Published 1 year ago

Back to blog

Insights & answers from the Harbour Family Law podcast

 

Introduction

With more than 75 years of combined experience and over 5,000 divorce cases between us, Directors Katie Zikking, Nicky Howarth and Fiona Greener of Harbour Family Law have seen almost every scenario that can arise when relationships break down.

Our new podcast provides a window into that expertise. Drawing on the first two episodes – “The First Meeting” and “Frequently Asked Questions” – this post distils their guidance into a single, practical read for anyone about to take their first steps toward separation or divorce.

 

3 female lawyers making a podcast

 

  1. Your First Meeting: Why It Matters

A chance to set the tone

Your initial consultation is more than a formality; it is where strategy, support and trust are first built. Expect your solicitor to spend time on both the past and the future – understanding how your relationship worked when things were good, why it changed, and where you would like to be two, five or ten years from now.

Key questions your solicitor is likely to ask:

 

Question

 

 Why it matters

 
“What do you want out of this process?”  Clarifies goals, focuses on outcomes rather than      immediate emotion.
“Where would you like to be in two-five years?” Encourages long-term thinking and reduces stress-driven, short-term decisions.
“Tell us how you met and how the household worked.” Reveals the family dynamic—essential when advising on children, finances and communication strategy. 


How to prepare

  • Bring a summary of assets, liabilities and income.
  • List the children’s routines and any special circumstances.
  • Note key dates, milestones and changes in the relationship.
  • Arrive with a vision – however rough – of your ideal outcome.

Being organised lets the solicitor give tailored, specific advice from day one.

 

  1. Building Your Support Team

“Divorce is the second-most stressful life event after bereavement, and many clients experience a simultaneous house move – two of life’s top three stressors.” – Nicky Howarth

A successful outcome is rarely achieved by a lawyer alone. The podcast stresses the value of a multi-disciplinary support team:

  1. Counselling – Emotional resilience helps you make clearer, more cost-effective legal decisions.
  2. Mediation – A structured, impartial environment that can resolve finances and child arrangements more amicably and cheaply than litigation.
  3. Friends & Family – A personal network to lean on when professional support isn’t available.
  4. Financial Advisers & Mortgage Brokers – Especially when new housing or asset division is involved.

Think of your solicitor as the legal pilot; the rest of the crew keeps the journey on course.

 

  1. Putting Children First

     

Research shows that parental conflict – not separation itself – harms children. Two happy homes are better than one unhappy one. Factors to keep in focus:

  • Minimise visible conflict: communicate through agreed channels and keep arguments away from children.
  • Maintain routines: stability in schooling, hobbies and friendships eases the transition.
  • Promote open, age-appropriate conversations: children cope better when they understand what’s happening in terms they can grasp.

 

  1. Frequently Asked Questions – Answered

     

Q1. “What will court feel like?”

Family courts have become more formal (airport-style security, traditional courtrooms), but judges remain mindful of the personal nature of cases. They prefer couples to make their own decisions and see litigation as a last resort.

 

Q2. “Does my Final Order end financial claims?”

No. Only a Consent Order approved by the court achieves a clean break. Without one, either party may bring a financial claim years later – a famous case involved a claim 20 years post-divorce when one ex-spouse became a billionaire.

 

Q3. “Is 50/50 the default for child arrangements?”

There is no legal presumption. The court (and good lawyers) focus on what arrangement best serves the children’s welfare. Shared care is more common today, but every family’s pattern is unique.

 

Q4. “Are courts biased towards mothers?”

Modern family courts assess both parents equally. Historic stereotypes have shifted; decisions hinge on each parent’s role during the relationship, practical logistics and, above all, the children’s best interests.

Q5. “How long will everything take?”

  • Divorce process: usually 7–8 months from application to Final Order.
  • Finances: anywhere from a few months (if agreed) to 12–18 months (if litigated).
    Co-operation shortens timelines and saves costs.

Q6. “Are prenuptial agreements binding?”

Prenups and post nuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England & Wales, but when they follow best-practice guidelines (full disclosure, independent legal advice, signed well before the wedding) courts will usually uphold them unless manifestly unfair.

 

  1. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

     

Facing separation or divorce can feel overwhelming, but sound preparation, the right professional team and a child-centred mindset make the journey smoother, quicker and less costly.

 

If any of the issues above resonate with you, the directors at Harbour Family Law are ready to help:

  • Phone: 0117 375 1780
  • Email: mail@harbourfamilylaw.co.uk
  • Offices: Clifton (Bristol), Clevedon & Portishead

 

Reach out for a confidential, no-obligation discussion and tap into decades of specialised family-law expertise.