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. The first steps to divorce

    6D AGO

    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? 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/

    48 min
  2. Surviving divorce and separation at Christmas

    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 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/

    34 min
  3. Episode 68: Ask a family lawyer (2) - Live

    10/08/2025

    Episode 68: Ask a family lawyer (2) - Live

    You loved our first live episode, and there were so many questions that needed answering, we’ve done another one! In this live show, Liza is joined by Managing Partner Sebastian Burrows to answer all the family law questions you put to them. From finances, to the family home, to communicating with your ex, Liza and Seb provided guidance and information, using their extensive expertise. 01:10 How much does a divorce cost? 02:41 Starting out on the divorce process 03:40 What is mediation and why is it helpful? 06:45 What to do if you’re struggling to agree on what happens to the house 07:48 Ringfencing pre-marital assets and matrimonial vs non-matrimonial assets 12:05 Law around changing the locks on the family home 15:25 Adaptations to the property for disabilities  17:17 The importance of disclosing inheritance in financial proceedings  20:53 Managing an ex who you believe is hiding assets 23:45 The concept of percentages in dividing finances 27:28 How are children 16+ treated in the law? 30:25 How is debt treated in divorce? 33:05 Is there an end to spousal maintenance? 3715: Keeping your financial disclosure up-to-date 40:50 Spending inheritance during divorce proceedings 42:36 An explanation of Mesher Orders 47:00 Managing an uncooperative ex-partner 49:54 Housing needs for older children with ongoing medical needs 50:58 Paying your mortgage during divorce 51:31 Cohabitation disputes and financial disclosure View our upcoming events https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-talks/  Ask a family lawyer - Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBr19NPLgRs Cohabitation and separating as an unmarried couple https://youtu.be/L3HCXKdQz1g?si=21ODuz1ip6ea6EhQ What ‘needs’ and ‘sharing’ really mean https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/divorce-finances-explained-what-do-needs-and-sharing-really-mean/  Clean break v maintenance - what’s right for me https://youtu.be/0sIi22ST4uI  Avoiding the top divorce mistakes https://open.spotify.com/episode/0miHzVWzorsoj2QH5XOgi6  How to manage financial hearings in the Family Court https://y 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/

    54 min
  4. Episode 67: Should there be protection for unmarried couples living together?

    08/28/2025

    Episode 67: Should there be protection for unmarried couples living together?

    Matt and Liza discuss the problems around the lack of protection for unmarried couples living together. Cohabitation is the fastest growing family type and with this social change, there have been calls from family lawyers to review the law and help protect the financially vulnerable. But is this just inventing new laws for the sake of it? Can current marriage and divorce laws be adapted to better reflect society? 00:51 What are the problems with current cohabitation laws? 01:56 How property ownership works 04:47 Do unmarried couples have claims other than to property? 05:30 Why there are calls for cohabitation reform 07:39 Options for cohabitation reform 09:38 The importance of education around relationships and marriage 13:49 Role of prenuptial agreements  14:15 Social changes and the impact on marriage laws 16:25 How to educate people 17:50 Do the current laws reflect society? 18:45 The role of civil partnerships 19:25 Cohabitation laws providing a middle ground  20:29 Are cohabitation laws just renaming marriage? 21:32 Reforming marriage laws 22:10 The importance of protection for cohabitees Living together before marriage: the legal reality https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/living-together-before-marriage-the-legal-reality/ Legal Q&A: “My partner and I are buying a house together. How can I protect myself?” https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/legal-qa-my-partner-and-i-are-buying-a-house-together-how-can-i-protect-myself/ Buying a house as an unmarried couple https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hAGmZJSUsKh8fxEa508xV?si=54025b36c4bd4859 TOLATA claims https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/cohabitation-lawyers/tolata-claims/  What rights do cohabiting couples have? https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rzM1yDZkKeG9mfS6GZ02j?si=1cf8b74a2c5441ca  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 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/

    23 min
  5. Episode 66: Will living with a new partner affect my divorce?

    08/22/2025

    Episode 66: Will living with a new partner affect my divorce?

