Navigating Family Law: Episode 21 - Economic Abuse in Family Proceedings (8 June 2026)

In Episode 21 of Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Navigating Family Law podcast, host Jaspreet Rai, Director in the Family and Child Care Department, is joined by Syvil Lloyd Morris, Solicitor Advocate at Bastion Lloyd Morris Solicitor Advocates and a specialist in domestic abuse litigation. Together, they explore the increasingly important issue of economic abuse and how it is being recognised and addressed within family court proceedings.

The discussion examines the impact of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which formally recognised economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse, and considers how the courts' understanding of financial control has evolved over time. Syvil explains how family courts now look beyond individual incidents and instead assess patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour when considering allegations of economic abuse.

Throughout the episode, Jaspreet and Syvil discuss:

• How practitioners and courts identify economic abuse in practice.
• The distinction between unequal financial arrangements and abusive financial control.
• The role of consent, coercion and duress in financial decision-making within relationships.
• The evidential challenges faced by survivors, particularly where abuse is only recognised after separation.
• The types of evidence that can be most persuasive to the court.
• Whether economic abuse can occur as a standalone form of abuse, or is usually part of a wider pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.
• The growing recognition of litigation abuse, where court proceedings themselves are used as a tool of control.
• How cultural and family dynamics are considered when assessing financial roles within relationships.
• The relevance of economic abuse in financial remedy proceedings, including under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
• The impact of economic abuse on children and the role of the Pathfinder Court model in identifying domestic abuse concerns at an earlier stage.

The episode also provides practical guidance for individuals who may be experiencing economic abuse, highlighting common warning signs and the support available through legal professionals and specialist organisations.

Economic abuse can be difficult to recognise, particularly when controlling behaviours have become normalised within a relationship. This episode offers valuable insight for legal professionals, survivors, and anyone seeking a greater understanding of how the family courts approach these complex cases.

Many of the issues discussed in this episode are explored in greater detail in an article written by Syvil Lloyd Morris, "Abusive Relationships Are More Than Just Physical", published by All Things Business.

Listen to Episode 21 of Navigating Family Law now to learn more about economic abuse, its impact on families, and the protections available through the legal system.

Need Legal Advice?

If you are experiencing economic abuse, financial control, coercive behaviour, or any form of domestic abuse, it is important to seek specialist legal advice as early as possible. At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, our experienced Family Law team can provide expert advice and support to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

For confidential advice and assistance, please contact Jaspreet Rai via email at JaspreetR@duncanlewis.com or telephone on 02072752569.