Family Law Without Court: A Practical Guide to Mediation, Arbitration and Collaborative Solutions

Supported & Supervised Contact: Expert Guidance for Separated Families

In this episode of My Family Pod, Sarah Whitelegge, Legal Director in the Family Team at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Elaine Stokes, Director of Child Arrangement Resolutions, to discuss how specialist social work support can help families navigate child contact arrangements following separation. Together, they explore how supported and supervised contact arrangements work, when they may be needed, and how bespoke, child-focused interventions can help rebuild relationships, reduce conflict, and support positive outcomes for children. The conversation also covers the role of independent social workers, Section 7 reports, high-conflict parenting situations, relocation cases, safeguarding concerns, and practical ways families can be supported both inside and outside of court. Whether you are a separated parent, family professional, or simply looking to better understand child arrangement issues, this episode offers practical insight into how the right support can help families move forward. In this episode, we discuss: * What supported and supervised child contact means * How community-based and virtual contact arrangements work * Common misconceptions about supervised contact * The role of independent social workers in family proceedings * What Section 7 reports are and when they may help * Supporting children where relationships have broken down * Managing safeguarding concerns and high-conflict parenting * Helping children maintain relationships safely * Supporting handovers and reducing parental conflict * Relocation cases and assessing a child’s best interests * How early intervention may help families avoid lengthy court proceedings Guest Elaine Stokes Director - Child Arrangement Resolutions https://childarrange.com/ [https://childarrange.com/] Listen to My Family Pod If you would like to learn more about surrogacy law or other modern family issues, explore the full My Family Pod series where our family law specialists discuss the legal topics shaping families today. Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law [https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law]

Family Law Without Court: A Practical Guide to Mediation, Arbitration and Collaborative Solutions

In this episode of My Family Pod, partners Nicola Bright [https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/nichola-bright] and Jane Tenquist [https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/jane-tenquist], Head of Family Law, take a candid look at the realities of the family court process and explore the more effective alternatives available to separating couples. They discuss the increasing pressures on the court system, including delays, rising costs, last-minute cancellations, and the emotional toll on families. Crucially, they explain why court proceedings should often be viewed as a last resort rather than the default route. The episode provides a practical and informative guide to alternative dispute resolution options, helping individuals understand how they can resolve matters more efficiently, cost-effectively, and constructively. What We Cover The challenges within the family court system *  Lengthy delays and limited judicial availability  *  Rising legal costs, often reaching significant sums  *  Hearings being cancelled at short notice  *  Inconsistent judicial experience in complex family matters  *  The emotional strain of contested proceedings  Key risks when handling divorce without legal support *  Financial claims remaining open despite divorce  *  The importance of securing a financial clean break order  *  Ensuring agreements meet fairness criteria under the law  Alternative dispute resolution options explained Mediation *  A cost-effective, structured process to resolve disputes  *  Encourages communication and cooperation  *  Options for shuttle mediation and child-inclusive mediation  Private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) *  A privately instructed judge provides an early case evaluation  *  Greater flexibility, time, and control compared to court  *  Higher likelihood of reaching a settlement sooner  Arbitration *  A binding decision made by a chosen expert  *  Faster, confidential, and highly flexible  *  Particularly useful where a definitive outcome is needed  One Lawyer, Two Client Model (Resolution First) *  A single solicitor acts for both parties  *  Streamlined, cost-effective, and collaborative  *  Suitable for couples with a strong foundation of trust and communication  Collaborative Law *  Four-way meetings involving both parties and their solicitors  *  Focus on constructive, non-confrontational negotiation  *  Access to additional professionals such as financial advisers where needed  Useful links * Jane Tenquist – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/people/jane-tenquist  * Nichola Bright – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/nichola-bright * Myerson Solicitors – Family mediation services:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/services/family-law/mediation

Surrogacy Law Uncovered: Parental Orders, International Surrogacy and the Legal Risks Explained

