This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are back together for a conversation covering some of the questions they hear most often in their legal practices, with plenty of honest opinions, practical advice and, as always, a few unexpected detours along the way.

After catching up on Vickki's move from Leicester to Norfolk — and sharing a few stories involving leaky ceilings, carpet cleaners, personalised number plates and DIY disasters — the conversation turns back to what Lawfully Yours is all about: making the law more accessible and breaking down some of the complicated issues people often find difficult to navigate.

Geraldine takes a closer look at children and family law, explaining what happens when parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children. Vickki and Geraldine discuss child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders, as well as what happens when a child does not want to see one of their parents.

They explore how the courts consider a child's wishes and feelings, the role of Cafcass and Section 7 reports, and some of the difficulties that can arise when contact breaks down or one parent wants to relocate with the children.

The conversation also looks at the emotional impact of family disputes and why children can so easily become caught in the middle of adult conflict. Geraldine shares a particularly heartfelt thought for the day about putting children at the centre of decisions and remembering that they should never have to carry the weight of their parents' disagreements.

Vickki then turns to some of the questions she is most frequently asked by clients involved in disputes and litigation.

How long will my case take? How much will it cost? Can I get my legal costs back? Will I have to go to court? And how long do I have to bring a claim?

From personal injury and clinical negligence to employment disputes, neighbour disputes and probate claims, Vickki explains why there is rarely a straightforward answer and how much depends on the individual circumstances of a case.

They also discuss no win, no fee agreements, fixed fees and hourly rates, how solicitors assess the risks involved in taking on a claim, and what happens when the person you're bringing a claim against may not have the means to pay.

There is also an insight into clinical negligence claims, including why proving that something went wrong medically is only part of the picture, and why causation can be one of the most difficult aspects of a case.

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This episode is packed with practical information for anyone who has ever wondered what actually happens when you need to take legal action — or simply wanted to understand a little more about how the law works.

Expect useful advice, honest conversations, plenty of laughs and a reminder that behind every legal case are real people dealing with situations that can have a huge impact on their lives.

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we're here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are joined by Angela Lewis, highly regarded Senior Solicitor and Consultant with Garrisons Legal, for a fascinating conversation about criminal law, complex cases, resilience and what it really means to represent people when the stakes could not be higher.

Before welcoming Angela to the podcast, Vickki and Geraldine discuss some of the latest developments and talking points from the world of law, sharing their thoughts on the issues currently making waves and the realities behind the headlines.

The conversation then turns to Angela and her journey into law. Coming from a working-class background, Angela shares how she worked incredibly hard to build a career as a solicitor, from her early interests in music and graphic design to studying criminology before going on to complete her law degree and begin her career as a criminal lawyer.

Angela has represented clients in a wide range of severe and complex legal cases, including child abduction, kidnap and triple murder, as well as advocating for adults and young people facing criminal investigations.

During the conversation, Angela gives an insight into some of the cases she has worked on, including her involvement in a triple murder case, and discusses the realities of working on cases where the consequences can be life-changing.

Vickki, Geraldine and Angela also explore one of the more difficult questions surrounding criminal defence: how do you represent someone when you believe, or know, that your client is guilty?

They discuss the professional responsibilities of a defence solicitor, the importance of ensuring every client has proper representation and the emotional and ethical challenges that can come with defending people accused of serious crimes.

Angela also reflects on the journey that brought her into criminal law, the barriers she has overcome and the determination required to build a successful career from a working-class background.

Expect fascinating stories, honest conversations and plenty of insight into the realities of criminal defence, as Lawfully Yours continues to shine a light on the people behind the professions and the experiences that shape them.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in criminal law, legal careers, complex cases or the human stories behind some of the most challenging areas of the justice system.

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we're here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis-536381272/

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are joined by Sam Kimber, Founder of Pro-Gen Research, for a fascinating conversation about probate research, genealogy, entrepreneurship and the often unseen work that goes on behind the scenes of complex legal cases.

Before welcoming Sam to the podcast, Vickki and Geraldine discuss some of the latest developments and talking points from the world of law, sharing their thoughts on the issues currently making waves and the realities behind the headlines.

The conversation then turns to Sam and her journey into the world of probate research. With more than 15 years of experience, Sam shares how she came to specialise in helping legal professionals locate missing beneficiaries, verify family trees and uncover the information needed to help estates move forward.

Vickki, Geraldine and Sam explore what probate research actually involves, from tracing relatives and identifying entitled beneficiaries to navigating complex family histories and international connections. They discuss the importance of accuracy, thorough research and attention to detail when the outcome can have a very real impact on families and estates.

The conversation also looks at the human side of the work. Behind every family tree, missing beneficiary or probate case is a person and a story, and Sam shares her perspective on balancing the investigative nature of genealogy with the sensitivity and professionalism these cases require.

As the founder of Pro-Gen Research, Sam also talks about building and growing her own business, the importance of relationships within the legal profession and how the expectations of clients and professionals have evolved over the years.

