In this episode of Today’s Family Lawyer, host David Opie is joined by Diane Matthews, senior associate at MSB Solicitors in Liverpool, and Karis Nafte, a certified dog behaviour consultant and accredited family mediator, for a fascinating discussion on the growing recognition of pets as family members in separation and divorce proceedings.

As pet ownership continues to rise, so too does the emotional complexity of deciding who keeps the dog, cat, or other companion animal when relationships break down. Diane brings a legal lens to the conversation, highlighting how courts in England and Wales currently treat pets as property—often overlooking the welfare of the animal or the emotional bonds involved. Karis offers a fresh perspective, drawing on her experience mediating pet custody arrangements that prioritise the pet’s wellbeing and the family’s emotional needs.

Together, they explore how collaborative approaches—combining legal expertise with behavioural insight—can lead to more humane, balanced outcomes. From shared care agreements to pet parenting plans, the episode showcases practical tools that help families navigate separation without turning pets into pawns.

Listeners will gain insight into how attitudes are shifting, why traditional legal frameworks may need to evolve, and how professionals can better support clients through emotionally charged decisions. Whether you're a family lawyer, mediator, or pet owner facing separation, this episode offers a compassionate and forward-thinking look at a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply felt.

A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of law, emotion, and the animals we love.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

This episode of the Today's Family Lawyer podcast features host David Opie in conversation with Grant Cameron - family lawyer, mediator, collaborative practitioner, and a partner at Trethowans. Grant recently concluded his tenure as Chair of Resolution, having led the organization during a transformative post-COVID period marked by significant legislative and cultural shifts.

He reflects on the implementation of no fault divorce and how Resolution maintained momentum through its Vision for Family Justice manifesto. The conversation explores future reform priorities, particularly cohabitation rights, early access to legal advice, and improvements to legal aid.

Grant discusses the renewed emphasis on Resolution’s Code of Practice in 2025, encouraging professionals to revisit the values of respectful communication and dignified practice. He advocates for refresher training and emphasizes kindness as central to client care.

The episode also highlights a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to family law, incorporating financial and emotional expertise alongside legal guidance. In closing, Grant shares his three wishes for the sector’s future: equitable access to justice, sustainable support for legal aid practitioners, and long-awaited reform for cohabiting couples. These, he believes, are vital to building a more compassionate and effective family law framework.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today's Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie welcomes Sally Robinson, partner and head of the HCR Law Family Team in Central England. Broadcasting from the Northampton office, Sally brings over two decades of legal experience to a timely discussion on how language in family law is evolving.

Sally reflects on the landmark shift introduced by no-fault divorce, calling it the most significant change in her career. She highlights how the move away from adversarial language fosters amicable resolutions and reduces emotional strain, particularly in cases involving children.

The conversation dives into practical adjustments—like switching from "my client/your client" to using first names—to humanize the legal process. Sally candidly shares how even small changes in tone can reshape outcomes and reduce conflict.

David and Sally explore the role of lawyers in promoting a less combative narrative. As trainers and role models to the next generation, today's professionals are crucial in redefining perceptions, both within legal circles and in the public eye.

Referencing initiatives like Resolution and the Language Matters paper, Sally urges the profession to use its influence thoughtfully—because every word counts in safeguarding families through separation.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LexTox and VacantC Legal Recruitment.