My Family Pod

In the latest episode of My Family Pod, host Joe Ferguson, Associate Solicitor in the Family Team at Myerson, is joined by specialist Family Law Barrister Natasha Khalique of Exchange Chambers for an insightful discussion on neurodivergence in family law proceedings.

Natasha’s practice spans private and international children law, financial remedy, Schedule 1 and ToLATA matters, and she has developed a nationally recognised specialism in cases involving neurodivergence. As an AuDHD practitioner herself, Natasha combines legal expertise with lived experience to provide highly attuned advocacy for neurodivergent clients in complex and sensitive cases.

Drawing on her recently published book, A Practical Guide to Neurodivergence in Family Law, Natasha explores the practical realities of navigating the family justice system as a neurodivergent individual and the steps practitioners can take to improve access to justice.

In this episode, Joe and Natasha discuss:

• What neurodiversity and neurodivergence mean in practice
• The common barriers neurodivergent individuals face in family court proceedings
• Why legal language, procedure and court environments can create additional challenges
• The benefits of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings
• How clients can advocate for their own needs and request reasonable adjustments
• The importance of practitioners identifying vulnerability early and throughout proceedings
• The role of the “All About Me” document in supporting effective communication
• The risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence for neurodivergent litigants
• Natasha’s personal experience as a neurodivergent barrister and how it has shaped her practice
• What progress still needs to be made across the family justice system

This episode offers valuable insight for family law professionals, individuals involved in family proceedings, and anyone interested in improving inclusivity and accessibility within the legal system.

🎧 Listen now to gain a better understanding of how neurodivergence intersects with family law, and why tailored support can make a significant difference.

In this episode of My Family Pod, Sarah Whitelegge, Legal Director in the Family Team at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Elaine Stokes, Director of Child Arrangement Resolutions, to discuss how specialist social work support can help families navigate child contact arrangements following separation.

Together, they explore how supported and supervised contact arrangements work, when they may be needed, and how bespoke, child-focused interventions can help rebuild relationships, reduce conflict, and support positive outcomes for children.

The conversation also covers the role of independent social workers, Section 7 reports, high-conflict parenting situations, relocation cases, safeguarding concerns, and practical ways families can be supported both inside and outside of court.

Whether you are a separated parent, family professional, or simply looking to better understand child arrangement issues, this episode offers practical insight into how the right support can help families move forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What supported and supervised child contact means
• How community-based and virtual contact arrangements work
• Common misconceptions about supervised contact
• The role of independent social workers in family proceedings
• What Section 7 reports are and when they may help
• Supporting children where relationships have broken down
• Managing safeguarding concerns and high-conflict parenting
• Helping children maintain relationships safely
• Supporting handovers and reducing parental conflict
• Relocation cases and assessing a child’s best interests
• How early intervention may help families avoid lengthy court proceedings

Guest
Elaine Stokes

Director - Child Arrangement Resolutions

https://childarrange.com/

Listen to My Family Pod
If you would like to learn more about surrogacy law or other modern family issues, explore the full My Family Pod series where our family law specialists discuss the legal topics shaping families today.

Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law

In this episode of My Family Pod, partners Nicola Bright and Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law, take a candid look at the realities of the family court process and explore the more effective alternatives available to separating couples.

They discuss the increasing pressures on the court system, including delays, rising costs, last-minute cancellations, and the emotional toll on families. Crucially, they explain why court proceedings should often be viewed as a last resort rather than the default route.

The episode provides a practical and informative guide to alternative dispute resolution options, helping individuals understand how they can resolve matters more efficiently, cost-effectively, and constructively.

What We Cover

The challenges within the family court system

•  Lengthy delays and limited judicial availability 
•  Rising legal costs, often reaching significant sums 
•  Hearings being cancelled at short notice 
•  Inconsistent judicial experience in complex family matters 
•  The emotional strain of contested proceedings 

Key risks when handling divorce without legal support

•  Financial claims remaining open despite divorce 
•  The importance of securing a financial clean break order 
•  Ensuring agreements meet fairness criteria under the law 

Alternative dispute resolution options explained

Mediation

•  A cost-effective, structured process to resolve disputes 
•  Encourages communication and cooperation 
•  Options for shuttle mediation and child-inclusive mediation 

Private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)

•  A privately instructed judge provides an early case evaluation 
•  Greater flexibility, time, and control compared to court 
•  Higher likelihood of reaching a settlement sooner 

Arbitration

•  A binding decision made by a chosen expert 
•  Faster, confidential, and highly flexible 
•  Particularly useful where a definitive outcome is needed 