    Moving on after a break-up is rarely easy, but many individuals do go on to have new relationships after divorce or separation. But what happens if you want to move in with a new partner? Buying somewhere together, or either of you moving into an existing property can have knock-on effects. Matt and Liza discuss how having a new partner can impact your divorce, including your finances, child arrangements and ongoing communication with your ex. 00:54 How does moving in with a new partner impact a financial settlement? 02:10 When the court will take a new partner into consideration 02:57 Exceptions to the rule 03:23 New partners and ongoing maintenance claims with your ex-spouse 05:09 Does a new partner have to provide financial disclosure?  07:00 Housing needs and mortgage capacity post-divorce 08:03  Supporting a new partner’s children 10:19 Impact on child arrangements of moving in with a new partner 12:10 What to do if you have safety concerns  13:23 Your ongoing relationship with your ex spouse 14:27 Communicating with your ex 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 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  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/

    17 min
  6. Episode 65: Navigating divorce after coming out

    08/20/2025

    Episode 65: Navigating divorce after coming out

    In this episode of Stowe talks, Matt and Liza welcome back Tom Nash aka Mr Divorce Coach for a fascinating chat about how to manage a heterosexual divorce when one partner has come out. Tom explores having the conversation, letting people in, what to do about children and potential responses from the other spouse. 02:15 Common reasons people come out later in life 06:06 The impact of suppressing who you are  09:52 Reactions and emotions experienced by the other spouse  12:07 What preparation can you do before having the conversation 15:31 Coming out to your ex if you’ve already separated 18:30 How to talk to children about sexuality and divorce 21:39 What happens if your ex doesn’t want you to tell the children 27:55 Things to avoid in this process 29:29 Top tips from Tom Avoiding the top divorce mistakes https://open.spotify.com/episode/0miHzVWzorsoj2QH5XOgi6 Handling the judgment of others during your divorce https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/handling-the-judgement-of-others-during-your-divorce/ Challenges of relationship break down in the LGBTQIA+ community https://open.spotify.com/episode/3busTeSBgvOIhgGKmmDw8f?si=4WFrBCE4QYmZddx6vTumdA  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 https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw  LinkedIn - 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/

    31 min
  7. Episode 64: Do I need a lawyer to do my financial disclosure?

    08/16/2025

    Episode 64: Do I need a lawyer to do my financial disclosure?

    Getting a financial settlement in divorce is a hugely important step, ensuring that you break all financial claims to your ex. The first part of this process is ‘full and frank’ financial disclosure, i.e., sharing the details of all your money, property, assets and debts. In this episode, Matt and Liza discuss the importance of legal advice in this process and potential risks of a DIY divorce. 00:34 What is financial disclosure and why is it important? 02:40 Practicalities of financial disclosure 03:28 What is the Form E? 06:00 The wider impact of not giving full disclosure  07:05 The importance of a lawyer in supporting your financial disclosure 08:17 Using the Form E to explain your needs post-divorce 09:52 What does ‘conduct’ mean in financial disclosure and settlements? 10:54 Income and housing needs in divorce proceedings 12:39 What happens if your financial situation changes throughout the disclosure period? 13:48 The Form D81  15:03 The court drawing inferences from lack of disclosure 15:28 Summary How to complete your Form E - handbook https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/premium-content/?type=guide&item=how-to-complete-your-form-e Reviewing your financial disclosure https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/premium-content/?type=guide&item=how-to-complete-your-form-e  Managing your money during divorce https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lwI17QmgQLvTZtNN3XPmp?si=2b455019fb2e4d77 Ask a Family Lawyer https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ql7uKEFMNpE8upJTWCrop?si=43e1aef212384728  How to complete Form D81 https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Stowe-Talks_How-to-Complete-form-D81-GUIDE.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 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 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/

    16 min
  8. Episode 63: Children in the Family Court

    08/15/2025

    Episode 63: Children in the Family Court

    One of the main things parents going through divorce are concerned about is the impact on their children, what their family situation will be going forward, and how best to shield their children. In many cases, parents can agree on matters between themselves. However, sometimes it’s necessary for the court to get involved. In this episode, award-winning barrister from 4PB, Mani Singh Basi joins Matt and Liza for a discussion on the finer details of children proceedings in the family court. 02:09 What is the function of the Family Court when it comes to children? 05:08 The difference between a Judge and a Magistrate in court and their purposes 09:15 Public children law and private children law explanation 12:06 What is involved in the first hearing in children disputes 17:40 The dispute resolution appointment where there are disputes 18:00 The final hearing and when it might be necessary 19:45 The importance of the welfare of the child 20:18 The Pathfinder pilot and improvements to the system 20:29 How are children involved in divorce proceedings? 27:58 The importance of trusting professionals  32:34 Top tips for parents going through court proceedings How to prepare for a Family Court hearing https://open.spotify.com/episode/0D2CMIP3GPVGAK4Q11ktYa?si=f816e49470ff4edb  Single parenting, successfully https://youtu.be/UoMk44EPGzo?si=YJTTFyx6elXLnMyR  Pathfinder Pilot https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/pathfinder-pilot-continues-to-put-children-first-in-the-family-court/ Family Justice Council Guidance on covert recordings https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/family-justice-council-guidance-on-covert-recordings-in-family-law-proceedings-concerning-children/  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 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/

    37 min
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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
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life, love and the law
  • Show Website
    Life, love and the law

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