Thomson Snell & Passmore

28/08/2026

What happens when parents separate and can't agree on arrangements for their children?

In the latest episode of The Waite of the Law podcast, our Family Law experts discuss child arrangements after separation and the different ways families can work towards an agreement.

They discuss:
• The children's best interests
• Different child arrangement and shared care options
• Nesting arrangements
• Parental responsibility
• The roles of both parents
• Why mediation should usually be considered before court
• The role of CAFCASS
• Child-inclusive mediation
• Alternatives to court proceedings

With family courts under significant pressure, the episode also explores how families can use mediation and other professional support to try to reach arrangements that work for everyone.

Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2O6dzWBFWoe71WWu6AQx8r?si=88cf454a48b94a58

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tHgqJwuOA

What happens to child arrangements after parents separate?In this...

13/08/2026

What should you consider before agreeing a financial settlement on divorce?

When you're going through a separation or divorce, it can be tempting to simply want everything resolved as quickly as possible.

However, financial decisions made during an emotionally difficult period can have consequences well into the future.

In the latest episode of The Waite of the Law podcast, our Family Law experts discuss:

• Getting early legal advice
• Making informed decisions about your finances
• Understanding your financial position
• Identifying your priorities
• Thinking about your long-term circumstances when reaching a settlement

Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NvS4Ky5oQ9aByOctgVTZl?si=56d12a1aff184991

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/64zUC2e5wms?si=-061q2uVDsNVcNmA

29/07/2026

Have you ever heard that there's such a thing as a "quickie divorce"? Or that common law marriage gives couples the same legal rights as being married?

These are just some of the common family law myths our experts tackle in the latest episode of The Waite of the Law podcast.

In this episode, Helen Waite and Anna Woodhoo separate fact from fiction, discussing topics including:

• No Fault Divorce
• Common law marriage
• Prenuptial agreements
• Taking children abroad after separation
• Other common misconceptions about family law

Whether you're going through a separation, planning for the future or simply want to understand your legal rights, this episode offers clear, practical guidance from our experienced family law solicitors.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vbkmIGsNfQdF6m4TFkrAm

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmgsfru77Og

15/07/2026

When is the right time to introduce a new partner to your children after separation?

It's one of the questions family lawyers are asked most often, and the answer isn't always straightforward.

In the latest episode of The Waite of the Law podcast, our family law experts discuss the challenges that can arise when new relationships begin after separation, including introducing new partners to children, the role of stepparents, parental responsibility, and how a new relationship can affect child arrangements and finances.

If you're navigating separation or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical legal insight to help you make informed decisions.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EaXUGePY3xF68R14v5NW8?si=T32-l-JEQ5mR_VrGQaafCQ

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWKIjebAN0M

In this episode of The Waite of the Law podcast by Thomson Snell & ...

26/03/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OUT NOW – The Waite of the Law Podcast

💥 Think “common law marriage” protects you in the UK? Think again.

In Episode 9, we’re joined by family law solicitor Harry Golding to uncover the truth about what legal rights unmarried couples actually have and the reality may surprise you.

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyQC-NT0pp4

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/189BQXMP3pNFn27bHNkNrQ

We cover:
🏠 Who really owns property when couples split
⚖️ The harsh differences between property law and divorce law
💸 What happens if you’ve contributed financially but aren’t on the title
📑 Why cohabitation agreements and declarations of trust are essential
🚫 The truth: “common law marriage” does NOT exist in the UK

⚠️ Key takeaway: If you’re not married, you may have far fewer legal protections than you think.

💬 Tag someone who needs to hear this
🔁 Share to spread awareness

11/03/2026

New Episode of The Waite of the Law Podcast

What has changed in family law over the past 20+ years?

In our latest episode, Helen is joined by Amy, one of our long-serving family secretaries who has worked in family law for over two decades.

Together they talk about how the profession has evolved, from dictation tapes and paper files to online hearings, digital documents and no-fault divorce.

But despite all the changes in technology, one thing hasn’t changed: supporting people through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

In this episode we discuss:
• What working in family law was like 20 years ago
• How COVID accelerated change in the legal system
• The introduction of no-fault divorce
• Why the human side of family law still matters

Amy also shares the perspective of legal secretaries, the people who often speak to clients first and help guide them through the process.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JFkQntg9DBp26M

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y76vhYyy0U0

27/02/2026

🚀 Training Contract Opportunity – September 2026

Are you looking to start your legal career with a supportive, well-established firm that genuinely invests in developing future solicitors?

We are pleased to offer one Training Contract opportunity commencing in September 2026.

If you have completed the LPC or SQE and are ready to take the next step, we would love to hear from you.

We’re expecting a high level of interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Find out more and apply here:
👉 https://ts-p.co.uk/human-resources/training-contract-opportunity-september-2026/

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who may be interested.

We are offering one opportunity for a dynamic and high-quality Training Contract commencing in September 2026.

25/02/2026

🎙️ New Episode – The Waite of the Law Podcast

What happens to your will if you’re going through a divorce?

And how can you protect family wealth for the next generation?

In our latest episode, we’re joined by our colleague Rachel Mayston from our Wills, Estate & Tax Planning team to explore the important crossover between family law and estate planning.

We discuss:
✔️ Why updating your will is crucial when divorce proceedings begin
✔️ How discretionary trust wills can protect children and assets
✔️ The role of Letters of Wishes – and why they matter
✔️ Severing a joint tenancy during divorce
✔️ Protecting gifted deposits with Declarations of Trust
✔️ When you might need a cohabitation or prenuptial agreement

Divorce is already an emotional and uncertain time. The last thing anyone wants to think about is “what if something happens to me?” but putting the right documents in place can provide clarity, protection and peace of mind.
If you're separating, supporting children through divorce, or helping your child financially with a property purchase, this episode is packed with practical guidance.

🎧 Listen here on Spotify >> https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gtbSNWm37UFcjPDTs2CSZ

📺 Watch here on YouTube >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1olO1ItUdc

04/02/2026

In this episode of the Waite of the Law podcast, Helen Waite is joined by Sarah Keily to discuss how family law can help with wealth preservation and planning for the future.

They explore why prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are becoming more common, how they can protect family assets and manage expectations, and why having these conversations early can reduce stress and conflict later on.

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/60kjagpiAnfcNcmJ4h2tTG

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7UJC4hnA4

30/01/2026

As Family Mediation Week comes to an end, it’s a good time to recognise the different forms mediation can take. Shuttle mediation can provide a supportive alternative where parties are not ready or able to meet together, helping ensure discussions remain constructive and focused.

https://ts-p.co.uk/insights/shuttle-mediation/