One Lawyer, Two Client Model (Resolution First)

•  A single solicitor acts for both parties 
•  Streamlined, cost-effective, and collaborative 
•  Suitable for couples with a strong foundation of trust and communication 

Collaborative Law

•  Four-way meetings involving both parties and their solicitors 
•  Focus on constructive, non-confrontational negotiation 
•  Access to additional professionals such as financial advisers where needed 

Useful links

• Jane Tenquist – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/people/jane-tenquist 
• Nichola Bright – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/nichola-bright
• Myerson Solicitors – Family mediation services:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/services/family-law/mediation  

In this episode of My Family Pod, Myerson family lawyers Nichola Bright and Joe Ferguson are joined by Toby Craddock, Barrister at Deans Court Chambers, to explore the complex and evolving legal landscape of surrogacy in England and Wales.

Surrogacy can offer a pathway to parenthood for many families, yet the legal framework governing it remains intricate and, in many respects, outdated. In this discussion, the panel explains how the law currently works, highlights common misconceptions, and considers how international surrogacy arrangements and potential legal reforms may shape the future of family law.

The conversation provides practical insight into how parental orders operate, the risks involved in international surrogacy, and why obtaining early legal advice is essential for intended parents navigating this journey.

What We Cover in This Episode

• The difference between adoption and surrogacy and why a genetic link is usually required for a parental order
• The legal position at birth in surrogacy arrangements and why the surrogate is initially recognised as the legal parent
• Parental orders explained: what they are, why they are transformative, and the criteria the court applies when deciding whether to grant them
• Key legal requirements and time limits, including the six-month application window
• Consent from the surrogate and why it remains a fundamental requirement in surrogacy cases
• International surrogacy arrangements, including the legal and practical risks of pursuing treatment abroad
• Immigration, nationality and travel complications that can arise following overseas surrogacy
• Costs, expenses and the legal distinction between altruistic and commercial surrogacy in the United Kingdom
• Recent case law and real-world examples illustrating how the courts approach complex surrogacy disputes
• Proposed surrogacy law reforms from the Law Commission, including a potential new pathway to legal parenthood
• Global perspectives on surrogacy, including recent legislative changes in countries such as Italy

Why This Episode Matters
Although only several hundred parental orders are granted each year in England and Wales, surrogacy continues to grow as a route to parenthood. However, the law underpinning these arrangements relies on legislation that predates many modern family structures and medical advances.

Understanding the legal framework, particularly where international arrangements are involved, is vital for intended parents, surrogates and professionals advising families.

Guest
Toby Craddock
Barrister, Deans Court Chambers

Toby specialises in family law with particular experience in surrogacy and modern family matters. In addition to his practice, he serves as Secretary to the Greater Manchester Family Law Bar Association and sits on the Manchester Family Justice Board.

Listen to My Family Pod
If you would like to learn more about surrogacy law or other modern family issues, explore the full My Family Pod series where our family law specialists discuss the legal topics shaping families today.

Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law

In this episode of My Family Pod, Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Maura McKibbin, accredited family mediator and family separation specialist, to demystify family mediation and explain how it can help separating couples resolve issues without going to court.

Together, Jane and Maura explore what mediation really involves, when it works best, and how it fits alongside legal advice. The conversation offers practical guidance for separating couples, parents, and anyone considering alternatives to court proceedings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What family mediation is and how it differs from the court process
• When mediation can be used during separation and divorce
• Why mediation is voluntary, confidential and future-focused
• How the mediation process works in practice, from initial meetings to joint sessions
• The role of solicitors alongside mediation and why legal advice remains essential
• Managing power imbalances, including differences in financial knowledge or confidence
• When mediation may not be suitable and what alternative options are available
• How mediation can support parents in creating practical, child-focused arrangements
• The involvement of children in mediation and when child-inclusive mediation may be appropriate
• Costs, funding options, legal aid and the mediation voucher scheme

Jane and Maura also discuss how mediation can help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and build sustainable co-parenting arrangements that adapt as children grow and circumstances change.

This episode is particularly helpful for separating couples who want to understand their options clearly and make informed decisions about how best to resolve financial and parenting issues.

About the guest

Maura McKibbin is an accredited family mediator and family separation specialist based in Altrincham. She supports individuals and couples through separation by providing a structured, neutral and supportive environment to resolve financial and parenting matters outside of court. 

