Thomson Snell & Passmore

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/

29/01/2026

We find it incredibly rewarding to be able to involve children in the mediation process, giving them a voice in a safe and neutral environment.

During Family Mediation Week, we encourage parents to bear this option in mind when considering how best to resolve child-related arrangements following separation or divorce.

https://ts-p.co.uk/insights/involving-children-in-the-mediation-process/

28/01/2026

People involved in Children Act and financial remedy disputes are often concerned about the emotional and financial cost of protracted negotiations between solicitors and/or court proceedings. However, there is an alternative.

Although there are cases where it may not be appropriate, mediation is a much underused process in dispute resolution. It involves a couple meeting with a trained mediator (preferably one who is also an experienced family law solicitor) who will assist them to reach a settlement, whilst remaining impartial throughout the process.

As part of Thomson Snell & Passmore’s support of Family Mediation Week, we look at how mediation can be used to help with child and financial arrangements in this article.

https://lnkd.in/eWPRCCn6

27/01/2026

It is great to be involved in Family Mediation Week, helping to raise awareness of the benefits of mediation for separating families.

At Thomson Snell & Passmore, our family mediation team, including Kirstie Law, Sarah Keily and Desmond O'Donnell, is pleased to be offering family mediation services. In this article, we look at the issues family mediation can help with.

https://ts-p.co.uk/insights/what-issues-can-family-mediation-help-with/

26/01/2026

Today marks the start of Family Mediation Week. We’re fortunate to have three great mediators in the team at Thomson Snell & Passmore – Kirstie Law, Sarah Keily and Desmond O'Donnell. They work with separating couples, using mediation to help them take control and build a positive future.

Over the course of this week, the team will be sharing a range of articles and resources, to highlight the benefits of family mediation.

21/01/2026

In the latest episode of The Waite of the Law podcast, Helen Waite is joined by her colleague Sarah Keily to explore the alternatives to going to court in family law matters.

With the court system under increasing pressure and delays becoming more common, they discuss why many separating couples are looking for quicker and more constructive ways to resolve disputes.

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/42V348FvM3VxnrssaeWNrJ?si=nyd5K0_OSkuLij1ZYHZ76A&nd=1&dlsi=4a5f77482f3247fc

Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/hzlsw0UVJPg