Following the success of the first season, the Stewarts Divorce and Family Podcast has returned for Season Two. The first three episodes are now live, with the season beginning with an overview and two-part guide to pre-nup and post-nup agreements.

The ten-episode season will conclude in 2023. Listener feedback from season one has shaped the content explored in season two.

All released episodes of the podcast (including Season One and the ‘No Fault Divorce’ special episode) are available now to listen to below as well as on all leading podcast hosting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Deezer. Subscription to the podcast is also available on each platform.

The Stewarts Divorce and Family Podcast is hosted by partner Sam Longworth, senior associate Jenny Bowden and associate Tim Carpenter. Each episode features other leading lawyers from our Divorce and Family department and covers a wide range of topics to help individuals, advisors and others understand and navigate the many issues that can arise between a couple on separation.

Episode 1: Welcome and Season Two overview

Sam, Jenny and Tim provide an overview of the season to come, explaining the topics to be discussed and the new release schedule.

The first season of the podcast provided an overview to some of the most important aspects of family and divorce law. New episodes in season two will go into greater detail on these, as well as introducing other processes and themes.

Episode 2: An introduction to pre-nuptial agreements

Sam is joined by partner Richard Hogwood and senior associate Charlotte Sanders in the first of two episodes focusing on pre-nups, also addressing post-nups. This episode explains what a pre-nuptial agreement is, their current legal status in England and Wales, and who should (or should not) consider entering into a nuptial agreement.

A nuptial agreement aims to build a framework for what will happen in the context of any future separation and divorce, focusing on the financial aspects but also other arrangements. Pre-nuptial (before the wedding ceremony) and post-nuptial (after the wedding) agreements are not automatically be binding but the family court will carefully consider cases where one has been signed. Pre-nups are mainly used where wealth exists at the time of the marriage or is likely to come to one of the parties later (through inheritance), and one or both parties wish to protect it from a claim if the relationship breaks down.

Episode 3: Pre-nuptial agreements – what are your options?

Partner Toby Atkinson and senior associate Voirrey Ward join Sam to discuss the process of obtaining a pre-nup, the types of provision that might be discussed and which approach to a pre-nup would work best in different situations.

Once the couple have had initial conversations about the pre-nuptial agreement, each should appoint their own lawyer and agree a timeline for production of the first draft and disclosure. One option for a nuptial agreement structure is the  ‘tariff approach’, where the pre-nup specifies a precise amount of money or provision calculated according to a formula. On the other hand, the ‘principle approach’ uses no specific figures but instead a description of which assets are to be shared in the event of a divorce and which are protected from claims.

Season One and more

Season One of the podcast is now available to listen to in full, and covers topics including finances in a separation, what to expect in court, common mistakes that can be avoided and co-parenting after a separation.

Our team also discusses the introduction of no-fault divorce in a special episode, discussing the significant changes to divorce in 2022 and why these changes matter to separating couples.

You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Divorce and Family pages.

If you require assistance from our team, please contact us or alternatively request a call back from one of our lawyers by submitting this form.

Subscribe – In order to receive our news straight to your inbox, subscribe here. Our newsletters are sent no more than once a month.