Family Law and More

In this episode of Family Law and More, Claudia Saxton (Consultant Barrister) and Lisa Edmunds (CEO and Head of Chambers) from Unit Chambers are joined by Dan Knox (Solicitor) to explore one of the most challenging aspects of family law; balancing legal fairness with human emotion during divorce.

Drawing on his diverse background, Dan shares powerful insights into how solicitors and barristers can better understand and manage client emotions during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

In this episode, we discuss:

 - How to navigate the emotional and psychological impact of divorce

 - Why mental health awareness is key to effective legal support

 - The importance of one-to-one engagement and reading body language in client meetings

 - How mediation and ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) can reduce emotional strain and costs

 - Practical ways to manage client expectations and timeframes

This conversation is essential listening for family law professionals, solicitors, and clients seeking to understand how empathy, communication, and tailored legal responses can make a real difference in family law cases.

About the podcast:

Family Law and More is the official podcast from Unit Chambers, a leading set of family law barristers based in Liverpool and Manchester. Each episode brings together experienced legal minds to discuss the evolving landscape of family law, practical insights, and the human stories behind the cases (https://podfollow.com/unitchambers).

Learn more about Unit Chambers: https://www.unit.law

Subscribe to Family Law and More for expert insights, real discussions, and the latest developments in family law.

Hosts:

Claudia Saxton (Consultant Barrister) https://https://www.unit.law/claudia-saxton

Lisa Edmunds (CEO and Head of Chambers) https://https://www.unit.law/lisa-edmunds

Guest:

Dan Knox

With thanks to our production partner: https://stanleyroad.tv

In this insightful episode of Family Law and More, Lisa Edmunds (CEO, Unit Chambers) sits down with Amjad Kadhim and Claudia Saxton (Consultant Barristers, Unit Chambers) to explore the role, purpose, and necessity of finding of fact hearings in the family court.

The discussion examines where we currently stand with fact-finding hearings, following key developments from Re HN and the President of the Family Division’s guidance. Drawing from their first-hand experience in complex and high-profile cases, the panel considers:

 - When a finding of fact hearing is necessary

 - How courts balance the need for factual determinations with proportionality and welfare considerations

 - The lasting impact of Re HN on domestic abuse allegations and case management

 - The practical realities for barristers, solicitors, and families navigating these hearings today

This episode offers a balanced look at the legal principles and real-world implications of fact-finding in family proceedings; a must-listen for family law practitioners, judges’ clerks, and students seeking to understand the evolving landscape.

Tune in to hear expert commentary from the Unit Chambers team and stay informed on the latest guidance shaping family justice in England and Wales.

With thanks to our production partner: https://stanleyroad.tv

In this episode of Family Law and More, Lisa Edmunds (CEO, Unit Chambers) is joined by Amjad Kadhim and Isabel Hawkins (Consultant Barristers, Unit Chambers) to unpack the Family Justice Council’s May 2025 guidance on covert recordings in family courts.

The team explores the ethical, legal, and procedural complexities surrounding the use of covert recordings in family proceedings. They discuss:

 - When and how recordings may be admissible in court

 - The importance of authenticity, context, and child welfare considerations

 - The C2 form (children’s cases) and D11 form (financial matters) required to seek permission to use recordings

 - Key takeaways for parents, solicitors, and barristers navigating this evolving area of family law

Whether you’re a family law professional, parent, or student, this episode offers essential insights into how courts are likely to approach covert evidence going forward.

Listen now to stay informed and ensure your practice aligns with the latest Family Justice Council guidance (May 2025).

With thanks to our production partner: https://stanleyroad.tv

In this episode of Family Law and More by Unit Chambers, barristers Isabel Hawkins and Emily Henshaw sit down with Nikki Jayne Potter, a certified Positive Psychology and Alcohol-Free Performance Coach, wellbeing speaker, and founder of Uncork Your Best Self (https://nikkijaynecoaching.com).

Together, they explore the concept of the “middle lane drinker," those who don’t necessarily identify as having a problem with alcohol but may rely on it to cope with stress, particularly in demanding professions like law. Nikki shares her insights on how to build resilience, wellbeing, and clarity without alcohol, and how legal professionals can support both clients and colleagues in an industry where drinking culture is deeply ingrained.

