Family Law, Divorce and Mediation with Matthew Lockey and Sophie Milliken

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives.

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Matthew Lockey, Head of Private Family Team and Associate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors, and Sophie Milliken, CEO of Moja.

Together, they unpack the realities of family law in England and Wales, from the moment a relationship breaks down through to financial settlement, child arrangements and life on the other side.

They cover what the process actually looks like, what it costs emotionally and practically, and how mediation can offer a faster, less adversarial route for families who want to avoid the courtroom.

Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

• What to expect when a marriage or civil partnership breaks down and the steps involved in the legal process.

• How divorce proceedings work in practice and what the process looks like from start to finish.

• Financial remedy and how courts approach the division of assets, property and pensions.

• Child arrangements, parental responsibility, living arrangements and how disputes are resolved.

• When court proceedings are necessary and what the process looks like when they are.

• The role of mediation and why it is often a quicker, cheaper and less damaging alternative to litigation.

• How to choose the right legal support and what to look for in a family law solicitor.

• Practical advice on protecting your interests and those of your children from the outset.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the breakdown of a relationship, considering separation, or supporting a friend or family member through the process, and for anyone who wants to understand their rights before they ever need them.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Contact Matthew:

https://richardreed.co.uk/team/matthew-lockey/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lockey-19b04ba3/

Resources:

Pathfinder Pilot Scheme Report: research into an approach in some family courts that front‑loads welfare assessment and child‑focused work to streamline cases and improve outcomes for children

Resolution: family law association promoting constructive, amicable approaches.

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Annaliese Barber, Director and Head of Richard Reed Solicitors’ Wills, Trusts, Probate and Court of Protection Department, and Helena Dar, Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors.

Together, they cut through the jargon and walk through what actually happens when someone dies, what the law requires, and how to navigate the process without making costly mistakes.

Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

• What probate is and when you actually need it.

• Who needs to apply and what the process involves.

• Understanding intestacy: what happens when someone dies without a will.

• The role of executors and administrators, and what's expected of them.

• Common mistakes families make and how to avoid them.

• When to seek legal advice and why getting it early can save time and money.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who has recently lost a loved one, is helping a family member through the process, or simply wants to understand what will happen to their estate and how to make things as straightforward as possible for the people they leave behind.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. 

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Employment Law & Dispute Resolution Associate Solicitor Kat Moody and Founder and CEO of Inspired HR, Nikki Masterman. 

Together, they break down the Employment Rights Act 2025 and its staged rollout across 2026 and 2027 – one of the biggest shake‑ups in UK employment law in decades.

They explain what’s changing, when it takes effect, and what employers, especially small and medium‑sized businesses, need to be doing now to stay compliant, manage costs and reduce their risk.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• National minimum wage increases and common compliance pitfalls.

• Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), including day‑one rights and removal of the lower earnings limit.

• New day‑one rights for paternity and parental leave.

• Protecting staff and managing risk.

• The creation of the Fair Work Agency and what it could mean for inspections and enforcement.

• Unfair dismissal protection after six months’ service.

• What employers should be doing now.

This episode is essential listening for employers, HR professionals and employees who want a clear, practical guide to how the new Employment Rights Act will affect workplaces and how to get prepared in good time.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk