryos after death, the practical implications for intended parents, and the key cases shaping this complex and evolving area of family law.
The proposed cohabitation reforms represent a significant step towards a fairer and more coherent system for separating families. However, without integrating Schedule 1 and TOLATA claims, key gaps and inconsistencies may remain. Anna Roiser examines where the proposals could create uncertainty and argues for a truly unified framework for resolving financial disputes arising from family relationships.
Proposals to restrict young people's access to social media raise important practical questions for separated parents. When children move between two homes, consistency can be difficult to achieve and disagreements can easily arise. Denise Ingamells examines how parents can use NCDR processes to reach practical agreements and maintain effective co-parenting relationships.
A summer holiday can offer rest, connection and precious family memories, but it can also shine a light on relationship dynamics that have been hidden by the routines of everyday life. Jennie Sutton, divorce coach, reflects on what holidays can reveal about a relationship and why moments of clarity can create opportunities for honest conversations and positive change.
Whether you're a trainee, newly qualified solicitor or simply looking to strengthen your child-focused practice, Parenting Through Separation offers practical insights to support your work. From understanding children's experiences of separation to navigating difficult conversations with parents, the guide can help you develop the confidence and skills needed to better support families
"Family law is uniquely human. We advise people during the most vulnerable and emotionally complex periods of their lives. To do that effectively, the profession benefits from lawyers who bring varied life experiences, perspectives and different forms of emotional intelligence to the table." Social mobility transformed Yanoulla Kakoulli’s career. In this personal blog, she reflects on the role of scholarships, mentoring and opportunity in opening doors to the legal profession, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and why family law benefits from practitioners with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
A recent Court of Appeal decision has provided important clarification on the relationship between paternity and parental responsibility. Re J, Re M and Re P considers what happens when a man registered on a child’s birth certificate is later found not to be the biological father, and explores the legal and practical implications for parental responsibility, social parenting and international child abduction cases.
Why can two pensions with the same value lead to completely different retirements? Petra Spirkova financial adviser answers a common question from family lawyers and explains why CETVs rarely tell the whole story, particularly where defined benefit pensions, public sector schemes and offsetting are involved.
Family lawyers are increasingly meeting clients who arrive ‘pre-advised’ by TikTok, Instagram and AI platforms such as ChatGPT. While online legal content can improve public understanding and access to information, it also raises challenges around misinformation, unrealistic expectations and confidentiality. Amber Gregory explores how Resolution members can respond constructively and consider how these new forms of communication might also be used positively within family practice.
In our second blog post reflecting on the impact of the Mazur judgment, former Resolution chair Juliet Harvey considers the wider impact on Chartered Legal Executives, firms and the profession — and why support and understanding still matter.
After 35 years in practice, Rita Veitch suddenly found herself unable to carry out the work she had done for decades. In this honest and personal reflection on the Mazur judgment, she shares the stress, self-doubt and disruption that followed – and how regaining her Practice Rights ultimately restored her confidence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The way public sector pensions are valued has shifted significantly – and in some cases, they may now be worth more than their private sector equivalents. Chartered Financial Planner Cheryl Bowden explains what this means in practice for family law professionals.
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.
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.
Practical experience is a crucial part of building a career in law, but the route can feel complex and uncertain. In this engaging personal blog, Jessica Whiley reflects on her journey into practice and the value of working as a paralegal. She highlights how hands-on experience, exposure to real cases and learning from talented colleagues have built her confidence and helped shape the kind of lawyer she hopes to be.
In T v S [2025] EWHC 3581 (Fam) the High Court considered whether a parent can give valid consent to a child’s relocation before the child is born. Kesha Pabari acted for the respondent mother in this case and examines the court’s approach to consent under Article 13(a), the realities of parental discussions during pregnancy, and the wider context of Hague Convention defences.
Eid ul Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslim families, but its exact date is only confirmed once the new moon is sighted, which can make planning difficult. In this informative blog for Resolution members working with Muslim clients, Aysha Chouhdary reflects on the challenges this can create for separated families and the importance of communication, flexibility and cultural understanding.
Shaili Gohil-Desai of Burgess Mee reflects on the emotional and practical realities of returning to work as a family lawyer after maternity leave. Balancing excitement, guilt and adjustment, she shares how support from colleagues, family and other working mothers helped ease the transition and normalise the evolving experience of combining career and parenthood.
Jacinta Gallant explores how insight mediation can transform the way family justice professionals approach conflict. Jacinta reflects on moving away from trying to “fix” entrenched positions towards curiosity, acknowledgment and understanding perceived threats. By creating space for learning and dialogue, insight approaches can help clients move beyond defensiveness and towards constructive solutions.
Farhana Shahzady marks International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, reflecting on Wuthering Heights as a reminder of how power, property and patriarchy once shaped women’s lives and marriages. While family law has progressed since the MCA 1973, the Fair Shares Report shows financial inequality after divorce persists. True fairness requires reform grounded in evidence and lived reality.
Bethany Lodge announces the exciting relaunch of Essex Resolution. The committee aims to rebuild connections between family justice professionals, promote Resolution’s Code of Practice and create opportunities for learning and networking. They have a great relaunch event today.
Rebecca Hawkins and Sarah Smith of the Resolution Parenting After Parting committee passionately believe in the the value of a joined-up, supportive team of family professionals who share a common ethos. Separation is never just legal, and early collaboration between lawyers, mediators, therapists, financial advisers and child-inclusive mediators helps families feel informed, supported and heard. Working together, rather than in opposition, leads to healthier decisions and better long-term outcomes for parents and children.
Lesley Edelstein take a light-hearted look at what it would have been like representing Henry VIII as the ultimate high-stakes divorce client. Beneath the Tudor theatrics, it highlights the value of working as a team and adherence to Resolution’s Code when managing difficult clients while staying ethical, constructive and focused on long-term outcomes.
Nazia Rashid reflects on a rare moment in London when Ramadan, Lent and the Lunar New Year overlapped, exploring shared themes of reflection, fasting and celebration across faiths.
Marking LGBTQIA+ History Month, Bridget Garrood reflects on twenty years of legal change for same sex couples, from criminalised discrimination to marriage equality. While legislation has transformed family law, the author highlights the lived realities still facing LGBTQ+ families, particularly around separation, parenthood and cross-border recognition. Rights in legislation only matter if they work in real life. Family lawyers work with people at their most vulnerable, from those anxiously trying to grow their families through issues like surrogacy or adoption to the challenges faced when relationships come to an end. It is never ‘one size fits all’. Real families are diverse, complex - and often incredibly brave.
Is there a “right” way to resolve family disputes and when does court become the default? Claire Colbert reflects on a recent MIAM experience and asks whether clients are always fully informed or encouraged to engage meaningfully with the different NCDR alternatives before court becomes the focus.
Joe Ferguson and Katy Halliday examine the evolving approach to conduct in financial remedy proceedings, exploring tensions between established case law and procedural limits. Drawing on two of Cusworth J's recent judgments, they consider whether the courts are beginning to take a broader, fairness-based view of conduct – and whether a genuine shift may be underway.
Resonate is a new blog from Resolution, bringing together voices from across family law to share insight, experience and both personal and professional perspectives
Resolution's publications committee co-chairs, Farhana Shahzady and Rosa Schofield, introduce our new blog 'Resonate'. Designed to sit alongside The Review, it offers an inclusive, accessible platform for all members and we hope will encourage a sense of community, connection and shared experience across the family justice profession.