Care proceedings can be daunting, particularly for families encountering the process for the first time. In this first of a two-part introduction to care proceedings, barristers Jack Phillips and Joanna Smith explain how and why local authorities become involved in family life. They discuss the concerns that can lead to care proceedings, what happens during the pre-proceedings process, the importance of legal representation, and what families can expect if proceedings are issued.

Show notes:

Jack Phillips profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/jack-phillips/

Joanna Smith profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/joanna-smith/

Episode music by The 87

In this episode, barristers Rachael Cassidy and Tatiana Rocha explore the role of professionals and public bodies in private children proceedings. From magistrates and judges to CAFCASS, local authorities and expert witnesses, they break down who may become involved in Section 8 Children Act applications and why their input can play a crucial role in decisions about a child’s welfare.

Show notes:

Rachael Cassidy's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/rachael-cassidy/

Tatiana Rocha's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music by The 87

In this episode Damian Stuart & Tatiana Rocha break down how arbitration works in private children matters, when it can and cannot be used, and which issues remain outside its scope. Damian also explains the court’s oversight role and why arbitration is becoming a strategic advantage for families seeking clarity and swift resolution. Show Notes:

FOURTEEN's arbitration webpage: https://fourteen.co.uk/mediation/

14 by FOURTEEN episode on Private Children Proceedings: https://open.spotify.com/episode/15Z2aUuzLz3ahuwoWlq5ft?si=o_wL7LzpQyS8Gar85SubMg

Damian Stuart's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/damian-stuart/

Tatiana Rocha's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music by The 87

In this episode of 14 by FOURTEEN, Tatiana Rocha is joined by current pupil Alice Newman to demystify the pupillage interview process in family law chambers.

Aimed at aspiring barristers preparing for interviews, the discussion offers practical insight into what candidates can expect and how best to prepare. Tatiana and Alice reflect on their own routes to the Family Bar, including what drew them to family law, how to approach choosing chambers, and how personal experiences can appropriately and effectively shape interview answers.

Show notes:

• Tatiana's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/
• Alice's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/alice-newman/
• Learn more about pupillage at FOURTEEN: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/join-us/
• Episode music by The 87

14 by FOURTEEN returns with a fresh series of focused, accessible conversations exploring the evolving landscape of family law.

In this trailer, we introduce the themes shaping the upcoming season — from practical guidance on pupillage interviews to an overview of arbitration in Children Act cases. We also examine the emerging role of AI and technology in the perpetration of domestic abuse, consider the involvement of professional and public bodies in private children proceedings, and provide a clear introduction to public law.

In this episode of 14 by FOURTEEN we delve into the complexities of parental responsibility with barristers Rachael Cassidy and Tatiana Rocha. What does it mean to hold parental responsibility? What are the rights and responsibilities it entails, and how does it impact decisions in a child's life? We explain the nuances of parental responsibility, from naming a child to making crucial healthcare decisions, including how responsibility can be acquired or lost. 

Show notes:

Gov.uk Parental Responsibility Information: https://www.gov.uk/parental-rights-responsibilities/apply-for-parental-responsibility

Rachael Cassidy's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/rachael-cassidy/

Tatiana Rocha's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

What is a child arrangements order? How does the court decide what’s best for a child? In this episode of 14 by FOURTEEN, barristers Anu Lal and Tatiana Rocha guide listeners through the fundamentals of Children Act proceedings. Discover what child arrangement orders entail, including the legal framework and the role of CAFCASS and Section 7 reports in shaping court decisions.

Anu Lal's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/anu-lal/

Tatiana Rocha's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music by The 87

In this episode, Tatiana Rocha is joined by Matt Warmoth to unpack the long-awaited Supreme Court decision in Standish v Standish. They explore the elusive concept of “matrimonialisation,” what the judgment clarified (and what it didn’t), and how this case may shape future financial remedy proceedings.

Show notes:

Supreme Court UK Standish v Standish: https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2024-0089

Matt Warmoth's profile:

https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/matthew-warmoth/

Tatiana Rocha's Profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music by The 87

Divorced doesn’t always mean settled when it comes to finances. In this episode, barristers Holly Symonds and host Tatiana Rocha walk through Financial Remedy Proceedings: what the court can order, how fairness is determined, and why full disclosure (and good negotiation) matter more than ever.

Holly Symonds profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/holly-symonds/

Tatiana Rocha profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music by The 87

What are the implications of using covert recordings in family court proceedings? In this episode, barristers Chris Miller and host Tatiana Rocha explore the newly published guidance from the Family Justice Council. Learn more about the legal intricacies and ethical dilemmas surrounding covert recordings, including the repercussions in the context of proceedings and wider family dynamics, and their admissibility in court.

Show notes:

View the Family Justice Council Guidance on covert recordings: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Covert-recordings-in-Family-Law-proceedings-concerning-children-Family-Justice-Council-Guidance.pdf

Chris Miller's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/christopher-miller/

Tatiana Rocha's profile: https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/tatiana-rocha/

Episode music provided by The 87