Life, love and the law

Stowe Family Law
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Life, love and the law is the podcast brought to you by Stowe Family Law. After almost 70 episodes of Stowe talks, our podcast helping you through relationship breakdown, Life, love and the law is a new direction. This podcast series will bring you heartfelt and insightful conversations with experts in and around the family law field, including divorce coaches, domestic abuse consultants, financial advisers, mortgage brokers and much more.  Our host, Liza Gatrell, family lawyer at Stowe Family Law will welcome guests to open up the conversation around all things relationship breakdown. She'll be inviting our guests to share real stories that will help you feel less alone as you navigate some of life's toughest times. Getting the right advice is essential to minimising the stress and strain of divorce and family breakdown, so we'll still give the same great legal guidance and practical information on family processes that you expect from us.  Life, love and the law, the podcast will help you move through each stage of your journey knowing you've got someone in your corner, whatever your circumstances.

  1. 2d ago

    How does neurodiversity affect relationships and breakups?

    🎙️How does neurodiversity affect relationships and breakups?🎙️ Neurodiversity, as Dr Angharad Rudkin, experienced Clinical Psychologist, explains, refers to the natural variation in how brains work and process information. This can mean that, in some relationships, neurodivergent individuals face different challenges than those experienced by neurotypical people. These unique challenges can manifest in stressful situations, such as adding children to a family, or divorce or separation. In this episode, Liza Gatrell speaks to Dr Angharad about how neurodiversity can impact relationships and relationship breakdowns, both from the perspective of neurodivergent adults and neurodivergent children. They explore the impact, as well as offering insight into how to work with neurodiversity, not against it. 00:26 Welcome and introductions 1:45 What is neurodiversity? 2:33 Is neurodiversity becoming a buzzword or is there better awareness? 5:09 The different ways neurodiversity can manifest 6:21 How do different neurodiversities impact relationships and parenting? 10:39 Relationship breakdowns between neurotypical and neurodiverse partners 13:14 Understanding how neurotypical can support a neurodivergent partner 14:36 Additional challenges faced in separations involving neurodiversities 17:28 Strategies to help manage the stress of separation 18:51 Telling your lawyer about your neurodiversity 21:25 Supporting neurodiverse children through separation  27:11 How to tell children you’re separating  31:26 Where to get extra support as a neurodivergent individual through separation 32:47 Talking to your lawyer about what help you need  39:45 It’s ok to be different  Useful links  Coping with divorce as a neurodivergent individual https://youtu.be/EQUikkUVaLA?si=8WHMNsKSvpS1NkBI Parenting after divorce or separation https://youtu.be/vlvi_O08INY?si=Gdk5H9-I6OL3b3MS  Supporting neurodiverse children through divorce https://youtu.be/Wyuv-sFlRT4?si=wPSNYS-q557Bei5J  Guide to creating a parenting plan https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/premium-content/?type=guide&item=creating-a-parenting-plan  Parenting plan template https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SFL_Premium-handbook-Parenting-plan-template.pdf  How to have difficult conversations and avoid arguments https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/how-to-have-a-difficult-conversation-and-avoid-arguments/  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    How does neurodiversity affect relationships and breakups?

  2. Jul 8

    Does adultery affect divorce?

    🎙️Does adultery affect divorce in the UK?🎙️ Adultery doesn’t always cause the breakdown of a relationship, there are ways to repair after infidelity. But when a couple decides that their marriage or partnership has come to an end after an affair, the main question people ask is ‘does adultery affect divorce’. The reality is that legally speaking, no it doesn’t. In this episode, host Liza Gatrell is joined by her colleague Emily Beven, a UK divorce lawyer based in Reading to discuss adultery and divorce. In what circumstances might an affair impact a divorce settlement or child arrangements? Find out in the episode. 00:17 Introductions 00:38 How does no-fault divorce impact divorce proceedings? 02:00 Are there any circumstances when adultery might be taken into account in divorce 03:35 Cases where ‘conduct’ has impacted financial settlements  04:54 Reframing how to deal with resentment against an ex-partner 06:47 What happens if the adulterer has a new partner? 09:57 Top tips for divorcing after an affair Useful links Adultery and divorce https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/divorce/adultery-and-divorce/  Top myths about divorce and affairs https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/adultery-and-divorce-the-top-ten-myths/  What should I do if my spouse is having an affair? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/what-should-i-do-if-my-husband-wife-is-having-an-affair-2/  Keeping children in the centre - not the middle - of divorce and separation https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/keeping-children-at-the-centre-not-the-middle-of-separation-and-divorce/ Navigating the conversation: telling your children about your new partner https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/navigating-the-conversation-telling-your-children-about-your-new-partner-after-divorce/  Life after an affair: divorce and blended families https://open.spotify.com/episode/37l9HFDZj0BmxH37QEJWd3?si=a5650db3aba645d1 If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    Does adultery affect divorce?