Useful links

• Jane Tenquist – Meet the team:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/people/jane-tenquist 
• Myerson Solicitors – Family mediation services:  https://www.myerson.co.uk/services/family-law/mediation  
• Maura McKibbin – Family mediation and separation support:  https://mauramckibbin.com 

🔍 Episode Overview:

In this episode, family lawyer Joe Ferguson is joined by Marcie Shaoul, certified coach and author of The Co-Parenting Method: Six Steps to Raise Happy Kids After Separation and Divorce.

Together, they explore how separated parents can move from conflict to collaboration, with practical tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and putting children’s needs first. The discussion also highlights how Marcie’s framework is helping both families and professionals rethink what effective co-parenting looks like.

Together they discuss:

• Why developing a long-term mindset is essential to successful co-parenting
• How to manage strong emotions and avoid communication “flare-ups”
• The importance of healthy boundaries and mutual respect
• The difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting — and when each approach is appropriate
• How small shifts in behaviour can transform family dynamics and reduce conflict
• How practitioners can use The Co-Parenting Method as an early-intervention tool to support clients outside the courtroom

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Co-parenting isn’t about friendship — it’s about creating a stable, low-conflict environment where children can thrive.
• A calm, child-focused approach reduces emotional fallout and helps children feel secure across both homes.
• The Co-Parenting Method gives parents a clear, six-step framework to communicate effectively and make lasting, child-centred decisions.
• Professionals can recommend the book and online programme to empower clients early in their separation journey.

📚 Resources & Links:

Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law
Discover The Co-Parenting Method: https://thecoparentingmethod.com
Buy the book: The Co-Parenting Method: Six Steps to Raise Happy Kids After Separation and Divorce (available on Amazon and major retailers)

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Subscribe to My Family Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
Don’t forget to rate and review to help others discover the show!

💼 Keywords & Topics:
Family Law, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Parenting After Separation, Communication, Emotional Regulation, Boundaries, Parallel Parenting, Child Wellbeing, Mediation, Parenting Plans, Family Coaching, Resolution, Conflict Reduction, Myerson Solicitors

How can technology support healthier co-parenting, and what happens when it’s misused?

🔍 Episode Overview:

In this episode, family lawyer Joe Ferguson is joined by Katie Deans from Our Family Wizard to explore the role of technology in family law. From tackling the risks of call spoofing and AI-powered abuse to building safer, more effective communication between separated parents, the conversation shines a light on both the challenges and opportunities that digital tools bring to co-parenting.

Together they discuss:

• How abusers exploit tools like call spoofing and voice cloning, and how families can protect themselves
• Why accountability and transparency are key to effective co-parenting communication
• The features that make Our Family Wizard a trusted tool for parents and professionals, including ToneMeter® and AI-powered message redrafting
• Options for child, third-party and professional accounts, and how these support wider family networks
• Pricing, fee waivers and accessibility, ensuring the app is available to all families who need it

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Technology can be misused in abusive situations — but it can also create safer spaces for co-parenting communication.
• Features like uneditable messaging, timestamped calls and ToneMeter® help parents remain accountable and child-focused.
• Our Family Wizard offers flexibility, from affordability options to professional access, making it a valuable tool in family law practice.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law
• Explore Our Family Wizard: www.ourfamilywizard.co.uk

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Subscribe to My Family Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to rate and review!

💼 Keywords & Topics:
Family Law, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Technology in Family Law, Domestic Abuse, AI Voice Cloning, Call Spoofing, Parental Communication, Accountability, Our Family Wizard, ToneMeter, Parenting Plans, Legal Tech, Child Contact, Family Disputes, Professional Access

What really happens when divorce lawyers team up with financial detectives to uncover hidden assets, shady spending, and the truth behind business valuations. 

🔍 Episode Overview:

When it comes to divorce, it's not just about the family home or savings, business interests can be some of the most complex and contested assets in the process.

 In this episode, family lawyer Nichola Bright explores the critical role that forensic accountancy plays in financial settlements on divorce, especially where business valuations are concerned.

