Navigating Family Law Podcast Episode 23: The Child Focused Family Court Model in Leeds - Out Now! (12 August 2026)

In Episode 23 of Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Navigating Family Law podcast, Family and Child Care Director Sarah Peart, family law solicitor Sophie Jensen and caseworker Lauren Williams discuss the advantages and benefits of their new child focused family court model and explain what it actually does.

In The Child Focused Family Court Model in Leeds, they explore the way in which the old system works and how it differs to the current one. Whilst also explaining a variety of statistics based on the model.

The discussion covers the powers a child has in family court matters, the ways in which a judge would enforce this and what the parents think about it. They also discuss what improvements could be made to the concept for the future.

Throughout the episode Sarah, Sophie and Lauren discuss:

• What the aim of the child-focused court is and what it is hoped to achieve.
• What statistics and their patterns show.
• How the old process worked and what its flaws were.
• How the new process works.
• The shift that has been displayed from litigation to problem-solving.
• If it is more user-friendly.
• What occurs at the decision hearing?
• What parents have thought of the new process.
• The impact of hearing the child’s actual voice.
• If it will become national.

Understanding the sensitivity around children and their importance in family law cases can make a significant difference in the outcome and options available.

Listen to Episode 23 of Navigating Family Law to learn more about the way family law cases are handled and how the children are prioritised in order to help parents reach agreements and lead to an overall shorter process.

Listen on Spotify here: The Child Focused Family Court Model in Leeds

Need Legal Advice?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need specialist advice on family law matters, it is important to seek legal advice and help as early as possible. At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, our awarding winning Family Law team can provide expert advice and support to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Duncan Lewis consistently top-ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners directories and one of the top 250 law firms in the UK by the Times. Duncan Lewis was voted Law Firm of the Year at the Women and Diversity and Law awards 2026.

Sarah Peart – Director and Solicitor, Child Care

Sarah Peart is a Director and Solicitor in Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Child Care team, with more than 20 years' experience specialising in care proceedings. A Law Society Children Panel accredited solicitor, she has extensive experience of complex cases involving serious injuries, child deaths, medical evidence, domestic abuse, parental mental health and international issues.

Email: SarahP@DuncanLewis.com

Sophie Jensen – Solicitor, Child Care and Family

Sophie Jensen is a Solicitor in Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Leeds Child Care and Family team. She acts in care proceedings, private children disputes and cases involving domestic abuse and protective orders, undertaking both legal aid and privately funded work. She is also an accredited police station representative.

Email: SophieJ@DuncanLewis.com

Lauren Williams – Child Care Caseworker

Lauren Williams is a Child Care Caseworker in Duncan Lewis Solicitors' Leeds office, working under the supervision of Sarah Peart. She assists with public and private children law matters and has a particular interest in family and child care law, with plans to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE.

Email: LaurenW@DuncanLewis.com

Previously on Navigating Family Law:

In Episode 22, The Hidden Link Between Domestic Abuse and Housing Crisis, Family and Child Care Directors Krina Parmar and Rupinder Jagdev are joined by Housing Director Manjinder Kaur Atwal to discuss the intersection of domestic abuse, family law and housing law.

In Episode 21, - Economic Abuse in Family Proceedings, Family and Child Care Director Jaspreet Rai, 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.