Topics covered:

 - Understanding “middle lane” drinking

 - Alcohol in the legal profession

 - Burnout, balance, and boundaries

 - Positive psychology and performance coaching

 - Tools and resources for alcohol-free living

Referenced resources:

Alcohol Explained – William Porter (https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-Explained-William-Porter/dp/1516997190)

This Naked Mind – Annie Grace (https://www.amazon.co.jp/This-Naked-Mind-Annie-Grace/dp/0008293465)

The Sober Diaries (https://www.amazon.com/Sober-Diaries-stopped-drinking-started/dp/1473661900)

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Joy-Being-Sober-alcohol-free/dp/1912023385)

Over the Influence podcast – DJ Sharon Hartley (https://www.overtheinfluence.co.uk/podcast)

Connect with Nikki Jayne:

https://nikkijaynecoaching.com

Instagram: @uncorkyourbestself

With thanks to our production partner: https://stanleyroad.tv

What does Deprivation of Liberty really mean in the context of children and how does it differ from a secure accommodation order?
In this important episode of Family Law and More, we’re joined by Misha Ryan, Senior Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers and leading practitioner in Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) cases, to unpack a complex and evolving area of law.
We explore how DoLs applies specifically to disabled children and those with mental health needs, and examine the growing reliance on the Inherent Jurisdiction to bridge gaps in local authority resources.
Misha discusses the key distinctions between DoLs and Secure Accommodation Orders, and whether the flexibility of DoLs comes at a systemic cost.
We also take a closer look at the National DoLs Court its fixed hour listings, rotating judges and whether this centralised model truly serves the best interests of vulnerable children, or whether a return to more localised decision-making is needed.
A must-listen for family law professionals navigating the increasingly blurred lines between welfare, liberty, and legal oversight in children's cases.
Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Pensions are often the most valuable, and most overlooked, asset in divorce proceedings. In this episode of Family Law and More, we’re joined by Richard Nobbs of Excalibur Actuaries, a key contributor to the Pensions Advisory Group, to unpack the complexities of pensions on divorce.
We explore why pensions matter, how they fit into the broader financial picture, and what family law practitioners should be looking out for from the outset.
Richard shares expert insights on when a pension merits further investigation, when it doesn’t, and how to approach cases where instructing a pensions expert may not be possible.
Whether you're newly qualified or highly experienced, this episode will sharpen your understanding of when and how to engage with pensions effectively in your cases.

Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Roma and Traveller communities in the UK have historically faced discrimination, systemic barriers, and deep-rooted misconceptions within the family justice system. Despite legal protections, many families continue to encounter prejudices, lack of cultural understanding, and disproportionate interventions.
In this episode, we explore:
— The unique challenges faced by Roma & Traveller families in family law cases
— The role of cultural misunderstanding & bias in social work and legal proceedings
— How domestic abuse support & safeguarding differ in these communities
— The impact of care proceedings & child protection interventions
— What family law professionals can do to ensure fairer outcomes

This is an essential conversation for family law practitioners, social workers, policymakers, and advocates working with Roma & Traveller communities. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Honour-based violence (HBV), forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remain hidden forms of abuse, often intersecting with family law cases. While the family courts play a crucial role in protecting victims, many practitioners still struggle to identify and navigate these complex issues. We speak with Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, a Merseyside-based national charity working to end 'honour'-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices.

In this episode, we break down:

— What constitutes honour-based violence and how it manifests in family law cases

— The legal frameworks & protections in the UK (e.g., FGM Protection Orders, Forced Marriage Protection Orders)

— Warning signs and risk factors for practitioners to be aware of

— The challenges of gathering evidence & ensuring victim safety in court

— How legal professionals can provide effective and culturally-sensitive support

Whether you're a family law practitioner, safeguarding professional or someone wanting to understand these critical issues, this episode is essential listening.

Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠.

In this special episode, barristers Amjad Kadhim and Bella Tait turn the tables and put CEO and Head of Chambers, Lisa Edmunds, in the hot seat. Recently named Resolution Barrister of the Year 2025, Lisa opens up about what drives her relentless pursuit of change in the legal world, how she handles critics in a disruptor-led chambers and the case that’s left the biggest mark on her career. It’s candid, it’s inspiring and it’s Lisa like you’ve never heard her before.

Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠.

The legal profession is known for its high-pressure environment, long hours and relentless workloads—but at what cost? As part of Stress Awareness Month, this episode will explore the critical importance of wellbeing in the legal sector, tackling stigma, burnout and mental health challenges that many barristers and solicitors face.

Our expert panel will discuss:

— The reality of stress & burnout in the legal profession – how widespread is the problem?

— Cultural challenges in the Bar – why is mental health still a taboo topic?

— Practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing – what works and what doesn’t?

— What firms, chambers & organisations can do – creating a culture of support.

— The Bar Council’s initiatives – what support is available for legal professionals?

Whether you’re a junior barrister, seasoned advocate or aspiring legal professional, this conversation is for you. It’s time to put wellbeing at the heart of legal practice.

Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠.