News

Our Co-Founders Make It To The Sunday Times Magazine

Most people approach the subject of divorce with so many preconceptions and so much negative bias that it makes a … Read More

New Poll Shows Majority Of Cohabiting Couples Want Better Legal Rights

As the law currently stands, cohabiting couples have few or no legal rights in the event of a relationship breakdown … Read More

Normalising Stress and Divorce

Divorce is stressful. There have been many studies confirming this but now there is another. The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory … Read More

Family Innovator Finalist at the British Family Law Awards

What a boost to December to hear that to hear we have been shortlisted for Family Innovator of the Year … Read More

Harvard Study Of Adult Development

The Harvard Study of Adult Development and it’s focus on the fact that healthy relationships (and therefore healthy endings to … Read More

We Are Shortlisted At Family Law Awards 2023

We’re very excited that our Form E tool has been shortlisted for Family Law Innovation Of The Year at this … Read More

New Research Challenges Common Divorce Misconceptions

A recent report, led by the University of Bristol and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, reveals that, unlike the high … Read More

Our Co-founder Speaks At Mishcon de Reya Event: Who Needs Family Lawyers Anyway?

Our co-founder Samantha was delighted to be on the panel at Mishcon de Reya’s event last night: ‘Who needs Family … Read More

Our co-founders attend the launch of the Online Procedure Rules Committee

Our co-founders were delighted to attend the launch of the Online Procedure Rule Committee (‘OPRC’), introduced by the Lord Chancellor … Read More

A Child’s Right To Matter: New Report Launched In Parliament

Last week the Family Solutions Group launched a new report called ‘A Child’s Right to Matter’. The event was hosted … Read More

Family Justice Council – 16th Annual Debate

The Family Justice Council is holding its 16th Annual Debate and panel discussion on Thursday 7th December 2023, from 5.30pm … Read More

Pro Bono Week 2023: 6-10 November

This week is Pro Bono Week! Pro Bono Week offers an opportunity to recognise and support the voluntary contribution made … Read More

Mr Justice Peel Shines A Spotlight On Single Lawyer Models

Mr Justice Peel, High Court Judge of the Family Division and National Lead Judge of the Financial Remedy Court, recently … Read More

Pandemic Prioritisation Protocol Returns To The Family Court

Cafcass is the organisation which works with the Family Court to assess the safety and welfare of children and subsequently … Read More

One Couple One Lawyer Headlines At The Today’s Family Lawyer Conference 2023

When our co-founders Harry and Samantha set up The Divorce Surgery, they hoped to change the way couples viewed divorce, … Read More

Our Co-Founder Speaks To Citywealth About The Impact Of No-Fault Divorce

It has been nearly a year and a half since ‘no-fault’ divorce was implemented. In a recent feature, Citywealth spoke … Read More

Co-Founder Speaks To Tatler About Navigating The Complexities Of Blended Families

Our co-founder Samantha Woodham speaks to Tatler about navigating the complexities of blended families… Divorce is commonplace, and so are blended families, … Read More

Working Collaboratively To Provide Better Outcomes For Children

Our co-founder Samantha was delighted to be involved in a Children Law Roundtable event hosted by Tara Dunne, Legal Associate … Read More

Our Co-Founders Invited To Discuss Their Services At The Law Commission

Our co-founders Sam and Harry had a fascinating afternoon at the Law Commission discussing One Couple One Lawyer services and … Read More

Shortlisted For Family Law Innovation of the Year Awards

Wow! We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for Family Law Innovation of the Year at the LexisNexis UK Family … Read More

Value Of FDAC ‘Problem-Solving Approach’ Highlighted By New Study

A new large-scale study has revealed the positive impact of the Family Drug and Alcohol Courts in care proceedings. Family … Read More

I’m A Lawyer And This Is What Will Happen To Britney’s Money In Her Divorce From Sam’

OK! Magazine spoke to our co-founder Samantha yesterday about the news surrounding Britney Spear’s divorce, and the effect of pre-nups … Read More

80,000 Children Caught Up In The Family Courts System

Recent Family Court statistics reveal that there are currently more than 80,000 children caught up in private family law proceedings. … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Listed As One Of The Nine ‘Key Players’ In The IRN Family Law Market Report 2023

The report, published in June 2023, is the 9th edition of an annual research report from IRN Legal Reports. According … Read More

Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award

Innovate UK’s Women In Innovation Award enabled us to develop our Form E tool and grow the tech side of … Read More

Family Court Delays See Children Waiting Almost a Year to Finalise Living Arrangements

The latest data published by the Ministry of Justice shows that children involved in private law cases are now waiting … Read More

Why Do People Go To Court? New Report Published By The MOJ

The Ministry of Justice has published a report containing a summary of findings following a qualitative study by Ipsos UK … Read More

Divorce Lawyers of the Year 2023

We are delighted to have won in the category ‘Divorce Lawyers of the Year 2023 – London’ at the Worldwide … Read More

Transparency Reporting Pilot: Recommendation That Privacy Should Be Retained For Out-of-court Settlements

The transparency reporting pilot launched on 30 January 2023 in Cardiff, Carlisle, and Leeds, with the aim of exploring how … Read More

MPs Urge The Government To End Delay On Cohabitation Reform

The Women and Equalities Committee has urged the government to reconsider its position to delay cohabitation law reform, in a … Read More

The New Divorce Battle: Who Gets To Keep The Low Mortgage

Rising mortgage interest rates have a direct impact on couples going through separation and divorce, as they make separate homes … Read More

Cafcass Launch An Animated Video, ‘Taking Me Seriously: Letting You Know How We Help’

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) has collaborated with The Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB) to launch … Read More

AI in Family Law

Always a pleasure to contribute to Tatler’s Experts’ Corner, this time on AI in family law. Our conclusion? AI has much … Read More

Transparency Reporting Pilot: Recommendation That Privacy Should Be Retained For Out-Of-Court Settlements

The transparency reporting pilot launched on 30 January 2023 in Cardiff, Carlisle, and Leeds, with the aim of exploring how … Read More

Nuffield Family Justice Observatory Report On Private Family Law Applications Involving Non-Parents

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO) has published a report exploring private law proceedings in the family courts that involve … Read More

Remember Judges Can (And Do) Block Financial Settlements, Even If You Both Agree

It always comes as a shock to separating couples to learn that even if they reach a financial agreement, a … Read More

This Week Is Justice Week!

Justice week is a collaboration across the justice sector to improve access to justice by building public support and understanding … Read More

Kate Hudson Talks Co-Parenting

It’s so helpful and refreshing when other co-parents talk about how they manage their co-parenting relationship. Kate Hudson is the … Read More

Samantha Woodham Quoted In The Independent, Giving Her Top Tips For Prince Harry’s Cross Examination

Our co-founder Samantha Woodham is quoted today in The Independent giving her top tips for Prince Harry’s cross examination. As she says: “Barristers often … Read More

One Couple One Lawyer Recognised As A “Huge Shift” For Family Law At The Resolution Conference

Resolution is a group of family lawyers, and other professionals, that promotes a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes. Resolution … Read More

Senior Judge Calls Out One Couple One Lawyer Services As A Means Of Reducing Conflict For Separating Families

The word “justice” should be taken out of “family justice system” as part of a broader effort to seek solutions … Read More

Why No-Fault Divorce Should Be A Springboard To Change The Way We Divorce

Thank you findaWEALTHMANAGER.com for opening up a conversation around the blame narrative of divorce and why it needs to change. Choice for … Read More

AI Innovation Award Winners

We are absolutely thrilled to say that our new Form E tool won the AI Innovation award at the Law.com International Legal … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Co-founders Attend A Roundtable Session At Ministry of Justice UK

Our co-founders Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates were invited by the Ministry of Justice UK to attend a roundtable session … Read More

Our Co-Founders Once Again Recognised By The Spears 500

Delighted to say our co-founders Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates are once again recognised by the Spears 500 within the … Read More

Our Co-Founder Samantha On The Lynette Faye Show

Did you hear our co-founder Samantha on The Lynette Faye Show yesterday afternoon? Thank you Lynette so much for having … Read More

Family Court System Still Mired With Delays

The latest court statistics paint a worrying picture: Private children’s law cases – where families ask the court to resolve … Read More

64% Of Lawyers Believe Access To Justice Has Worsened Over The Last Decade

In a new survey of solicitors, commissioned by the Law Society,  64% of surveyed solicitors said overall access to justice … Read More

Law Commission Launches Review Of 50-Year-Old Laws On Finances After Divorce

The Law Commission of England and Wales has officially launched its review of the laws which determine how finances are … Read More

Cafcass Launches New Parenting Course

Planning Together for Children, a programme created by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), has been … Read More

What Do The New CGT Rules Mean For Divorcing Couples?

Under the previous Capital Gains Tax (CGT) laws, separating couples transferring their assets had to do so within the tax … Read More

Our Book, The Art Of Untying the Knot, Is A Year Old Today!

When Harry and Sam wrote the book, they wanted it to be a blueprint for separating couples to navigate divorce … Read More

Our Form E Tool Is Nominated For Another Award!

Hot off the heels from being ‘Highly Commended’ at the Lexis Nexis Legal Awards, our Form E tool has been … Read More

First Anniversary Of No Fault Divorce

Today is the first anniversary of No Fault Divorce. It was a landmark moment ending the need for separating couples to … Read More

Cafcass Publishes New Tips From Its Family Forum For Parents Involved In The Family Court

Cafcass has published some updated advice for parents involved in family court proceedings. The ‘top tips’ have been written by … Read More

Matrimonial Causes Act To Be Subject To A Major Review

The asset-splitting provisions within the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 are set to be reviewed by the Law Commission. Criticism of … Read More

Our Co-Founder Samantha Is Honoured With A Purple Plaque

On Monday, our co-founder Samantha Woodham was presented with a purple plaque, recognising her innovation in Family Law. There are … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Co-Founders Once Again Recognised In Spears 500

We are delighted to say that our co-founders Harry Gates and Samantha Woodham have once again been recognised in the … Read More

Child Maintenance Service To Be The Subject Of Judicial Review

There have been long-running concerns about the operation of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), particularly when it comes to enforcing … Read More

Data Shows Marriage Is On The Decline And A Need For Law Reform On Cohabiting Couples

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows marriage is on the decline, and emphasises the need for … Read More

IWD 2023: Embrace Equity

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Embrace Equity, which prompts a discussion around the difference between ‘equity’ and … Read More

Cafcass Publishes “Top Tips” For Parents

The tips have been published as part of Cafcass’ ambition to listen more closely to what families say about their … Read More

Harper’s Bazaar Interviews Our Co-Founders Asking ‘Can You Have A Good Divorce?’

It’s always such a joy when the focus of an article about divorce is how to do it well. The … Read More

‘What Lies Behind The Statistics’ – The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory has launched a new Podcast Series, ‘What Lies Behind the Statistics’, produced by researchers in … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Chosen As Finalists At The Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2023

It’s very exciting to share with you all a double announcement today! We have just launched our new Form E … Read More

The Importance of Involving Children In Decisions About Them

One of the key criticisms of family justice is that it is too parent-centric: huge amounts of time and money … Read More

Over 15% Of The Family’s Wealth Spent On Legal Fees In A Recent Case

Another week, another family judge laments the legal fees incurred in a case which, in his view, should never have … Read More

Opening Up The Family Courts

On 29 November 2022, the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, issued The Transparency Reporting Pilot Guidance to … Read More

Why The Way We Describe Family Lawyers Has To Change

Our co-founders Samantha and Harry have written an article (‘Less rottweiler, more golden retriever’) in the latest edition of Counsel … Read More

Tatler Address Book

The Tatler Address Book is out with their February edition and it’s fantastic to see both our co-founders, Harry Gates … Read More

What Is Divorce Day?

There is a dubious statistic (no lawyers we know understand where it has come from) that the most divorce applications … Read More

New Report Exploring How Families Experience Separation

A new report by researchers from the School for Policy Studies and University of Bristol Law School, funded by the … Read More

How To Have A Good Divorce

“Be open to the idea that a relationship can be hugely successful and have a shelf life. That’s OK.” Ahead … Read More

How The Wealthy Untie The Knot: No-Fault Divorces Rise Among UHNWs

As we approach Divorce Day next week, it’s fantastic to see so many publications talking about divorcing amicably, rather than … Read More

Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About ‘Process’ of Blending Her Family with Husband Ben Affleck’s

It’s so refreshing when celebrities speak openly and positively of their experiences after divorce, and how they can co-parent successfully … Read More

Family Courts Remain Paralysed By Delays As Law Society Calls For Urgent Action

New data from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has once again highlighted the devastating delays and backlogs that continue … Read More

Another family Court Case, Another Family Judge Despairing About Legal Costs

We’re conscious that we regularly post about the need for legal costs to be made proportionate to the assets and … Read More

Good Divorce Week: Day 5 – KIND

It’s always nice to end on a positive, particularly on a Friday! Times of great adversity demand the biggest acts … Read More

Good Divorce Week: Day 4 – CONFLICT FREE

Divorce is a life change. But unlike other life changes, it may not be your choice. Separating will trigger huge … Read More

Good Divorce Week: Day 3 – ON BUDGET

You set a budget for a house move, why shouldn’t you set a budget for your divorce? For far too … Read More

Good Divorce Week: Day 2 – SAFE

On Good Divorce Week, it’s so important to remember that not all of us can choose to have a ‘good’ … Read More

Good Divorce Week: Day 1 – FAIR

It’s Good Divorce Week, so each day this week we’re going to be exploring what we think makes a good … Read More

Good Divorce Week

It’s good divorce week, so each day this week we are going to explore what we think makes a good … Read More

Backlog Of More Than 110,000 Cases For The Family Courts

We knew the backlog was bad… but… The Law Society has issued a press release responding to new stats published … Read More

Speech By President Of The Family Division Highlights The Divorce Surgery’s One Couple One Lawyer Service

The President of the Family Division has once again used his platform to encourage divorcing couples to resolve the legal … Read More

Improving Access To Justice Report

JUSTICE, the all-party law reform and human rights organisation, has published a report setting out ambitious but realistic recommendations which … Read More

Pro Bono Week 2022: 7-11 November

This week is Pro Bono Week! The Bar has a long tradition of offering free legal advice and representation to … Read More

Government Rejects Calls For Reform Of Cohabitation Law

The government has rejected almost all proposals for cohabitation law reform put forward in the Women and Equalities Committee’s recent … Read More

Divorce Lawyers Of The Year – London’ for 2022

Thank you Acquisition International Magazine for recognising us as ‘Divorce Lawyers of the Year – London’ for 2022. We are very proud to … Read More

Our Co-Founders Are Recognised Again In The Legal 500

Whilst legal directories are only one small measure of achievement, it is still pleasing each year to see our co-founders, … Read More

Giselle Bündchen And Tom Brady Announce Amicable Divorce

Whether we like it or not, the relationships of those in the public eye remain heavily scrutinised and reported on … Read More

Children’s Commissioner Reports On Initial Findings Of The Family Review

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has published Part 1 of the Family Review. As part of … Read More

The Need To Re-evaluate Language Used On Divorce And Separation

When the brilliant Helen Adam contacted The Divorce Surgery in the Spring asking us to get involved with a project … Read More

President Of The Family Division: Relaunching Family Mediation

On 28 September 2022, the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, gave the John Cornwell Lecture 2022 to … Read More

Samantha & Harry On The 6pm News: Discussing The Impact Of The Cost Of Living Crisis On Divorce

Watch our co-founders Samantha and Harry on the 6pm News discussing the impact of the cost of living crisis on … Read More

Divorce Case Criticised For “Unprincipled” Financial Remedy Proceedings

Divorce case criticised for “unprincipled” financial remedy proceedings in which £200,000 spent on legal fees. A recent divorce case which … Read More

Reform Of Tax Rules For Divorcing Couples

The government has released draft legislation which will change the capital gains tax position for divorcing couples. At the moment … Read More

1 In 5 Couples Who End Up In Court Should Not Be There

President of the Family Division on Radio 4: One in five couples who end up in court should not be … Read More

Women And Equalities Committee Issues Report On Cohabitation Rights

The Women and Equalities Committee have issued a report on cohabitation rights, urging the Government to change the law to … Read More

Child Maintenance Service Launch ‘Get Help Arranging Child Maintenance’

In May the Child Maintenance Service launched ‘Get help arranging child maintenance’, a new online service which supports separated parents … Read More

Divorce Litigation Becoming Unaffordable For All But The Rich, Warns High Court Judge

Financial remedy litigation seems to be “fast heading for Ritz Hotel status – so expensive that it is only accessible … Read More

This Week Is Justice Week

The more you think about it, ‘justice’ is a rather inappropriate concept when it comes to two people trying to … Read More

How To Have A Happy Divorce

We loved chatting to Stephen Armstrong and he’s written a brilliant article in Mr Porter about no-fault divorce and our … Read More

Putting Empathy At The Heart Of Customer Care

Empathy with clients and team members is the heart of a business. When you’re helping couples navigate a life change … Read More

Samantha And Harry’s Guide To Divorcing Well

Thank you Pennywise Consultants Ltd and Alison Porter for including The Divorce Surgery: The art of untying the knot in … Read More

Tavistock Relationships Formally Launch Their Working Together Divorce & Separation Directory

Yesterday, Tavistock Relationships formally launched their Working Together Divorce & Separation Directory. The directory is all about enabling couples to … Read More

The i Newspaper Asks The Simple Question: ‘Would You Use The “One Couple One Lawyer”

The i newspaper has run a poll asking the simple question: ‘Would you use the “one couple one lawyer” approach … Read More

New Research Suggests People Are Unaware How Pensions Impact On Divorce

Once again we are told too many are losing out on pensions when they divorce. Over and over again studies … Read More

New Working Together Divorce & Separation Directory

We are very proud to have worked with Tavistock Relationships on their new ‘Working Together Divorce & Separation Directory’, which … Read More

Our Co-Founders once again recognised by Tatler

We are delighted that our co-founders have, once again, been recognised in Tatler Advisory as two of only seven recognised … Read More

Family Hubs – Providing A Single ‘Early Help Front Door’ For Families

‘While the majority of families want to solve their own private and personal problems, people still need help to help … Read More

High Court Judge says ‘steps must be taken’ to curb legal fees on divorce after couple’s projected legal bills could hit £8m

Following a recent divorce case Mr Justice Mostyn has advocated for greater costs control in family cases. In Xanthopoulos v … Read More

Samantha Woodham interviewed at The Dura Society on Setting up a business and the future of Family Justice

Lottie Leefe at the The Dura Society interviewed our co-founder Samantha Woodham about The Divorce Surgery, setting up a business … Read More

The Divorce Surgery In The I Newspaper

Very exciting coverage today in the I newspaper! Thank you Kasia Delgado for spending so long chatting to Samantha and … Read More

Further research highlights the damaging impact of conflict on children

Professor Gordon Harold and Dr Ruth Sellers have published some hard-hitting research on the impact of inter-parental conflict and family … Read More

Raise The Bar Podcast on ‘How Can We Divorce Better’ with Samantha Woodham

Our Co-founder Samantha Woodham has been referenced on the ’10 Finance Podcasts Worth The Listen’ in SheerLuxe magazine. TO GET THE FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: Raise The … Read More

Our Co-Founders Discuss No Fault Divorce On ITV News

Listen to our co-founders Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates live on ITV news explaining what no-fault divorce means, and how … Read More

New Book Launch – The Art Of Untying The Knot

We’ve written the ultimate 10 Step Divorce Plan! Our co-founders, family law barristers Samantha and Harry, have created the guide … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Wins Lexis Nexis 2022 Award For Customer Focus

When couples separate they need legal advice. And if they want to, they need to be able to get that … Read More

One Month To Go Until No-Fault Divorce Becomes A Reality

On 6th April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force. Described as ‘the biggest reform of … Read More

Samantha Woodham On International Women’s Day

This year’s IWD theme is Power To Change. The events in Ukraine, however, can render us feeling powerless to effect … Read More

Nuffield FJO Releases Its Strategy

Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (Nuffield FJO) has published its strategy for 2022 to 2026. Their statement of goals is particularly … Read More

Pets & Divorce

Pets and divorce. Not always an easy combination, and often an area in which pet owners feel the law is … Read More

The Increasing Desire For Amicable Divorces

When we launched The Divorce Surgery there was huge professional support but also some healthy scepticism- was there going to … Read More

Another Reminder Of The Crucial Importance Of Keeping Legal Fees In Check

The High Courts often deal with very wealthy families, where the available assets far outstrip the needs of the couple. … Read More

Further Nuffield Research On The Impact Of Family Court Proceedings On Children

The family court has a role in resolving disputes between separating parents over child arrangements—known as private law. More than … Read More

Parents Could Face Costs Order For Clogging Up Family Court

Parents thought to be unnecessarily clogging up the courts could face financial penalties under plans reportedly being drawn up by … Read More

Couple Spends £2.3m In Legal Fees When Net Assets Only £1.76m

A High Court Judge decreed that the only beneficiaries in Mr and Mrs Crowther’s “nihilistic” divorce were their lawyers, with … Read More

Toxic Positivity & Divorce

Divorce is hard, and raises difficult emotions for the adults going through it, and their families. A recent Wall Street … Read More

Removing Unnecessary Conflict Around Arrangements For Children

The President of the Family Division recently gave a speech to the Jersey International Family Law Conference, reflecting on his … Read More

On Average Over A Year, Sometimes More, To Resolve Financial Remedy Court Proceedings

A committee led by HHJ Stuart Farquhar (Lead Judge of the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Financial Remedies Court (FRC)) has … Read More

Adele, Reborn: Vogue Interview October 2021

It’s so refreshing when people in the public eye speak openly about their experience of divorce. Speaking to American Vogue … Read More

The ‘DIY Divorce’ Trend

As reported in MoneyWeek, ‘DIY divorce’ covers a range of possibilities. If this means navigating divorce with no professional input … Read More

Research Highlights The Importance Of Pension Sharing On Divorce For Women’s Finances

Important new research from the Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research (MICRA) builds on earlier research which has consistently shown how … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Shortlisted At The Lawyer Awards 2021

We are delighted that our Living Apart Parenting Together service has been shortlisted for The Lawyer ‘Best Client Service Innovation’ … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Shortlisted At The Lexis Nexis Awards 2021

We are delighted to be on the LexisNexis Family Law Awards shortlist for the award of Family Law Innovation 2021, … Read More

No Fault Divorce, Today’s Family Lawyer & The Divorce Surgery

Great to see the no fault divorce legislation once again being seen as a turning point to a less adversarial, … Read More

Emotionally Charged: Costs On Divorce & Dissolution

When the no-fault divorce legislation is implemented next April, it will mean that divorcing couples can now jointly apply to … Read More

Report on the Future of Legal Aid

Legal aid is in urgent need of reform to ensure that the most vulnerable can have access to justice, a … Read More

Recent survey highlights huge demand for a different approach to divorce

A recent survey commissioned by law firm Irwin Mitchell shows the huge demand amongst divorcing couples for a different, less … Read More

Cohabiting Couples & Their Children To Benefit From Changes To Bereavement Benefit Rules

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced plans to extend bereavement support to cohabiting couples with children. At present, … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Co-founders Recognised In Spears 500

We are delighted to say that our co-founders Harry Gates and Samantha Woodham have once again been recognised in the … Read More

Modernising the Child Maintenance Service

The DWP has opened a consultation into modernising the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The consultation is open to CMS customers … Read More

Raise The Bar Podcast With Samantha Woodham: How Can We Divorce Better?

Our co-founder Samantha Woodham was delighted to speak to Frankie Cotton for her Podcast Raise The Bar. Raise The Bar … Read More

How To Tell Your Children You Are Getting A Divorce

For many parents, the most daunting part of deciding to separate is thinking how best to tell their children. It’s … Read More

No Fault Divorce To Be Introduced On 6th April 2022

BREAKING NEWS: No Fault Divorce to be introduced on 6th April 2022. Ministers have today announced that the Divorce, Dissolution … Read More

Domestic Abuse Toolkit for Employers

The Insurance Charities has unveiled an updated Domestic Abuse Toolkit for Employers. The charity funded the original Toolkit and this … Read More

The Divorce Surgery In The Financial Times

Our co-founders Samantha and Harry spent a very enjoyable afternoon talking to the Financial Times about the increasing trend to … Read More

One In Four Family Lawyers Thinking Of Leaving The Profession

The family law group Resolution is due to publish a landmark wellbeing report next week. It surveyed over 1,200 family … Read More

Further increase in numbers of children whose parents end up in Court

At the @CouplesAPPG meeting on family hubs and relationship support, @SamanthaJCallan highlighted the recent statistics from Cafcass which are cause … Read More

Harry Gates in GQ Magazine: 5 Key Indicators You’re Ready To End Your Relationship

Co-founder of The Divorce Surgery, Harry Gates, really enjoyed talking to GQ Magazine about what to do when a relationship reaches its sell-by … Read More

Biggest ever consultation with children in England launched by the Children’s Commissioner

On 19 April Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, launched ‘The Big Ask’, the biggest ever consultation with … Read More

Latest Statistics Show Divorces Taking Even Longer

The latest family court statistics have just been published and they show that the number of cases started in the … Read More

Family Justice Young People’s Board

The Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB) is a group of over 50 children and young people aged between 7 … Read More

Keeping Cases out of Court

It is fantastic to see the proper use and application of Part 3 FPR to keep cases which don’t need … Read More

The Damaging Impact Of Court Proceedings

The judgment in this recent case begins with a depressingly telling first line: ‘This is the saddest of cases illustrating … Read More

What Does It Mean To Be A Woman In Family Law Today?

What does it mean to be a woman in family law today? Read this article by Today’s Family Lawyer to see how … Read More

Samantha Woodham Speaks On The Citywealth Live Sessions Special

Huge respect to all those who won or were shortlisted for an award at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2021. Hear … Read More

Samantha Woodham Wins Champion of the Year at the CityWealth Powerwomen Awards 2021

We are delighted to announce that our co-founder Samantha Woodham has won Champion of the Year at the Citywealth Powerwoman of the Year Awards! … Read More

Innovate UK Women In Innovation Award Winners

It feels amazing to be able to announce on International Women’s Day that our co-founder Samantha Woodham has been awarded, along with … Read More

The Family Solutions Initiative – A Response To A System In Crisis

The Family Solutions Group (‘FSG’) report, entitled What about me?: Reframing Support for Families following Parental Separation starkly underlined the problems of … Read More

The Private Law Justice Gap

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory has published a report on private law cases in England and Wales. The report ‘Uncovering … Read More

Samantha Woodham in Today’s Family Lawyer: How has Covid-19 impacted on the ability to get divorced?

As the one year anniversary of the pandemic approaches, Today’s Family Lawyer posed the question of how the pandemic, and … Read More

Samantha Woodham Guest Speaking On 10th March To Celebrate International Women’s Day

Our co-founder Samantha Woodham will be speaking in a virtual panel discussion hosted by K&L Gates in celebration of International Womens Day 2021 on … Read More

The Divorce Surgery: Proudly Supporting The ‘Sort It Out’ Campaign

Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that exposure to frequent, intense and poorly resolved conflict between parents has a long-lasting and negative effect … Read More

Research finds women’s income likely to fall by almost twice men’s post-divorce

The financial services company Legal & General has found that following divorce, women are likely to have their household incomes … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Launches New ‘Living Apart, Parenting Together’ Service

We are thrilled to launch our brand new Living Apart, Parenting Together (LAPT) service, designed to give separating families the best … Read More

Family Law – Looking Ahead to 2021

We hope 2021 heralds a better year for us all. In terms of Family Law, our co-founder Samantha Woodham was … Read More

Why We All Need A Break

2020 has been an exhausting, relentless roller-coaster for us all. We all need a break, more than ever. If you … Read More

Family Justice Board To Promote Non-adversarial Problem Solving

The Family Justice Board has issued a statement and supporting documents setting out its priorities for Family Justice for the … Read More

63% Of Divorcing Couples Want Early Legal Advice – Resolution

A Resolution-commissioned YouGov survey of more than 1,000 divorcees found that 41% of those who divorced within the last five … Read More

DIY Divorce For 60% Of Couples Who Take Their Dispute To Court

Research for The Times has shown that nearly 60% of separating couples in the Family Courts are without legal representation. … Read More

How far can a judge dictate the sharing of assets when a company is involved?

The pursuit of a fair division when companies are involved can be particularly challenging. This is a great article by … Read More

Helena Bonham Carter: ‘Divorce is cruel. But some parts are to be recommended’

It is so refreshing when people in the public eye speak frankly about divorce. In her own, inimitable way, Helena … Read More

Women Divorced in Later Life May Be Missing out on Substantial State Pensions

Tens of thousands of women who divorce later in life may be missing out on huge sums in state pension … Read More

New Private Law Cases Received By Cafcass In September 14% Higher Than 2019

Cafcass received a total of 4,262 new private law cases (involving 6,566 children) in September 2020 – 14.5 per cent … Read More

Radmacher v Granatino: 10 Years On, The Sea Of Change

As Catherin Baksi points out in The Times, it’s 10 years now since the famous decision in Radmacher v Granatino … Read More

Parliamentary Protests At The Incremental Lowering Of The Barriers To Divorce Over The Last 150 Years

A wonderfully bracing romp through the history of objections to divorce, as retold by Professor Chris Barton.  Lena Jeger MP … Read More

Harry Gates & Samantha Woodham Recognised By The Legal 500

The Legal 500 recognises our co-founders Harry Gates and Samantha Woodham once again! Congratulations to all those listed… About The … Read More

Family Judge urges couples to stay away from Court

All professionals involved in Family Justice believe that Family Courts should be the absolute last resort for separating couples and … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Wins ‘Future of Legal Services Innovation’ Award 2020

We can’t believe it! We have won the Law.com Legal Week Innovation Award 2020 for ‘Future of Legal Services Innovation – … Read More

Court Of Appeal Judgment Provides Further Clarity On Child Arrangements Where One Parent Is In Quarantine

Since March, many separating parents have struggled with understanding what limits should, or should not, be put on the movement … Read More

New Advice Line For Businesses To Support Employees Suffering Domestic Abuse

At a time when, once again, we are all being told to work from home where we can, it is … Read More

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory: New Consultation On Remote Hearings

All of us who have engaged in any way with Family Justice during the pandemic should make the effort to … Read More

Time Taken For A ‘Paper-Based’ Divorce Has Jumped To Over 15 Months

A paper-based divorce application took 66.5 weeks on average to complete in the first quarter of 2020, up from an … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Shortlisted At The Prestigious Family Law Awards 2020

More excitement! The Divorce Surgery has been shortlisted once again for Family Law Innovation of the Year at the prestigious … Read More

Samantha Woodham Co-Founder Of The Divorce Surgery Shortlisted For Entrepreneur Of The Year

We are absolutely delighted that our co-founder Samantha Woodham has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women in Law Awards 2020. … Read More

The Marriage Gap: Let’s De-stigmatise Personal Choice

The Centre for Social Justice have produced a report analysing the differing outcomes for children and parents based on whether … Read More

Support Lawyers Now Or They May Not Be There When Justice Is Needed

We are all reflecting on the impact of Covid-19, and with that in mind the Commons Justice Committee’s recent report … Read More

Divorce Delays Vs. Working To Your Timetable

A recent article in The Telegraph has highlighted that separating couples are facing delays of up to 18 months due … Read More

Thank You Gwyneth! Because Divorce Doesn’t Need To Be A Battle

This is a beautiful essay written by Gwyneth Paltrow about her experience of consciously uncoupling from Chris Martin. It is … Read More

Ampla Finance / YouGov Survey On UK Divorce: How Couples Found The Process & How They Were Served

Ampla Finance has conducted a fascinating survey through YouGov, assisted by Nigel Shepherd, canvassing a sample of 1,005 divorced UK … Read More

Heads Above The Parapet: How Can We Improve Race Equality At The Bar?

In March 2018 the Bar Standards Board hosted an event called: Heads Above the Parapet: How can we improve Race … Read More

The Family Court In Lockdown – Video Podcast

As we slowly emerge from lockdown, careful lessons need to be learned. From the perspective of Family Justice, Covid-19 heralded … Read More

Animated Parenting Tips For Struggling Households

King’s College London, Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Maudsley Charity have worked together to create a series of films to … Read More

The Divorce, Dissolution & Separation Bill Receives Royal Assent

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill received Royal Assent on 25th June 2020, and so it is now officially an … Read More

Effective Co-parenting Through Lockdown & Beyond

Family Lives is a brilliant charity which supports parents in dealing with the changes that are a constant part of family … Read More

Parents Guide to Remote Hearings

For all couples facing a remote hearing, this is an excellent guide created for parents to help them navigate the … Read More

A Sobering Reminder Of The Need To Keep Divorce Costs Under Control

Are your divorce legal fees getting out of control? We can help! This case is a horrible reminder of the … Read More

Courts and Tribunals Judiciary – The Road Ahead

The President of the Family Division has published The Road Ahead, emphasising that Covid restrictions will be in place in … Read More

No Fault Divorce Bill: 2nd Reading – Briefing from Resolution

The No Fault Divorce Bill has its second reading in the House of Commons today. This is a vital first … Read More

Cafcass Release Updated Covid Guidance

Cafcass has released updated Covid guidance as to the circumstances in which their professionals will be attending Family Courts in … Read More

Video Blog: Helping You Minimise The Cost Of Divorce

In his latest video blog, our co-founder Harry Gates discusses how The Divorce Surgery can help you minimise the cost … Read More

Cafcass Positive co-Parenting Programme extended

Cafcass has launched its Positive co-Parenting Programme (CPPP) after a successful two-year pilot. CPPP is a 12-week programme for families … Read More

Coronavirus: Separated Families & Contact with Children in Care FAQs (UK)

This House of Commons Library briefing provides information in response to some key questions regarding the impact of the coronavirus … Read More

Video Blog: Should Children Be Moving Between Their Parents’ Homes During the Coronavirus?

In her latest video blog, our co-founder Samantha Woodham discusses her recent interview on the BBC News. Highlighting the impact … Read More

Employers Watch: Supporting Employees During Divorce

We recently published a blog post on ‘How Employers Can Help Employees Going Through Divorce’, in which we reported some … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Published in Red Magazine On Separation During Coronavirus Lockdown

A great article by our Co-Founder Samantha Woodham published in Red Magazine UK… As Sam says, “there are so many … Read More

New Guidance On Remote Hearings

Hot off the press – new guidance from the Family Courts on remote hearings. … Read More

My Family Court Hearing Has Been Adjourned Due To The Coronavirus – What Can I Do?

The Coronavirus is impacting every aspect of our daily lives, in ways which would have been inconceivable just a few … Read More

Covid-19 Update (17th March 2020)

During these unprecedented times, the health and wellbeing of our clients, barristers, staff and society at large is our absolute … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Wins Lexis Nexis Award 2020

We are so pleased to have won the Award for Legal Services Innovation at last week’s Lexis Nexis Legal Awards … Read More

Why De-stigmatising Divorce Is Vital for Our Health – Thrive Global

Our co-founder Samantha Woodham has been published in Thrive Global US on the urgent need to de-stigmatise divorce given the … Read More

Justice Week 2020

Justice, and access to justice, is vital for us all. And at The Divorce Surgery we are proud to support … Read More

One Couple One Lawyer On The Hug Directory

Couples who come to The Divorce Surgery have a completely unique experience to those who go to separate solicitors… We … Read More

Private Law In Crisis?

Earlier this week Sir James Munby gave a speech on the current state of the Family Courts. It is a … Read More

Family Law Awards 2019 Winners

Our founders Samantha and Harry attended the Family Law Awards last night and were delighted to take home the award … Read More

Endorsement for The Divorce Surgery by Sir James Munby

The former President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby’s, endorsement of our service in the most recent edition of … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Recognized in the Tatler HNW Address Book

It has arrived! The inaugural Tatler HNW Address book for Family Law and both of our co-founders are featured. ‘HNW … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Co-Founders recognised again in Legal 500 rankings

Samantha and Harry, alongside many of the barristers who advise couples in our process, have been once again recognised in … Read More

Ranked in the top 50 most innovative law firms in Europe

The Divorce Surgery ranked in the FT 50 list of most innovative law firms in Europe. The Divorce Surgery also … Read More

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer profiles our CEO & One Couple One Lawyer service

Our CEO, Samantha Woodham, qualified as a solicitor at magic circle law firm Freshfields before converting to the Bar 13 … Read More

Further Awards for The Divorce Surgery!

We have won a Gold Award in the International CSR Excellence Awards! Corporate Social Responsibility is gaining increasing and deserved … Read More

The Divorce Surgery proposed to be part of a National Alliance to keep children cases out of court

We are very honoured to be named as a national agency in the Supporting Separated Families Alliance for Resolving Issues … Read More

The Divorce Surgery Wins Best Client Service Innovation 2019

We are now multi-award winners! We are thrilled to have won The Lawyer Best Client Service Innovation 2019 in a … Read More

Legal Week Awards

The Divorce Surgery was chosen ahead of an impressive shortlist of heavyweight law firms. We are thrilled that our pioneering … Read More

The Divorce Surgery in Tatler

Tatler has a feature today about how our One Couple One Lawyer approach is revolutionising the way couples get divorced … Read More

Avoiding unnecessary court battles has far-reaching benefits for splitting couples

Christopher Hames QC writes in The Times urging family lawyers to promote more alternatives to adversarial litigation, and endorsing The … Read More

The Divorce Surgery continues to disrupt the divorce market

Spears magazine writes today of our partnership with Settify, which uses AI to enable our clients to provide information to … Read More

Samantha Woodham Speaks To BBC

Samantha Woodham speaks to BBC Business Live this morning to explain the pioneering service The Divorce Surgery is offering to … Read More

One Couple One Lawyer

Co-founders and barristers Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates write in Family Law today about why they set up The Divorce … Read More

Getting divorced under 35?

Co-Founder of The Divorce Surgery, Samantha Woodham, writes today in Female First with some tips for young couples facing divorce. … Read More

Divorce Process Could Be Cut From 1 Year To 2 Months

Harry Gates, Co-Founder of The Divorce Surgery, is quoted today in Your Money about a new pilot to use IT … Read More