In this episode of My Family Pod, Myerson family lawyers Nichola Bright [https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/nichola-bright] and Joe Ferguson [https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/joe-ferguson] are joined by Toby Craddock [https://deanscourt.co.uk/our-barristers/toby-craddock], Barrister at Deans Court Chambers, to explore the complex and evolving legal landscape of surrogacy in England and Wales. Surrogacy can offer a pathway to parenthood for many families, yet the legal framework governing it remains intricate and, in many respects, outdated. In this discussion, the panel explains how the law currently works, highlights common misconceptions, and considers how international surrogacy arrangements and potential legal reforms may shape the future of family law. The conversation provides practical insight into how parental orders operate, the risks involved in international surrogacy, and why obtaining early legal advice is essential for intended parents navigating this journey. What We Cover in This Episode * The difference between adoption and surrogacy and why a genetic link is usually required for a parental order * The legal position at birth in surrogacy arrangements and why the surrogate is initially recognised as the legal parent * Parental orders explained: what they are, why they are transformative, and the criteria the court applies when deciding whether to grant them * Key legal requirements and time limits, including the six-month application window * Consent from the surrogate and why it remains a fundamental requirement in surrogacy cases * International surrogacy arrangements, including the legal and practical risks of pursuing treatment abroad * Immigration, nationality and travel complications that can arise following overseas surrogacy * Costs, expenses and the legal distinction between altruistic and commercial surrogacy in the United Kingdom * Recent case law and real-world examples illustrating how the courts approach complex surrogacy disputes * Proposed surrogacy law reforms from the Law Commission, including a potential new pathway to legal parenthood * Global perspectives on surrogacy, including recent legislative changes in countries such as Italy Why This Episode Matters Although only several hundred parental orders are granted each year in England and Wales, surrogacy continues to grow as a route to parenthood. However, the law underpinning these arrangements relies on legislation that predates many modern family structures and medical advances. Understanding the legal framework, particularly where international arrangements are involved, is vital for intended parents, surrogates and professionals advising families. Guest Toby Craddock Barrister, Deans Court Chambers Toby specialises in family law with particular experience in surrogacy and modern family matters. In addition to his practice, he serves as Secretary to the Greater Manchester Family Law Bar Association and sits on the Manchester Family Justice Board. Listen to My Family Pod If you would like to learn more about surrogacy law or other modern family issues, explore the full My Family Pod series where our family law specialists discuss the legal topics shaping families today. Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law [https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law]

Mediation, Not Court: How Separating Families Can Resolve Conflict Constructively

In this episode of My Family Pod, Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Maura McKibbin, accredited family mediator and family separation specialist, to demystify family mediation and explain how it can help separating couples resolve issues without going to court. Together, Jane and Maura explore what mediation really involves, when it works best, and how it fits alongside legal advice. The conversation offers practical guidance for separating couples, parents, and anyone considering alternatives to court proceedings. In this episode, we discuss: * What family mediation is and how it differs from the court process * When mediation can be used during separation and divorce * Why mediation is voluntary, confidential and future-focused * How the mediation process works in practice, from initial meetings to joint sessions * The role of solicitors alongside mediation and why legal advice remains essential * Managing power imbalances, including differences in financial knowledge or confidence * When mediation may not be suitable and what alternative options are available * How mediation can support parents in creating practical, child-focused arrangements * The involvement of children in mediation and when child-inclusive mediation may be appropriate * Costs, funding options, legal aid and the mediation voucher scheme Jane and Maura also discuss how mediation can help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and build sustainable co-parenting arrangements that adapt as children grow and circumstances change. This episode is particularly helpful for separating couples who want to understand their options clearly and make informed decisions about how best to resolve financial and parenting issues. About the guest Maura McKibbin is an accredited family mediator and family separation specialist based in Altrincham. She supports individuals and couples through separation by providing a structured, neutral and supportive environment to resolve financial and parenting matters outside of court.  Useful links * Jane Tenquist – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/people/jane-tenquist  * Myerson Solicitors – Family mediation services:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/services/family-law/mediation   * Maura McKibbin – Family mediation and separation support:  https://mauramckibbin.com

The Co-Parenting Method: Raising Happy Kids After Separation with Marcie Shaoul

🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode, family lawyer Joe Ferguson is joined by Marcie Shaoul, certified coach and author of The Co-Parenting Method: Six Steps to Raise Happy Kids After Separation and Divorce. Together, they explore how separated parents can move from conflict to collaboration, with practical tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and putting children’s needs first. The discussion also highlights how Marcie’s framework is helping both families and professionals rethink what effective co-parenting looks like. Together they discuss: * Why developing a long-term mindset is essential to successful co-parenting * How to manage strong emotions and avoid communication “flare-ups” * The importance of healthy boundaries and mutual respect * The difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting — and when each approach is appropriate * How small shifts in behaviour can transform family dynamics and reduce conflict * How practitioners can use The Co-Parenting Method as an early-intervention tool to support clients outside the courtroom 🧠 Key Takeaways: * Co-parenting isn’t about friendship — it’s about creating a stable, low-conflict environment where children can thrive. * A calm, child-focused approach reduces emotional fallout and helps children feel secure across both homes. * The Co-Parenting Method gives parents a clear, six-step framework to communicate effectively and make lasting, child-centred decisions. * Professionals can recommend the book and online programme to empower clients early in their separation journey. 📚 Resources & Links: Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law [https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law] Discover The Co-Parenting Method: https://thecoparentingmethod.com [http://] Buy the book: The Co-Parenting Method: Six Steps to Raise Happy Kids After Separation and Divorce (available on Amazon and major retailers) 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Subscribe to My Family Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to rate and review to help others discover the show! 💼 Keywords & Topics: Family Law, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Parenting After Separation, Communication, Emotional Regulation, Boundaries, Parallel Parenting, Child Wellbeing, Mediation, Parenting Plans, Family Coaching, Resolution, Conflict Reduction, Myerson Solicitors