  3. Jun 24

    Life after an affair: Divorce and blended families

    🎙️Life after an affair: divorce and blended families🎙️ Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law This episode of Life, love and the law welcomes our first ever couple to the podcast. Tom Nash, a regular face with us, brings along his partner Donna to discuss their lived experiences of affairs, divorce and building a blended family. Tom takes off his ‘divorce coach’ hat, to get into the nitty gritty of how the affair came about, the fallout and the next 9 years of hard work and pain to get to where they are now - a successful, happy blended family with his ex-wife and Donna’s ex-husband! 00:53 Introductions 02:28 Tom introduces the topic of his affair and Donna goes on to discuss her separation and parenting 04:38 How Tom and Donna met and the end of Tom’s marriage 06:38 How could conversations have happened in those early days to be more respectful? 09:00 Coping with the aftermath of telling your spouse you want to divorce 11:08 Donna discusses the breakdown of her marriage and her experience of divorced parents 14:45 Lack of understanding around the divorce process itself 15:25 The legal implications of an affair on divorce proceedings 18:28 How does a divorce coach work with people on the edge of a breakup  20:20 Can you recover from an affair? 23:00 The role of a stepparent in a blended family 24:14 Should you stay together for the kids? 26:00 How did Tom and Donna get from the affair to a successful blended family? 33:45 Biggest reflections on the impact of an affair and how to move forward Useful links Adultery and divorce https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/divorce/adultery-and-divorce/  Top myths about divorce and affairs https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/adultery-and-divorce-the-top-ten-myths/  What should I do if my spouse is having an affair? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/what-should-i-do-if-my-husband-wife-is-having-an-affair-2/  Avoiding the top divorce mistakes https://open.spotify.com/episode/0miHzVWzorsoj2QH5XOgi6?si=138279a774194e5b  How to introduce a new partner to the kids https://open.spotify.com/episode/3j7T2cGqTrFqb0rV9xat8u?si=3aaf756e1a9647c7  Parenting plan template https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SFL_Premium-handbook-Parenting-plan-template.pdf  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    Life after an affair: Divorce and blended families

  4. Jun 10

    Understanding a sexless marriage

    🎙️Understanding a sexless marriage🎙️ Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law A sexless marriage is one in which the couple has sex less than 10 times a year, as expert sex therapist Natasha Silverman explains. But the important thing is not necessarily the frequency, but the emotional connection between two partners, and what happens when that disappears. In this episode of Life, love and the law, host and family lawyer Liza Gatrell is joined by relationship and psychosexual therapist Natasha Silverman to discuss sexless marriages, understanding how they come about and what you can do as a couple if you are struggling with intimacy. They also explore how to know if your marriage or relationship has come to an end.  00:35 Introductions with Liza and Natasha  02:10 What is a sexless marriage or relationship 02:50 Key trends among sexless partners 03:52 How do you handle periods of sexlessness in relationship 05:35 How does sexual desire work in men vs women? 06:50 The normalisation of duty and expectation around sex  08:30 How to recover from a sexless relationship as a couple and as individuals 11:42 What are the common traits of an unhealthy sexual relationship? 13:34 Why do people go through sexlessness in relationships? 15:17 The honeymoon period and what happens after 17:55 Does a sexless relationship lead to cheating? 19:02 How to broach the topic of sex therapy with a partner 20:53 When do you know it’s time to break up? 22:52 Do you need to share why your marriage has ended with a lawyer? 23:50 Moving forward after a sexless relationship 25:55 Top tips if you’re in a sexless relationship Useful Links Signs your partner doesn’t love you anymore https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/signs-your-partner-doesnt-love-you-anymore/ Is it normal to have doubts in a relationship? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/is-it-normal-to-have-doubts-in-a-relationship/  How can you tell if your marriage is over? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/how-can-you-tell-if-your-marriage-is-over/  Is it normal to feel unsure even if your relationship looks good on paper? https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hbSuuBZcEPKghfwrmjMzs?si=f182d7fe46c04703  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    Understanding a sexless marriage

  5. May 27

    The importance of health and fitness during divorce and separation

    🎙️The importance of health and fitness during divorce and separation🎙️ Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law When you’re going through a stressful life event, keeping up with your workout schedule, eating well, or even just getting outside for a walk can feel overwhelming. But it’s so important for your mental and physical wellbeing to include activity, movement and good nutrition in your day-to-day.  In this episode of Life, love and the law, Alana Ellis, personal trainer and nutritional coach, explains the value of exercise even when you really don’t feel like it. She talks about lowering the bar, not expecting too much of yourself, and taking small steps.  00:25 Introductions 01:55 The impact of stress on the body 03:21 Fight or flight vs rest and digest physical and emotional states 04:57 How important is sleep and how can you improve your sleep 08:22 Supplementing with magnesium and how it can help support good sleep 09:57 How can meditation support the nervous system? 11:53 What are the main obstacles for people when it comes to healthy food routines? 13:14 The impact of stress on relationships with food 14:36 What can replace food as an emotional coping mechanism? 15:28 Easy wins when it comes to health and fitness 16:50 The value of exercise in building up your energy bucket, not depleting it 18:20 Debunking the all or nothing mindset when it comes to exercise 23:45 Finding the motivation to exercise especially when you’re stressed 25:15 Lowering the barrier to entry with exercise  27:17 Divorce and separation to do list vs exercise and wellbeing 30:13 Top tip for health and fitness during divorce and separation Useful links Why emotional wellbeing matters during divorce https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/why-emotional-well-being-matters-during-divorce-and-how-it-affects-legal-outcomes/  Looking after your mental health through divorce https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-divorce/  The first steps to divorce https://youtu.be/p6ZWYK7zXN0?si=eh0aaj6K_r2nykE5  Avoiding the top divorce mistakes https://open.spotify.com/episode/0miHzVWzorsoj2QH5XOgi6  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    The importance of health and fitness during divorce and separation

  6. May 13

    Is it normal to feel unsure even if your relationship looks good on paper?

    🎙️Is it normal to feel unsure, even if the relationship looks good on paper? Navigating relationship uncertainty🎙️ We've all heard the phrase 'looks good on paper' - the relationship has everything you ever wanted, you've got the house, the kids, the date nights. But something doesn't feel right and you can't understand why. Is it normal to feel that uncertainty? Can you come back from it? And what happens if actually it's not that you can't fix things, it's more that you don't want to? In this episode, host and family lawyer Liza Gatrell welcomes Kate Nestor, a divorce coach with a combined role as Content Lead at Stowe, to discuss all things insecurity in relationships and understanding our emotions. 00:50 Introductions 02:24 What is a divorce coach? 03:25 Feeling unsure or unhappy in your relationship and taking initial advice 04:30 Expectations in relationships - the impact of modern life 08:35 Feeling uncomfortable in your relationship and the build of disconnection 09:55 How does uncertainty manifest mentally and physically 11:10 Facing your emotions head on 16:25 Are doubts and overthinking always a linear process ending in separation? 18:55 Pressure of expectations from others about your relationship 21:15 Our own expectations of how our partners should behave - the mental load 27:39 The importance of safe place to work through and listen to your emotions: emotional awareness 29:27 How a divorce coach or therapist can support through emotions and practicalities 32:10 Taking the first steps and building resilience 35:20 The tipping point from uncertainty into a decision 37:18 Top tip for the understanding a period of uncertainty Useful links How can you tell if your marriage is over? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/how-can-you-tell-if-your-marriage-is-over/ Reality TV to real life: why compatibility matters more than a 'spark' https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/reality-tv-to-real-life-why-compatibility-matters-more-than-the-spark/ When growing apart doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/when-growing-apart-doesnt-have-to-be-the-end-of-your-relationship/ If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/ If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    Is it normal to feel unsure even if your relationship looks good on paper?

