Life, love and the law is the podcast brought to you by Stowe Family Law. After almost 70 episodes of Stowe talks, our podcast helping you through relationship breakdown, Life, love and the law is a new direction.
This podcast series will bring you heartfelt and insightful conversations with experts in and around the family law field, including divorce coaches, domestic abuse consultants, financial advisers, mortgage brokers and much more.
Our host, Liza Gatrell, family lawyer at Stowe Family Law will welcome guests to open up the conversation around all things relationship breakdown. She'll be inviting our guests to share real stories that will help you feel less alone as you navigate some of life's toughest times.
Getting the right advice is essential to minimising the stress and strain of divorce and family breakdown, so we'll still give the same great legal guidance and practical information on family processes that you expect from us.
Life, love and the law, the podcast will help you move through each stage of your journey knowing you've got someone in your corner, whatever your circumstances.
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Divorce myths debunked: what you really need to know
Season 2 · Episode 10
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 37:36
🎙️Divorce myths debunked: what you really need to know🎙️
When you’re starting out in divorce, you’ll hear a lot of phrases thrown around. Things like ‘just get a quickie divorce’, ‘she took him to the cleaners’ and ‘divorce always ends in a court battle’. This can be overwhelming, and often cause panic. But the reality is very different.
In this episode, family lawyer Liza Gatrell and divorce coach Kate Nestor look at the most common myths they hear about divorce and separation. They spend time explaining where the myths have come from, but unravelling them so you can know the truth about divorce from the experts who see it every day.
00:20 Introductions
02:20 Understanding that there is an element of control in divorce
04:59 You and your spouse will be in different emotional places
05:45 Why are there divorce misconceptions?
06:05 Do mums always get custody of the children?
09:29 The importance of the male voice
10:40 Should pensions be included in divorce finances?
16:32 Is divorce always expensive and a long process?
17:01 How to ensure divorce is cheaper and quicker
20:13 The value of using a lawyer for parts of divorce
21:48 Do you have to use a lawyer for every part of the divorce process?
22:30 Do I need a financial settlement if we don’t have any assets?
24:50 Can I get a quickie divorce? How long does divorce take?
27:00 Dividing assets in divorce isn’t necessarily 50/50
32:22 The emotional vs financial value of the family home
Can my ex stop me from seeing my child after separation or divorce?
Season 2 · Episode 9
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 19:52
🎙️Can my ex stop me from seeing my child?🎙️
When you’re going through divorce or separation as a parent, your children’s wellbeing is going to be the first thing on your mind. It’s natural to have worries and even fears about what the future holds. Some parents are able to work out post-separation arrangements between themselves, while others struggle. This can raise concerns about whether your ex can stop you from seeing your child.
In this episode, Liza and Emily break down how child arrangements work, focusing on what’s in the best interests of the child, and look at whether your ex can prevent contact. Hint: it's almost always a no!
00:18 Introductions
00:47 Can your ex actually stop you from seeing your child?
01:32 The relevance of safeguarding concerns in child arrangements
03:02 How can child contact take place safely where there are safeguarding concerns?
06:01 Options for parents to negotiate arrangements outside of court
08:12 Stepparent options in custody arrangements
10:40 Can I move away with my children after divorce?
15:42 Are the children’s wishes and feelings considered?
18:25 How can children’s wishes be conveyed within decision-making?
🎙️What counts as matrimonial property in divorce?🎙️
Is everything split 50/50 in divorce? Well, sometimes! But most of the time, it’s not quite as black and white as that. In financial settlement discussions, separating couples and their lawyers need to understand what is ‘matrimonial’ and ‘non-matrimonial’, who gets what and is it a fair division based on the needs of each person.
In this episode, Liza and her colleague Emily discuss what actually counts as matrimonial property, i.e. assets that are available for division, and what happens to ringfenced assets. They talk about the Supreme Court judgment in Standish v Standish and changing case law on ‘matrimonialisation’, reminding listeners that whatever happens, you will not be left destitute.
00:18 Introductions
1:05 What is matrimonial property and how does it work in divorce settlements?
03:31 How are pensions considered in divorce?
04:56 A discussion of inheritance and financial gifts in divorce settlements
06:17 Can businesses be ringfenced?
08:03 A discussion of Standish v Standish and laws around matrimonial property and ringfencing
12:36 Protecting assets going into or within a marriage
14:35 The importance of fairness in divorce settlements
Going to the family court can feel incredibly daunting. We all have visions of large rooms filled with judgemental onlookers, and judges with gavels. But the reality of the family court in the UK is very different.
In this episode, Liza speaks to her colleague Shivi Rajput about what to expect at the family court - what does it look like, what should you wear, can you take other people, should you take food? Shivi and Liza discuss how many family law cases really go to court, and how you can avoid it.
00:17 Introduction
0:55 What is the family court? Explanation of the family courts in England and Wales
03:20 What does a court physically look like?
04:45 The different types of hearing within children proceedings
07:02 How do financial proceedings work in the family court?
08:54 The importance of trying to settle disputes out of court
10:59 Practical tips for going to court
12:46 Do you need to speak to a judge at court?
14:03 Understanding litigants in person in family court proceedings
15:50 Practical protection for victims of domestic abuse
17:26 Can I do a remote hearing if I live far away?
19:10 Will the judge speak to children?
21:06 Top tips for dealing with a family law dispute
The FDR hearing and the first appointment: what you need to know
How does neurodiversity affect relationships and breakups?
Season 2 · Episode 6
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 41:37
🎙️How does neurodiversity affect relationships and breakups?🎙️
Neurodiversity, as Dr Angharad Rudkin, experienced Clinical Psychologist, explains, refers to the natural variation in how brains work and process information. This can mean that, in some relationships, neurodivergent individuals face different challenges than those experienced by neurotypical people. These unique challenges can manifest in stressful situations, such as adding children to a family, or divorce or separation.
In this episode, Liza Gatrell speaks to Dr Angharad about how neurodiversity can impact relationships and relationship breakdowns, both from the perspective of neurodivergent adults and neurodivergent children. They explore the impact, as well as offering insight into how to work with neurodiversity, not against it.
00:26 Welcome and introductions
1:45 What is neurodiversity?
2:33 Is neurodiversity becoming a buzzword or is there better awareness?
5:09 The different ways neurodiversity can manifest
6:21 How do different neurodiversities impact relationships and parenting?
10:39 Relationship breakdowns between neurotypical and neurodiverse partners
13:14 Understanding how neurotypical can support a neurodivergent partner
14:36 Additional challenges faced in separations involving neurodiversities
17:28 Strategies to help manage the stress of separation
18:51 Telling your lawyer about your neurodiversity
21:25 Supporting neurodiverse children through separation
27:11 How to tell children you’re separating
31:26 Where to get extra support as a neurodivergent individual through separation
32:47 Talking to your lawyer about what help you need
Does adultery affect divorce?
Season 2 · Episode 5
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 11:02
🎙️Does adultery affect divorce in the UK?🎙️
Adultery doesn’t always cause the breakdown of a relationship, there are ways to repair after infidelity. But when a couple decides that their marriage or partnership has come to an end after an affair, the main question people ask is ‘does adultery affect divorce’. The reality is that legally speaking, no it doesn’t.
In this episode, host Liza Gatrell is joined by her colleague Emily Beven, a UK divorce lawyer based in Reading to discuss adultery and divorce. In what circumstances might an affair impact a divorce settlement or child arrangements? Find out in the episode.
00:17 Introductions
00:38 How does no-fault divorce impact divorce proceedings?
02:00 Are there any circumstances when adultery might be taken into account in divorce
03:35 Cases where ‘conduct’ has impacted financial settlements
04:54 Reframing how to deal with resentment against an ex-partner
06:47 What happens if the adulterer has a new partner?
Life after an affair: Divorce and blended families
Season 2 · Episode 4
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • Duration 35:37
🎙️Life after an affair: divorce and blended families🎙️
Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law
This episode of Life, love and the law welcomes our first ever couple to the podcast. Tom Nash, a regular face with us, brings along his partner Donna to discuss their lived experiences of affairs, divorce and building a blended family.
Tom takes off his ‘divorce coach’ hat, to get into the nitty gritty of how the affair came about, the fallout and the next 9 years of hard work and pain to get to where they are now - a successful, happy blended family with his ex-wife and Donna’s ex-husband!
00:53 Introductions
02:28 Tom introduces the topic of his affair and Donna goes on to discuss her separation and parenting
04:38 How Tom and Donna met and the end of Tom’s marriage
06:38 How could conversations have happened in those early days to be more respectful?
09:00 Coping with the aftermath of telling your spouse you want to divorce
11:08 Donna discusses the breakdown of her marriage and her experience of divorced parents
14:45 Lack of understanding around the divorce process itself
15:25 The legal implications of an affair on divorce proceedings
18:28 How does a divorce coach work with people on the edge of a breakup
20:20 Can you recover from an affair?
23:00 The role of a stepparent in a blended family
24:14 Should you stay together for the kids?
26:00 How did Tom and Donna get from the affair to a successful blended family?
33:45 Biggest reflections on the impact of an affair and how to move forward
Understanding a sexless marriage
Season 2 · Episode 3
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 27:22
🎙️Understanding a sexless marriage🎙️
Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law
A sexless marriage is one in which the couple has sex less than 10 times a year, as expert sex therapist Natasha Silverman explains. But the important thing is not necessarily the frequency, but the emotional connection between two partners, and what happens when that disappears.
In this episode of Life, love and the law, host and family lawyer Liza Gatrell is joined by relationship and psychosexual therapist Natasha Silverman to discuss sexless marriages, understanding how they come about and what you can do as a couple if you are struggling with intimacy. They also explore how to know if your marriage or relationship has come to an end.
00:35 Introductions with Liza and Natasha
02:10 What is a sexless marriage or relationship
02:50 Key trends among sexless partners
03:52 How do you handle periods of sexlessness in relationship
05:35 How does sexual desire work in men vs women?
06:50 The normalisation of duty and expectation around sex
08:30 How to recover from a sexless relationship as a couple and as individuals
11:42 What are the common traits of an unhealthy sexual relationship?
13:34 Why do people go through sexlessness in relationships?
15:17 The honeymoon period and what happens after
17:55 Does a sexless relationship lead to cheating?
19:02 How to broach the topic of sex therapy with a partner
20:53 When do you know it’s time to break up?
22:52 Do you need to share why your marriage has ended with a lawyer?
23:50 Moving forward after a sexless relationship
The importance of health and fitness during divorce and separation
Season 2 · Episode 2
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 31:16
🎙️The importance of health and fitness during divorce and separation🎙️
Life, love and the law, a podcast by Stowe Family Law
When you’re going through a stressful life event, keeping up with your workout schedule, eating well, or even just getting outside for a walk can feel overwhelming. But it’s so important for your mental and physical wellbeing to include activity, movement and good nutrition in your day-to-day.
In this episode of Life, love and the law, Alana Ellis, personal trainer and nutritional coach, explains the value of exercise even when you really don’t feel like it. She talks about lowering the bar, not expecting too much of yourself, and taking small steps.
00:25 Introductions
01:55 The impact of stress on the body
03:21 Fight or flight vs rest and digest physical and emotional states
04:57 How important is sleep and how can you improve your sleep
08:22 Supplementing with magnesium and how it can help support good sleep
09:57 How can meditation support the nervous system?
11:53 What are the main obstacles for people when it comes to healthy food routines?
13:14 The impact of stress on relationships with food
14:36 What can replace food as an emotional coping mechanism?
15:28 Easy wins when it comes to health and fitness
16:50 The value of exercise in building up your energy bucket, not depleting it
18:20 Debunking the all or nothing mindset when it comes to exercise
23:45 Finding the motivation to exercise especially when you’re stressed
25:15 Lowering the barrier to entry with exercise
27:17 Divorce and separation to do list vs exercise and wellbeing
Is it normal to feel unsure even if your relationship looks good on paper?
Season 2 · Episode 1
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 38:52
🎙️Is it normal to feel unsure, even if the relationship looks good on paper? Navigating relationship uncertainty🎙️
We've all heard the phrase 'looks good on paper' - the relationship has everything you ever wanted, you've got the house, the kids, the date nights. But something doesn't feel right and you can't understand why. Is it normal to feel that uncertainty? Can you come back from it? And what happens if actually it's not that you can't fix things, it's more that you don't want to?
In this episode, host and family lawyer Liza Gatrell welcomes Kate Nestor, a divorce coach with a combined role as Content Lead at Stowe, to discuss all things insecurity in relationships and understanding our emotions.
00:50 Introductions 02:24 What is a divorce coach? 03:25 Feeling unsure or unhappy in your relationship and taking initial advice 04:30 Expectations in relationships - the impact of modern life 08:35 Feeling uncomfortable in your relationship and the build of disconnection 09:55 How does uncertainty manifest mentally and physically 11:10 Facing your emotions head on 16:25 Are doubts and overthinking always a linear process ending in separation? 18:55 Pressure of expectations from others about your relationship 21:15 Our own expectations of how our partners should behave - the mental load 27:39 The importance of safe place to work through and listen to your emotions: emotional awareness 29:27 How a divorce coach or therapist can support through emotions and practicalities 32:10 Taking the first steps and building resilience 35:20 The tipping point from uncertainty into a decision 37:18 Top tip for the understanding a period of uncertainty
Useful links
How can you tell if your marriage is over? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/how-can-you-tell-if-your-marriage-is-over/ Reality TV to real life: why compatibility matters more than a 'spark' https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/reality-tv-to-real-life-why-compatibility-matters-more-than-the-spark/ When growing apart doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/when-growing-apart-doesnt-have-to-be-the-end-of-your-relationship/If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
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If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN
🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE
If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN
🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE
If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN
🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE
If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN
🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE
Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN
🎧 Listen to our podcast on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3L6VFcE
🎬 Watch on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mwa4wG
Follow us on socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifelovelawpodcast?lang=en Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stowefamilylawuk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stowefamilylaw LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stowe-family-law/
If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2
Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one
🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.
