S3 Ep08 - Deprivation of Liberty and Children: Gaps, Flexibility, and the Role of the Family Court

What does Deprivation of Liberty really mean in the context of children and how does it differ from a secure accommodation order? In this important episode of Family Law and More, we’re joined by Misha Ryan, Senior Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers and leading practitioner in Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) cases, to unpack a complex and evolving area of law.We explore how DoLs applies specifically to disabled children and those with mental health needs, and examine the growing reliance on the Inherent Jurisdiction to bridge gaps in local authority resources. Misha discusses the key distinctions between DoLs and Secure Accommodation Orders, and whether the flexibility of DoLs comes at a systemic cost.We also take a closer look at the National DoLs Court its fixed hour listings, rotating judges and whether this centralised model truly serves the best interests of vulnerable children, or whether a return to more localised decision-making is needed.A must-listen for family law professionals navigating the increasingly blurred lines between welfare, liberty, and legal oversight in children's cases.Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Pensions are often the most valuable, and most overlooked, asset in divorce proceedings. In this episode of Family Law and More, we’re joined by Richard Nobbs of Excalibur Actuaries, a key contributor to the Pensions Advisory Group, to unpack the complexities of pensions on divorce.We explore why pensions matter, how they fit into the broader financial picture, and what family law practitioners should be looking out for from the outset. Richard shares expert insights on when a pension merits further investigation, when it doesn’t, and how to approach cases where instructing a pensions expert may not be possible.Whether you're newly qualified or highly experienced, this episode will sharpen your understanding of when and how to engage with pensions effectively in your cases.Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Roma and Traveller communities in the UK have historically faced discrimination, systemic barriers, and deep-rooted misconceptions within the family justice system. Despite legal protections, many families continue to encounter prejudices, lack of cultural understanding, and disproportionate interventions. In this episode, we explore: — The unique challenges faced by Roma & Traveller families in family law cases — The role of cultural misunderstanding & bias in social work and legal proceedings — How domestic abuse support & safeguarding differ in these communities — The impact of care proceedings & child protection interventions — What family law professionals can do to ensure fairer outcomes This is an essential conversation for family law practitioners, social workers, policymakers, and advocates working with Roma & Traveller communities. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Honour-based violence (HBV), forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remain hidden forms of abuse, often intersecting with family law cases. While the family courts play a crucial role in protecting victims, many practitioners still struggle to identify and navigate these complex issues. We speak with Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, a Merseyside-based national charity working to end 'honour'-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices. In this episode, we break down: — What constitutes honour-based violence and how it manifests in family law cases — The legal frameworks & protections in the UK (e.g., FGM Protection Orders, Forced Marriage Protection Orders) — Warning signs and risk factors for practitioners to be aware of — The challenges of gathering evidence & ensuring victim safety in court — How legal professionals can provide effective and culturally-sensitive support Whether you're a family law practitioner, safeguarding professional or someone wanting to understand these critical issues, this episode is essential listening. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠.

In this special episode, barristers Amjad Kadhim and Bella Tait turn the tables and put CEO and Head of Chambers, Lisa Edmunds, in the hot seat. Recently named Resolution Barrister of the Year 2025, Lisa opens up about what drives her relentless pursuit of change in the legal world, how she handles critics in a disruptor-led chambers and the case that’s left the biggest mark on her career. It’s candid, it’s inspiring and it’s Lisa like you’ve never heard her before.Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠.

The legal profession is known for its high-pressure environment, long hours and relentless workloads—but at what cost? As part of Stress Awareness Month, this episode will explore the critical importance of wellbeing in the legal sector, tackling stigma, burnout and mental health challenges that many barristers and solicitors face. Our expert panel will discuss: — The reality of stress & burnout in the legal profession – how widespread is the problem? — Cultural challenges in the Bar – why is mental health still a taboo topic? — Practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing – what works and what doesn’t? — What firms, chambers & organisations can do – creating a culture of support. — The Bar Council’s initiatives – what support is available for legal professionals? Whether you’re a junior barrister, seasoned advocate or aspiring legal professional, this conversation is for you. It’s time to put wellbeing at the heart of legal practice. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠.

The family courts operate behind closed doors, but should they? The issue of transparency in family proceedings has sparked heated debate among legal professionals, journalists, and campaigners. While privacy is essential to protect vulnerable children and families, there are increasing concerns that secrecy allows failings to go unchallenged. In this episode, Lisa and Claudia sit down with Louise Tickle, a leading journalist pushing for greater openness in the family courts, to discuss: Why transparency matters – and the risks of too much secrecy The Sara Sharif case and what it reveals about family court failures The impact of reporting restrictions on justice and accountability How recent court rulings & pilot schemes are changing the system What reforms are needed to balance privacy with public interestReference to previous episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IpU8f1FPLsIdcC38N7rxO?si=17a6d29e4ae64afcProduced and distributed by ⁠Innobella Media⁠.

The role of Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) in domestic abuse cases is crucial, yet often misunderstood. With the recent updates to the Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice Policy, we’ll explore how these guidelines impact family court proceedings, child safeguarding, and parental contact arrangements. In this episode, we’ll break down: How Cafcass assesses harm and risk in domestic abuse cases The impact of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 on family proceedings How practitioners balance child welfare with parents’ rights The challenges of coercive control and post-separation abuse Whether the family court is doing enough to protect children Let’s dive into what these policy changes mean for legal professionals, parents and the children at the heart of these cases. References: Re L-G (Risk Assessment) [2025] EWCA Civ 60, Re T (Children: Risk Assessment) [2025] EWCA Civ 93, Cafcass policy, PD12J Produced and distributed by Innobella Media.

In the unpredictable journey to pupillage, resilience is key. Join host Lisa Edmunds in a candid and uplifting conversation with our special guest, Fiona Flemington, as they navigate the challenging topic of handling rejection in pupillage applications and interviews. In this episode of our 'Pupillage Prep' series, Fiona shares her insights on what to do if it's a "no" this time. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Fiona offers practical advice on maintaining resilience, learning from setbacks, and emerging stronger in the face of disappointment. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that goes beyond the technicalities of applications and interviews, focusing on the human aspect of navigating a career in law. Whether you're facing your first rejection or looking for strategies to stay resilient, this episode provides guidance and encouragement to help you bounce back and continue your pursuit of pupillage. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠.

Gear up for success as we guide you through the ins and outs of interview day in the latest instalment of our 'Pupillage Prep' series. Joining Lisa in this episode are Eve Humphries, Practice Manager at Unit Chambers, Isabel Clarke, Pupil Barrister, and Roger Draper, Chairman of Unit Chambers. Together, they share invaluable tips and tricks to help you shine on your pupillage interview day. In this episode, we go beyond the basics, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the interview day procedures at Unit Chambers. Our panel unravel the dos and don'ts, providing a comprehensive guide on how to make a lasting impression. From understanding the interview format to showcasing your unique strengths, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned interviewee or gearing up for your first pupillage interview, this episode is your go-to resource for mastering the interview stage of the pupillage process. Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠.