In this episode of Law Torn, Samara Dutton, Partner in the Private Wealth Disputes team, and Philippa Dolan, Partner in the Family team, reflect on the festive period discuss how the Christmas can bring family tensions and disputes into sharper focus.

They explore the common perception that divorce rates increase after Christmas, reflecting on whether this is supported by experience or evidence, and consider how extended time together, family expectations and blended family dynamics can place additional strain on already fragile relationships.

The conversation looks in particular at the challenges faced by separated parents during the festive period, including how Christmas and New Year arrangements for children are typically managed, what happens when agreed arrangements or court orders are not followed, and how disputes over contact, gifts and competing households can escalate.

Samara and Philippa also provide a practical overview of the divorce process in England and Wales for those contemplating next steps in the New Year, including timescales, costs, and the role of mediation and legal advice. In addition, the episode touches on how Christmas can highlight concerns around capacity and vulnerability in older relatives, particularly where families spend extended time together.

This episode offers insight into the legal, emotional and practical issues that often arise after Christmas, and how families can approach separation, parenting arrangements and wider family disputes with greater clarity in the New Year.

Stay tuned — new episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.

For questions or feedback, please contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Law Torn, Samara and Philippa are joined by their first guest, Kristin Cunliffe, to discuss the role emotions play in financial decision-making during family litigation.

Kristin is a financial planner, financial coach and educator with over 25 years’ experience supporting individuals through divorce and bereavement. She explains how financial coaching differs from traditional financial advice, focusing on a client’s relationship with money rather than budgeting or financial management.

The episode explores why clients may struggle to settle disputes, even when they understand the legal and financial risks of litigation. Samara and Philippa reflect on the challenges of advising clients where emotions, grief or a sense of injustice influence strategic decisions, particularly in disputes arising from relationship breakdown or loss.

Kristin also discusses how early experiences with money, financial personality types and unresolved emotional responses can affect behaviour during legal proceedings. The conversation considers how financial coaching can complement legal advice by helping clients separate emotional responses from the practical realities of litigation, engage more constructively with settlement discussions, and begin to plan for life beyond the dispute.

This episode provides insight into the emotional and financial dynamics that often sit beneath family litigation, and the value of additional support alongside the legal process.

Stay tuned — new episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.  

For questions or feedback, please contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Samara Dutton, Partner in Collyer Bristow’s Private Wealth Disputes team, is joined by Philippa Dolan, Partner in the Family team, to explore the widespread misconception of common law marriage, a “status” believed by 46% of the population, yet one that has no legal standing in England and Wales.

Using a listener scenario involving a decade-long relationship, two children, and a home owned by one partner, Samara and Philippa break down:

• Why common law marriage doesn’t exist
• What rights cohabiting partners actually have
• How children change the legal position
• Schedule 1 claims under the Children Act
• Property rights, promises, and the limits of trust-based claims
• The stark contrast with the rights of married couples
• How inheritance and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 applies

The conversation moves frankly, and often humorously, through the practical realities faced by unmarried couples, highlighting the risks, the protections available, and when legal advice is essential.

If you’re cohabiting, thinking about marriage, or advising someone who is, this episode offers clarity where myths continue to thrive.

Stay tuned — new episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.  

For questions or feedback, please contact us at [email protected].

In this introductory episode, hosts Samara Dutton, Partner in Collyer Bristow’s Private Wealth Disputes Team, and Philippa Dolan, Partner in the Family Team, introduce LawTorn — a new podcast exploring what happens when family relationships break down and disputes spill into the legal arena.

Samara and Philippa discuss the inspiration behind the series, the growing intersection between family and inheritance disputes, and the emotional impact of litigation on clients. They share their goal of demystifying the legal process, offering insight, and promoting a more understanding, human approach to resolving conflict.

Stay tuned — new episodes will be released on the last Monday of each month.  

For questions or feedback, please contact us at [email protected].

"Following the conclusion of the Dyneley reign, the move to 4 Bedford Row and with John Coverdale now as senior partner, the firm began to grow again. Having been an articled clerk Andrew Alfred Collyer had now arrived as a partner. His family were originally from Farnham but moved to  Beddington near Croydon.  A local archive extract records: “In Beddington Place lived Mr Collyer Bristow, the head of a firm of London lawyers, who was much beloved by all who knew him and was also a generous supporter of all good works in the parish”.

Partner Michael Drake delivers Chapter 6 of his book on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.

"It was 1760 when Robert Dyneley and Charles Ashmall set up together in practice. On 12 November 1762 they were both admitted to Gray’s Inn and by now their new chambers were established at 1 Field Court in Gray’s Inn. The history of the Row takes us back almost as far as the story of the firm.  The west side of the Row was built in part at least, in the early 1690s, by Nicholas Barbon, who was ultimately responsible for much of the works connecting the City and Westminster."

Partner Michael Drake narrates Chapter 5 of his book on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.

"When I arrived at 4 Bedford Row in August 1969, I did at least know a little more than 14 year old Ralph Kemp in May 1915.  But I had no idea of the extraordinary history, tradition and heritage of a firm which had first established itself so many years earlier."

Partner Michael Drake delivers Chapter 1 of his book on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.

"So on 1 April 1984 almost exactly 10 years to the day since I left I returned to 4 Bedford Row. One of the key reasons for my decision to return was what I already knew about CB, its culture, way of life and reputation, the quality of the partners and staff, the offices, the clients and so far as I knew its financial stability."

Partner Michael Drake reads Chapter 3 of his book on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.

"The origins of Collyer Bristow can be traced back to the reign of Charles II, and perhaps even earlier to the reign of his father.  Surprisingly for such a long established London practice, the firm’s roots stem from three families based in the north of England; two from Yorkshire and one from County Durham.  All three had immensely strong legal traditions and over many decades sons were despatched south to London, to the Inns of Court to follow in their father’s and grandfather’s legal footsteps."

Partner Michael Drake delivers Chapter 4 of his book on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.

Michael Drake introduces his new book and podcast series on the history of one of the UK’s longest established law firms, Collyer Bristow.