Joined by expert forensic accountants Natalie Jones and Jack Clitheroe from Begbies Traynor, the discussion delves into:

• What forensic accounting really involves and how it differs from traditional accounting
• How businesses are valued during a divorce and what methods are used (e.g., earnings-based vs. net asset-based)
• The role of Single Joint Experts (SJE) and shadow accountants in financial disputes
• Key considerations in minority shareholdings and lifestyle analysis
• Red flags for hidden assets or unusual spending patterns
• Real-world examples including agricultural and family-run businesses
• How forensic insight helps manage client expectations and drive fair outcomes

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Forensic accountants bring invaluable problem-solving skills and financial insight to divorce cases involving complex assets.
• Early involvement of a forensic accountant can help close the information gap between spouses particularly when one partner runs the business.
• Business valuation isn't just about numbers; it involves context, control, market comparisons, and sometimes, digging into past financial conduct.
• Forensic accountants play both independent and advisory roles to support solicitors and protect client interests.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Myerson Family Law Services: www.myerson.co.uk
• Connect with Begbies Traynor Group: www.begbies-traynorgroup.com
• Explore guidance on business valuations in divorce and when to seek expert input

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Subscribe to My Family Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to rate and review!

💼 Keywords & Topics:

Family Law, Divorce, Finances on Divorce, Forensic Accountancy, Divorce Lawyer, Business Valuation, Minority Shareholding, Hidden Assets, Divorce Settlements, Single Joint Expert, Shadow Accountant, Matrimonial Finances, Director Loan Accounts, Lifestyle Analysis, Cryptocurrency in Divorce, Farming Businesses, Contentious Valuations, Court Proceedings, Family Business Disputes

Hosted by: Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors

In this powerful episode of My Family Pod, we sit down with Jonathan Edgeley, founder of Montrose Health, to discuss the hidden impacts of addiction on relationships, separation, and family life.

Jonathan shares his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, shedding light on how substance misuse, from alcohol and drugs to gambling, fractures family dynamics and exacerbates divorce proceedings. 

As a family lawyer, host Jane highlights the real-world consequences of addiction on parenting roles, financial strain, and the emotional well-being of children.

Key topics include:

• The cycle of addiction and how it escalates from social use to dependency
• The role of addiction in marital breakdown and the complex dynamics it creates
• How trauma, childhood experiences, and genetic predispositions contribute to addiction
• Why addressing the whole family is vital for sustainable recovery
• The unique, tailored rehab programmes offered by Montrose Health, including one-on-one residential support in the Peak District
• Understanding the link between addiction and undiagnosed ADHD or autism
• Insights on post-divorce recovery, mental health support, and rebuilding self-identity
• Practical advice for family lawyers on spotting vulnerable clients and providing effective signposting

Whether you are a family law professional, facing the challenges of addiction within your family, or seeking a deeper understanding of recovery pathways, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical advice.

📍 Resources & Mentions

• https://www.montrosehealthgroup.com/

Stay tuned for more episodes of MyFamily Pod, where we tackle the issues that matter most to families. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for updates!

LinkedIn: Myerson Solicitors 

Instagram: @Myerson.Solicitors 

Website: www.myerson.co.uk/ 

Therapy for Relationships: Strengthening Communication, Supporting Separation, and Rebuilding After Breakdown

Hosted by: Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors
Guest: Lindsay George, Therapist based in Altrincham

🔍 Episode Summary

In this insightful episode, Jane Tanquist, a family lawyer at Myerson Solicitors, sits down with Lindsay George, an experienced therapist specialising in individual and couples therapy. Together, they explore the deep emotional and psychological aspects of relationships, covering:

• The three critical Cs of successful relationships: Communication, Compromise, and Commitment
• Why couples disengage – from financial pressures to social media distractions
• The emotional stages of relationship breakdown and how therapy can help navigate them
• The difference between productive and toxic communication patterns
• How therapy supports co-parenting and smoother separations
• The impact of divorce on emotional health and the journey toward recovery
• The growing trend of “relationship MOTs” – proactive therapy for couples

Whether you are facing relationship challenges, going through separation, or working with clients in similar circumstances, this episode offers professional perspectives and practical advice.

🧠 Key Topics Covered

• Emotional disconnection and communication breakdown
• How therapists observe and address communication styles in couples
• The emotional spectrum of separation: grief, denial, ambivalence
• Supporting clients legally and therapeutically through divorce
• Long-term impacts of relationship breakdown
• The role of friends, family, and therapy in recovery
• Gendered patterns in post-divorce relationships

👂 Who This Episode is For

• Individuals or couples experiencing marital strain or separation
• Family solicitors, mediators, and other professionals in relationship law
• Therapists and mental health professionals working with separated or divorcing clients
• Listeners curious about healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing

📍 Resources & Mentions

• Connect with Lindsay George: www.lindsaygeorge.co.uk

Stay tuned for more episodes of MyFamily Pod, where we tackle the issues that matter most to families. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for updates!

LinkedIn: Myerson Solicitors 

Instagram: @Myerson.Solicitors 

Website: www.myerson.co.uk/