  7. Jan 2

    The first steps to divorce

    Starting out on your divorce journey can be really overwhelming. It’s hard to know how or where to begin with the practical and legal aspects, let alone trying to navigate this through the huge range of emotions you’re feeling.  In this episode of Life, love and the law, a divorce day special, host and expert family lawyer Liza Gatrell is once again joined by firm favourites Tom Nash, aka Mr Divorce Coach, and Jodie Phelps, leading financial planner. They provide professional insight into taking the first few steps, answering the FAQs they get from clients on an almost daily basis.  00:25 Introductions from Jodie Phelps, financial adviser and Tom Nash, Mr Divorce Coach 01:18 How do you know when it’s time for a divorce? 03:01 I want to give my marriage another shot - what happens now? 05:00 Financial concerns at the beginning of divorce - am I going to be ok? 06:17 Understanding the basics of the matrimonial pot 09:27 The importance of the family home 15:19 Temporary finances and budgeting - understanding current habits and future prospects 20:19 Legal avenues if your ex won’t provide financial support during proceedings 21:23 Getting your team around you 22:46 What could you be doing if you feel that your relationship is on the rocks? 24:35 Is it always 50/50 in a divorce? 26:52 How can friends and family support you during divorce 29:35 What is a no-split divorce? Does living together apart work? 33:22 Approaching divorce in bitesized chunks and the circle of control 35:48 Expert insight into the very start of divorce process - messaging your ex, processing and ignoring hearsay 41:41 The role of the social media and TV in influencing our thoughts around divorce 44:36 AI and divorce vs speaking to a real person  45:25 The most common mistakes in divorce and how to overcome them Useful resources for getting started in your divorce journey... Download our in-depth handbook A Beginner’s Guide to Divorce 7 steps to an amicable divorce Using AI in your legal case What do I need to know when I start divorce proceedings? A beginner’s guide to divorce webinar Avoiding the top divorce mistakes  Find your local Stowe family lawyer If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks 🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN  🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE  🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG  Follow us on socials Instagram If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    The first steps to divorce

  8. 12/12/2025

    Surviving divorce and separation at Christmas

    Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for many families. When you're dealing with divorce and separation, though, the pressure can easily mount up and there can be a tidal wave of emotion. Dealing with child arrangements over Christmas, making a new financial situation work around a festive budget and navigating loneliness are just some of the things divorcing or separating people take on. In this Christmas Special of Life, love and the Law, host and family lawyer Liza Gatrell welcomes back familiar faces from Stowe talks, Jodie Phelps, financial adviser, and Tom Nash, divorce coach to the podcast. Together, they discuss planning Christmas well before December, working through the tough times and the importance of presence over presents. 00:03 Family lawyer Liza Gatrell introduces Stowe Family Law’s new podcast Life, love and the law 00:40 Jodie Phelps and Tom Phelps introduce themselves 01:35 Why is Christmas such an important topic for divorcing couples? 04:43 Blended families at Christmas - experiencing contention and working through it 07:21 Financial challenges coming up to Christmas 08:30 Are gifts truly the most important thing for children? 09:03 Getting the children’s input on what’s important to them at Christmas 10:00 How do child arrangements work after divorce or separation? 11:10 Putting children in the centre not the middle of divorce and separation 13:23 Making new traditions around special occasions and reframing 17:57 Having the conversations about Christmas earlier in the year 19:40 Is it fair that the primary caregiver should have to split Christmas equally? 21:00 Making room for compromise 23.17 Understanding and navigating loneliness at Christmas 27:10 The social media highlight reel 28:45 Practical tips for budgeting at Christmas 31:02 Should you buy a gift for your ex partner? 33:03 Top tips for approaching your first Christmas after separation Useful resources to further support you through divorce and separation at Christmas Co-parenting at Christmas: tips for a peaceful holiday season https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/co-parenting-at-christmas-tips-for-a-peaceful-holiday-season/ Download Stowe’s parenting plan template https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/premium-content/?type=guide&item=creating-a-parenting-plan  Going on holiday at Christmas after divorce or separation https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/going-on-holiday-at-christmas-after-divorce-or-separation/  How to embrace being single at Christmas https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/surviving-christmas-solo/?swpmtx=0e3c8d40138a1fd65651c4db809f0a67&swpmtxnonce=a124aac3ec  Tips for navigating Christmas alone from a divorce coach https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/tips-for-navigating-christmas-alone-from-a-divorce-coach/  How to manage the cost of Christmas crisis https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/how-to-manage-the-cost-of-christmas-crisis/  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2  If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2 Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one  🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/StoweFamilyLaw1 This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/

    Surviving divorce and separation at Christmas
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About

Life, love and the law is the podcast brought to you by Stowe Family Law. After almost 70 episodes of Stowe talks, our podcast helping you through relationship breakdown, Life, love and the law is a new direction. This podcast series will bring you heartfelt and insightful conversations with experts in and around the family law field, including divorce coaches, domestic abuse consultants, financial advisers, mortgage brokers and much more.  Our host, Liza Gatrell, family lawyer at Stowe Family Law will welcome guests to open up the conversation around all things relationship breakdown. She'll be inviting our guests to share real stories that will help you feel less alone as you navigate some of life's toughest times. Getting the right advice is essential to minimising the stress and strain of divorce and family breakdown, so we'll still give the same great legal guidance and practical information on family processes that you expect from us.  Life, love and the law, the podcast will help you move through each stage of your journey knowing you've got someone in your corner, whatever your circumstances.

Information

  • Creator
    Stowe Family Law
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life, love and the law
  • Show Website
    Life, love and the law

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