Expect fascinating stories, plenty of insight and, of course, some laughs along the way, as Lawfully Yours continues to shine a light on the people behind the professions and the experiences that shape them.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in law, probate, genealogy, business and the fascinating stories that can be uncovered when you start looking beyond the paperwork.

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we're here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

Sam Kimber – https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kimber-05102830/

Progen Research – https://www.pro-gen-research.co.uk/

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are joined by the inspiring Hasina Reshamwalla for an honest, uplifting and deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose and empowering others.

Before welcoming Hasina to the podcast, Vickki and Geraldine discuss some of the latest developments in family law, including the proposed reforms surrounding cohabitation rights and the enduring myth of the "common law marriage".

They explain what the potential changes could mean for couples, why so many people remain unaware of their legal position, and why seeking legal advice early can make all the difference.

The conversation then turns to Hasina's remarkable journey. She shares her incredible life story, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped both her personal and professional life, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Drawing on her background in family law and mediation, Hasina discusses the realities of supporting individuals through some of the most challenging periods of their lives, after going through her own, offering insight into compassion, resilience and understanding that the profession demands.

Vickki, Geraldine and Hasina also explore the exciting work she is now doing through VEDA Women's Club. They discuss the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, support one another and grow in confidence, as well as the positive impact that strong communities can have on both personal and professional development.

Expect inspiring stories, honest reflections and plenty of laughs along the way, as Lawfully Yours continues to shine a light on the people behind the professions and the experiences that shape them.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in law, personal growth, and the power of community — and a reminder that some of life's greatest challenges can become the foundation for helping others.

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we're here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real. -

Stay in touch with Vickki and Geraldine

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

Stay in touch with Hasina

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasina-reshamwalla-7902921b/

VEDA Women's Club

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back!

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson return for the first episode of Season 3, reflecting on some of their favourite moments from the last series while looking ahead to the exciting conversations still to come.

As they kick off a brand-new season, Vickki and Geraldine share what they've learned from Season 2, the guests and discussions that left a lasting impression, and what listeners can expect over the coming months.

The conversation also explores some of the legal topics making headlines and affecting everyday lives, including medical negligence claims, divorce and family law issues, and the practical realities people can face when navigating the legal system. Drawing on their experience, they offer insight, perspective and honest discussion around these important areas.

Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, reflections and the natural chemistry that has become a hallmark of Lawfully Yours. Whether you're a long-time listener or joining the podcast for the first time, this episode is the perfect way to begin the new season.

Expect legal insight, real conversations, and a glimpse into what's coming next as Lawfully Yours returns with another series of fascinating guests, thought-provoking discussions and plenty of memorable moments.

This is the perfect episode to ease back into the world of Lawfully Yours and discover what's in store for Season 3.

Have a question for Vickki and Geraldine? Get in touch via [email protected]

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we're here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfully Yours – Season 2, Episode 15 – The Stories That Stayed With Us, Favourite Moments & Unforgettable Guests

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson take a look back at some of the standout moments from the series so far — bringing together a collection of favourite clips, unforgettable stories, and conversations that have truly stayed with them.

From shocking revelations and emotional reflections, to moments that sparked laughter in the studio, this special highlights episode celebrates the guests who have made Lawfully Yours such a fascinating and wide-ranging podcast.

Expect powerful insights, surprising stories, and a reminder of just how diverse the conversations have been this season — covering everything from crime and justice, to leadership, resilience, business, and the human experiences behind professional titles.

Whether you’re revisiting your favourite moments or discovering them for the first time, this episode offers a chance to hear some of the series’ most memorable conversations in one place.

As always, Vickki and Geraldine bring their trademark warmth, curiosity, and humour — making this the perfect episode to dip into and enjoy.

Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of the Lawfully Yours journey so far. There’s plenty more still to come.

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we’re here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Stay in touch with Vickki and Geraldine

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

Send any questions to [email protected]

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfully Yours – Season 2, Episode 14 – Leadership, Ego and Knobs (feat. Marc Rowley)

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are joined by leadership expert Marc Rowley for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on what it truly means to lead.

Marc brings a wealth of real-world experience to the table, sharing his journey through policing and into the world of leadership development. Together, they explore the stark contrast between good and bad leadership — unpacking the behaviours, mindsets, and habits that define each.

The conversation dives deep into the more challenging side of leadership, including the impact of narcissism, ego, and control. Marc offers honest insight into how these traits can show up in leaders, the damage they can cause, and why self-awareness is critical for anyone in a position of influence.

Vickki, Geraldine, and Marc also examine the human side of leadership — discussing how past experiences and trauma can shape decision-making, behaviours, and communication styles. It’s a candid look at why people lead the way they do, and how understanding this can transform teams, workplaces, and outcomes.

At its core, this episode is about people. From building respect and trust, to developing strong interpersonal skills, Marc highlights why great leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about connection, accountability, and consistency.

Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and the signature Lawfully Yours blend of curiosity and warmth — in an episode that challenges perceptions and redefines what it means to be a good leader.

This is a must-listen for anyone leading a team, working within one, or simply wanting to better understand the dynamics that shape how we show up for others.

Stay in touch with Marc – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmarcrowley/

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we’re here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Stay in touch with Vickki and Geraldine

Vickki – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfully Yours – Season 2, Episode 13 - Undercover, Under Threat & Life on the Front Line of Crime (feat. Peter Bleksley)

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson welcome a truly extraordinary guest — Peter Bleksley, former Scotland Yard undercover detective and founding member of the elite SO10 unit, widely recognised as “The Chief” on Channel 4’s Hunted.

Peter shares the remarkable story of his journey into policing, revealing how he found his path into the world of undercover work and what it really takes to operate in some of the most dangerous corners of law enforcement. From early career decisions to high-stakes operations, he offers a rare glimpse into a profession few people ever truly see from the inside.

The conversation takes a gripping turn as Peter opens up about the personal risks that came with the job — including the very real threat to his life, his time in witness protection, and the reality of living with people who wanted him dead. It’s an honest and powerful reflection on the sacrifices required to pursue justice in the face of danger.

Together, they also explore some of the most significant cases Peter has been involved in, including the infamous Alister Wilson case, shedding light on the complexity, pressure, and persistence required to bring serious criminals to justice.

Of course, no conversation with Peter would be complete without discussing his time on Channel 4’s Hunted. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into the show, what it’s really like to track fugitives, and how real investigative skills translate into television — blending entertainment with authentic policing expertise.

Expect gripping stories, moments of reflection, and the trademark Lawfully Yours curiosity and warmth — in an episode that pulls back the curtain on a life lived on the edge of danger and dedication.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by crime, policing, and the human stories behind the headlines — and a reminder of the courage it takes to stand on the front line of justice.

Stay in touch with Peter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bleksley-a1137825/

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we’re here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Stay in touch with Vickki and Geraldine

Vickki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickki-ridgway-2a38b235/

Geraldine - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-watson-llb-hons-844a62a6/

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfully Yours – Season 2, Episode 12: Adoption, Challenges & The Realities of Building a Family

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson kick things off in true style — with Vickki sharing a tale about a particularly difficult client, and Geraldine revealing her new-found fascination... with washing machines.

The pair then welcome their special guest, Matt Tomeo - Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Blaby District Council.

The conversation turns to Matt’s deeply personal journey into adoption. He shares an open and heartfelt account of the process of adopting his son, from the early stages and emotional decisions to the practical realities of navigating the system.

Together, they explore the rewards that come with building a family through adoption, as well as the challenges that many prospective parents may not fully anticipate. Matt offers valuable insight into the patience, resilience, and support required along the way, while highlighting just how life-changing the experience can be.

The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding different family journeys, breaking down misconceptions, and recognising the emotional depth behind decisions that shape people’s lives.

Expect laughter, honesty, and meaningful reflection in an episode that balances light-hearted moments with powerful storytelling — all delivered with the trademark Lawfully Yours warmth and relatability.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the adoption process, interested in the realities of modern family life, or simply looking for a conversation that reminds us of the strength it takes to build a family in different ways.

Stay in touch with Matt

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we’re here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

Stay in touch with Vickki and Geraldine

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfully Yours – Season 2, Episode 11: Self-Belief, Determination & Motorcycle Incidents

This week on Lawfully Yours, hosts Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson are joined by special guest Zainab Zaeem, Director of Summerfield Browne Solicitors, for an inspiring and refreshingly honest conversation about carving your own path into the legal profession.

In this motivating episode, Zainab shares her non-traditional route into law, opening up about the challenges she faced along the way and the determination it took to keep moving forward. Her story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path into a legal career — and that resilience, persistence, and self-belief can make all the difference.

Together, they explore the importance of working for what you want, staying focused on your goals, and backing yourself even when the journey feels uncertain. It’s an uplifting discussion about ambition, mindset, and the reality behind professional success — the kind that doesn’t happen overnight.

And, in true Lawfully Yours fashion, the episode wouldn’t be complete without a memorable twist. Expect laughter, a few surprises, and a motorbike horror story that proves life — and law — can be unpredictable in the most unexpected ways.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own career journey, considering a path into law, or simply looking for a dose of motivation from someone who’s been there and made it happen.

Stay in touch with Zainab

About Lawfully Yours

Loving the ride? Lawfully Yours is your home for legal laughs, clever chats, and conversations that make the midweek a whole lot brighter. Hosted by Vickki Ridgway and Geraldine Watson, we’re here to make the law — and life — a little less stiff, and a lot more real.

🎙️ New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hit subscribe and stick around for more laughs, lessons, and law… with a twist.

Stay in touch with Vickki

Stay in touch with Geraldine

Produced by Paragon Creative Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.