Family Law, Divorce and Mediation with Matthew Lockey and Sophie Milliken

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives.

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Matthew Lockey, Head of Private Family Team and Associate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors, and Sophie Milliken, CEO of Moja.

Together, they unpack the realities of family law in England and Wales, from the moment a relationship breaks down through to financial settlement, child arrangements and life on the other side.

They cover what the process actually looks like, what it costs emotionally and practically, and how mediation can offer a faster, less adversarial route for families who want to avoid the courtroom.

Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

• What to expect when a marriage or civil partnership breaks down and the steps involved in the legal process.

• How divorce proceedings work in practice and what the process looks like from start to finish.

• Financial remedy and how courts approach the division of assets, property and pensions.

• Child arrangements, parental responsibility, living arrangements and how disputes are resolved.

• When court proceedings are necessary and what the process looks like when they are.

• The role of mediation and why it is often a quicker, cheaper and less damaging alternative to litigation.

• How to choose the right legal support and what to look for in a family law solicitor.

• Practical advice on protecting your interests and those of your children from the outset.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the breakdown of a relationship, considering separation, or supporting a friend or family member through the process, and for anyone who wants to understand their rights before they ever need them.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Contact Matthew:

https://richardreed.co.uk/team/matthew-lockey/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lockey-19b04ba3/

Resources:

Pathfinder Pilot Scheme Report: research into an approach in some family courts that front‑loads welfare assessment and child‑focused work to streamline cases and improve outcomes for children

Resolution: family law association promoting constructive, amicable approaches.

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Annaliese Barber, Director and Head of Richard Reed Solicitors’ Wills, Trusts, Probate and Court of Protection Department, and Helena Dar, Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors.

Together, they cut through the jargon and walk through what actually happens when someone dies, what the law requires, and how to navigate the process without making costly mistakes.

Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

• What probate is and when you actually need it.

• Who needs to apply and what the process involves.

• Understanding intestacy: what happens when someone dies without a will.

• The role of executors and administrators, and what's expected of them.

• Common mistakes families make and how to avoid them.

• When to seek legal advice and why getting it early can save time and money.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who has recently lost a loved one, is helping a family member through the process, or simply wants to understand what will happen to their estate and how to make things as straightforward as possible for the people they leave behind.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. 

In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Employment Law & Dispute Resolution Associate Solicitor Kat Moody and Founder and CEO of Inspired HR, Nikki Masterman. 

Together, they break down the Employment Rights Act 2025 and its staged rollout across 2026 and 2027 – one of the biggest shake‑ups in UK employment law in decades.

They explain what’s changing, when it takes effect, and what employers, especially small and medium‑sized businesses, need to be doing now to stay compliant, manage costs and reduce their risk.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• National minimum wage increases and common compliance pitfalls.

• Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), including day‑one rights and removal of the lower earnings limit.

• New day‑one rights for paternity and parental leave.

• Protecting staff and managing risk.

• The creation of the Fair Work Agency and what it could mean for inspections and enforcement.

• Unfair dismissal protection after six months’ service.

• What employers should be doing now.

This episode is essential listening for employers, HR professionals and employees who want a clear, practical guide to how the new Employment Rights Act will affect workplaces and how to get prepared in good time.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives.

In this important and sensitive episode, we’re raising awareness of domestic abuse, looking at what it really means, the legal protections available, and how community support can help people take those first steps towards safety and recovery.

We’re joined by Matthew Lockey, Associate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors, and Julie Robinson, Service Manager at Impact Family Services, who have come together to highlight how legal and emotional support can work hand in hand to make a difference.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What domestic abuse really means and how it can take many forms
• Common misconceptions and why victims may struggle to seek help
• Legal protections available, including injunctions and non-molestation orders
• How Impact Family Services supports individuals and families beyond the legal process
• How legal and support services can collaborate to help survivors rebuild their lives

This episode is a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, but no one has to face it alone.

If any of the topics discussed in this episode affect you, please reach out for support using the resources below.

Get in touch:

Richard Reed Solicitors

0191 567 0465 | info@richardreed.co.uk | Impact Family Services

Connect:

Matthew Lockey: LinkedIn

Julie Robinson: LinkedIn

Resources:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7) 0808 2000 247
• National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV): Free legal help with emergency injunctions and protection orders.
• Women’s Aid Information, support, and access to local services.
• Respect Support for those wanting to change abusive behaviour and professionals working with perpetrators.
• HollieGuard: – Personal safety app that alerts trusted contacts if you’re in danger.
• Clare’s Law: Check if a partner has a history of abuse.
• Connected Families CIC: Community support and advocacy for families affected by abuse.
• Wearside Women in Need (WWiN): Refuge, advice, and support for women and children in Sunderland.
• Galop: LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity providing confidential support.

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives.

In this episode, we are joined by Annaliese Barber, a Director at Richard Reed, qualified solicitor, Notary Public, and Head of the firm's Wills, Trusts, Probate & Court of Protection Department. We're also delighted to welcome Kay Carrick, Development Team Manager at St Cuthbert's Hospice, who oversees fundraising and legacy giving.

Today, we're exploring wills and the important role of charitable giving. We'll look at how leaving a gift to charity in your will can create a lasting legacy while potentially reducing inheritance tax. Kay shares the real impact these gifts have on St Cuthbert's Hospice and the community it serves.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• Why having a will is essential and what happens without one

• Types of gifts you can leave to charity in your will

• How charitable giving can reduce inheritance tax

• The impact of legacy gifts on St Cuthbert's Hospice

• Common misconceptions about charitable giving

• Practical steps for including a charity in your will

• How to start conversations about wills and end-of-life planning

Tune in to learn how a well-planned will can protect your loved ones while supporting causes close to your heart.

Get in touch:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Matthew Lockey and Debra Taylor from the Family Law team at Richard Reed Solicitors for an insightful discussion on the legal differences between cohabiting and married couples.

With more couples choosing to live together without tying the knot, it’s important to understand the legal implications of each path. What rights do you really have if you're not married? What should you be thinking about when it comes to finances, children, or even separation?

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• The truth about “common-law marriage”, and why it’s a myth

• Key legal differences between marriage and cohabitation

• Protections and agreements you can put in place as a cohabiting couple

• What happens when children are involved

• The legal discussions and difficulties around changing cohabitation law

• How assets are treated depending on your relationship status

If you're living with your partner, or thinking about it, this episode is essential listening to help you understand your legal position and protect your future.

Get in touch:

Richard Reed Solicitors: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Connect: Sarah Reid: LinkedIn Matthew Lockey: Matthew.lockey@richardreed.co.uk

Debra Taylor: debra.taylor@richardreed.co.uk

References:

Resolution: Cohabitation

Martin Lewis Article: Is being married financially worth it?

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Phil Moir and Lewis Cassap from Richard Reed Solicitors, along with Stephen Hope from Stephen Hope Wealth Management.

Together, they discuss the critical importance of having a shareholder agreement in place for any business. Despite their value, shareholder agreements are often overlooked which can lead to complicated and costly issues down the line.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• What a shareholder agreement is

• Why having one is essential

• When the best time is to create a shareholder agreement

• The key clauses that should be included

• Why it's important to review and update the agreement as your business evolves

• The risks and challenges of not having a shareholder agreement

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner, whether you're just starting out or already established. It could save you from serious trouble in the future.

Get in touch:

Richard Reed Solicitors:

Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/

Phone: 0191 567 0465

Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

Stephen Hope Wealth Management:

Website: https://www.stephenhopewealthmanagement.com/

Connect:

Sarah Reid: LinkedIn

Phil Moir: phillip.moir@richardreed.co.uk

Lewis Cassap: lewis.cassap@richardreed.co.uk

Stephen Hope: 01915111090

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Steven Douglas and Nicola Bennell from Richard Reed Solicitors, and Graham Hickey from First Finance Group, to decode the confusing legal and financial jargon around buying and selling a home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced mover, the process can be filled with unfamiliar terminology. This conversation unpacks what those key words really mean, why they matter, and how to navigate the property journey with confidence.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• Why legal language in property transactions isn’t always client-friendly.

• Common misunderstandings clients have – and how to avoid them.

• Key terms to know at each stage of buying a home – from viewing to getting the keys.

• Practical advice for first-time buyers when handling legal documents.

• Why it’s important to understand and complete paperwork correctly in the first instance.

• Tips from the experts on simplifying complex terms for clients.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the terminology in property transactions, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready for your next move.

Get in touch:

Richard Reed Solicitors: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

First Finance Group: Website: https://www.firstfinancegroup.co.uk/

Connect: Sarah Reid: LinkedIn Steven Douglas: LinkedIn Nicola Bennell: LinkedIn Graham Hickey: LinkedIn

Resources:

• Law Society – Guide to Buying or Selling a Home

• Money Helper – Mortgage and Home-Buying Advice