Family Matters with Sarah Family Matters by SKB Law

Did you know that when you make an application for a court order in relation to many types of family law disputes, you must show the court that you attended a mediation meeting?   

In this episode, Sarah chats to experienced mediator, Derek Mason about the role of mediation in divorce and asks whether we need more culturally responsive mediators? They explore recurring themes in family breakdowns such as power struggles and parenting rights and offer guidance for anyone going through divorce or separation.

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Mediators facilitate a purposeful conversation. They encourage couples to share their concerns and resolve any disagreements. Once you reach an agreement, a solicitor to make any agreement legally binding.


Derek Mason and London Mediation Service: https://www.tlms.org.uk
What is mediation? https://www.tlms.org.uk/about-1
My Next Step - a culturally responsive directory of services for anyone going through divorce or separation: https://skblawfirm.co.uk/mynextstep/



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Your home is often one of the biggest assets you own. And your mortgage might be your largest debt. So it makes sense that one of the biggest questions people have when they split up is…what happens to the home? 

In this episode, Sarah chats to mortgage brokers Pam and Amandeep about how they help their South Asian clients buy, sell or remortgage a home. They touch on some of the practical considerations around buying your first home after a divorce, including what it means for your credit rating, advice for older buyers and whether your family can help you with a deposit. They discuss some of the most common scenarios:


Whether you can transfer a joint mortgage into one partner’s name?
What can you do to protect your interests if your home is only in your partner’s name?
How to improve your credit rating?
What happens if your child divorces their partner and you live with them?
How can you apply for a mortgage as a first-time homebuyer?

NOTE: Please note this episode is not intended to replace legal or financial advice. It is pre-recorded so always check current mortgage rates or products with your broker or financial institution.

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If you’ve listened to Family Matters, you’ll know that Sarah usually talks to guests about divorce or separation. In this episode Sarah talks to Dr. Hafeez Ahmed, a UK-based dentist about the impact of childhood trauma on his marriage.  Dr Ahmed offers candid reflections about his journey and how processing his trauma started a journey of healing himself and his marriage.

Content Warning: this episode contains themes of childhood abuse, bullying and trauma.

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Dr. Hafeez Ahmed and his book: https://thephilosophyfridge.co.uk

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With over 126million posts on Instagram alone, it's no secret, weddings and bridal make up are a huge industry. In this episode Sarah chats to award-winning make up artist Zahida Ashraf about marriage trends, life after the Lamborghinis and why you need to protect yourself financially before your wedding. 

Key Points


Nikah Nama as an Islamic pre-nup
Protecting assets through Wills
Pre-wedding money or property gifts from parents
Marriage Trends

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What happens when a matchmaker meets a divorce lawyer? In this episode Sarah chats to Adeem Younis, award-winning founder of SingleMuslim.com, the world's leading matchmaking site for Muslims.  Between them, they've helped thousands of couples at the start or end of their relationship. In this special conversation, they share their advice on finding love, marriage trends and why having uncomfortable conversations are so important to healthy relationships.  

Learn More


SingleMuslim - the largest Muslim owned dating app in the world
Nikah Nama Guide - English translation of the Nikah Nama
SKB Law - Religious Marriages and Nikah protection

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@sarahthelawyer98 and @skblaw

Welcome back to Season 2 of Family Matters, the podcast by Sarah Khan-Bashir. In this season, Sarah talks to some amazing guests, including a matchmaker, a make up artist and a mediator. Our first episode begins with Sarah sharing why she started the podcast and how she hopes we can shift the conversation around divorce and separation. If you’re new to Family Matters, please be sure to listen to the stories featured in our first season. Thank you for joining us. 

If you enjoyed this episode, why not share with your friends or family.

Follow us on Instagram @sarahthelawyer98 and @skblaw