Many believe that when unmarried couples live together after a few years they become common law spouses and that the rules of married couples apply to them. But do common law marriages receive the same tax exemptions as married couples when their partner dies?

In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Private Client Principal Associate, Emma Geale. Emma advises on a wide range of succession planning issues, including complex tax regimes, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Together they discuss inheritance tax and unmarried couples: what it is, the current tax rates and allowances, the impact on unmarried couples, the importance of wills and the considerations for property ownership.

Find out more about how we can help on our website: https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/services-for-individuals/family-and-children/unmarried-couples/inheritance-tax-for-unmarried-couples/

When couples separate amicably, they often look for ways to make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible. This can involve exploring various legal options and approaches that can help them reach a fair and mutually agreeable resolution without unnecessary conflict. But do they have to instruct separate lawyers when going through divorce or separation? 

In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Partner, Mediator and Arbitrator Alison Bull. Together they discuss the one lawyer two clients model: what it is, how it works, the benefits, risks and limitations of this model as well as some successful examples.

You can find out more about our separate well with one lawyer service on our webpage: https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/services-for-individuals/family-and-children/alternatives-to-court/separate-well-with-one-lawyer-reaching-an-agreement/

When couples look to separate without going to court, mediation is a well-known option. However, how many have heard of hybrid mediation? By bringing together the best of both the family and the civil mediation models, hybrid mediation allows for lawyer support in the mediation room. But is it just a more expensive way of mediating? 

In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve consultant Suzanne Kingston. Suzanne is an experienced mediator, arbitrator and collaborative lawyer, with expertise in resolving complex financial issues and children matters. Together they discuss hybrid mediation: what it is, the difference between classic and hybrid mediation, the process and its advantages. 

To find out more about Suzanne and how she can help you visit: www.mills-reeve.com/people/suzanne-kingston

You can find out more about mediation and our out-of-court services by visiting our website: www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/services-for-individuals/family-and-children/alternatives-to-court/

Family arbitration is a great option for those who want to settle their case outside of court using an arbitrator. But is arbitration just for the wealthy who don’t want their cases reported in the press?

In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Partner Jane Ingleby, from our Leeds office. Together they discuss family arbitration: what it is, its benefits, the process, its limitations and how best to choose an arbitrator.

Learn more about arbitration and how we can help here: https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/services-for-individuals/family-and-children/alternatives-to-court/family-arbitration/

You can also find out more about Jane Ingleby by visiting our website: https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/jane-ingleby/

Resolving disputes without going to court is a viable option for couples who want a more amicable approach to agreeing to the terms of their divorce. Mediation is one of the most popular approaches, and child inclusive mediation is a great option for couples with children, as it allows children to have their voices heard.

But when parents disagree about what they want, should mediators ask their children?

In this episode, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Partner, Mediator and Arbitrator Alison Bull. Together they discuss child inclusive mediation: what it is, the process, the importance of children’s voices and practical considerations.


Listen back to episode 2 where Tim and Jen discuss family mediation. You can also find out more about mediation and how we can help here: https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/services-for-individuals/family-and-children/alternatives-to-court/family-mediation/

You can also find out more about Alison Bull by visiting our website: https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/alison-bull/

From 7 to 11 October, the family and children team at Mills & Reeve is running Children Law Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about children law and its impact on families.

During this week, we will be supporting the team, with bonus episodes, and in this episode, we share some highlights from episode 2, where Tim and Jen discuss family mediation and how it can help resolving disputes around children.

From 7 to 11 October, the family and children team at Mills & Reeve is running Children Law Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about children law and its impact on families.

During this week, we will be supporting the team with bonus episodes. In this episode, Tim and Jen hand the reigns to Mills & Reeve Partner Jane Ingleby and Trainee Solicitor Abbie Green, where they go over the options for non-court dispute resolution when there are issues about children on separation.

To find out more about our services and how we can help, please visit our website https://www.mills-reeve.com/services/family-and-children/children, and follow us on LinkedIn for more updates https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mills-reeve-family-and-children.

From 7 to 11 October, the family and children team at Mills & Reeve is running Children Law Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about children law and its impact on families.

During this week, we will be supporting the team, with bonus episodes, and in this episode, we share some highlights from episode 7, where Jen, Tim and their colleague Claire Burton discussed child arrangements and reaching an agreement or going to court about your children following a separation. 

To find out more about our services and how we can help, please visit our website https://www.mills-reeve.com/services/family-and-children/children, and follow us on LinkedIn for more updates https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mills-reeve-family-and-children.

Unmarried couples are the fastest-growing family type in the UK. So with couples deciding not to get married and instead buying property and living together, what happens to the house if the relationship breaks down? Is signing the sale contract all they need to do?

In the first episode of series 2 of the Explaining family law podcast, Tim and Jen are joined by Mills & Reeve Principal Associate Sue Brookes. Together they discuss the importance of cohabitation agreements, their benefits and the role they can play in protecting assets in the event of relationship breakdown.

To find out more about cohabitation agreements and how we can help you visit: www.mills-reeve.com/services/family-and-children/cohabitation/cohabitation-agreements

Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mills-reeve-family-and-children, and don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast.

Join hosts Tim and Jen as they conclude the first series of the Explaining Family Law podcast. In this episode, they address common questions that have emerged from previous discussions and provide a sneak peek into what’s ahead for the next series.

Questions covered:

• Do I need a lawyer?
• Can I get divorced I don’t know where the other person lives? 
• What are the costs of getting divorced?
• What happens to our pets when we separate? 
• Does one parent get favoured over the other when it comes to childcare arrangements?
• Who can apply to have contact with a child?

We hope you have enjoyed the podcast so far. Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mills-reeve-family-and-children, and don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast.

To find out more about our family lawyers and Mills & Reeve, please visit: https://www.mills-reeve.com/services/family-and-children