Navigating Family Law Podcast Episode 18: Separating Without Going to Court - How Family Mediation Helps (January 2026) (28 January 2026)

When relationships end, the process that follows can feel overwhelming, but court isn't the only option.

Marking Family Mediation Week, Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors explore more constructive ways to navigate separation.

In our latest Navigating Family Law podcast, Episode 18: Separating Without Going to Court – How Family Mediation Helps, Head of Family Mediation Sophie Burchett sits down with Family Law Solicitors Olivia Sheanon and Paul Nuttall to discuss an alternative approach to resolving family disputes.

This episode is aimed at helping separating couples understand their options and make informed decisions during what can be an emotional and uncertain time.

Tune in now to hear the team discuss:

• What family mediation involves and how it works in practice
• Why more people are choosing mediation over going to court
• When mediation may not be required or appropriate
• How mediation compares to the court process
• The benefits of a forward-looking, balanced approach that considers both parties' perspectives

Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on keeping the process as low-stress as possible, allowing space for both parties to express their views and work towards solutions that reflect their family's needs.

Listen here: Episode 18 – Navigating Family Law: Separating Without Going to Court – How Family Mediation Helps

Catch Up on Recent Highlights

Episode 17: 2025 Family Law Case Law Update

Join Solicitor Henna Sajid and Caseworker Avaani Grewal as they sit down with Pupil Barrister Sean Hamlin of Chartlands Chambers to examine some of 2025's most significant family law cases. This episode offers practical insights into four important cases from their practice: appointing intermediaries for vulnerable people (specifically addressing the appointment of a deaf intermediary), guidance on conducting thorough risk assessments with proper welfare checklist analysis and proportionality considerations, managing post-adoption contact arrangements between siblings and birth parents, and care orders with placement at home with the parents. Whether you're an experienced practitioner, newly qualified or a student, this discussion provides useful case law analysis to support your understanding of current practice in family and children law proceedings.

Episode 16: Alternative Carers in Care Proceedings – A Practical Legal Guide

When parents cannot care for their child, grandparents, relatives or close family friends may be able to help. Solicitors Natasha Patel and Emily Rand from our Family & Childcare team sit down with Barrister Eesa Khan, of Northampton Chambers, to discuss this crucial part of care proceedings. The episode covers what an alternative carer is and who might be considered, when courts consider alternative carers instead of foster care or adoption, the Initial Viability Assessment (IVA) process, what potential carers should think about before stepping forward, and how to challenge a negative assessment.

Episode 15: Understanding Parenting Assessments with a Social Worker

Assessments often feel overwhelming and intrusive. Our team sits down with Jamie Barton from ParentAssess to explore what these assessments really involve, how they can be tailored to individual circumstances, and why they don't have to be something to fear. This episode focuses on understanding, not judgment — helping parents see their strengths and recognise where support is needed.

About the Podcast

Navigating Family Law is brought to you by the award-winning Family & Child Care team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors — named Family Law Firm of the Year (London) at the LexisNexis Awards 2024. Each episode breaks down complex family law issues in plain English, with expert insight and a compassionate approach.

Need Legal Advice?

If you're considering separation or need support with a family law matter, our experienced team is here to help. You can reach out to our Family Law Mediator, Sophie Burchett, on 073 4208 1712 or sophiebu@duncanlewis.com, or contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 020 7014 7382 or visit www.duncanlewis.co.uk for confidential advice.