What the latest Family Court figures really tell us about divorce The latest Ministry of Justice Family Court statistics have just been released, and behind the numbers are thousands of families navigating one of the biggest transitions of their lives. Between April and June 2026, there were 26,834 divorce applications in England and Wales. Interestingly, that’s actually down 3% compared with the same period last year. 73% were sole applications, while just 27% were made jointly. But one figure really stood out to me. Private law children cases increased by 11%. There were 14,833 cases started in just three months, involving disputes around arrangements for children following separation and other private family matters. And at the end of June, there were more than 41,000 open private law cases, 14% higher than a year earlier. For me, this is an important reminder that getting divorced is often only one part of the story. The legal process may end a marriage, but navigating co-parenting, finances, communication, conflict and the emotional impact on children can continue long afterwards. And while some couples are able to separate amicably, for others particularly those dealing with a toxic or high-conflict ex the reality can be incredibly difficult. One positive in the figures is that children cases are moving slightly faster, but the average private law case still took 33 weeks to reach disposal. That is a long time for a family to live with uncertainty. This is exactly why I believe people going through separation need more than legal guidance. They need emotional support, practical tools and strategies to help them navigate what happens outside the courtroom too. Divorce is a legal process. But rebuilding your life after it is a human one. Read the full Ministry of Justice article here gov.uk/government/statistics…

I’m so excited to be speaking at the Mind Body Spirit Festival at the NEC Birmingham this November! ✨❤️‍🩹 I’ll be taking to the Midlife Wisdom stage on Sunday 15th November at 2:30pm for my session: Thriving After Breakup & Divorce I’ll be sharing practical tools to help you navigate heartbreak, manage overwhelming emotions, rebuild your confidence and self-worth, and start creating a life you genuinely feel excited about again. The festival runs from 13th–15th November and is packed with talks, workshops and experiences around wellbeing, self-discovery and personal growth. If you’re coming on the Sunday, I’d absolutely love to see you there! ❤️ 📍 NEC Birmingham 📅 Sunday 15th November ⏰ 2:30pm Find out more & get tickets: mindbodyspirit.co.uk/festiva…

Some pivots we choose. Others begin with something we never wanted to happen. Last week I had the privilege of hosting a private supper for The C Suite: 20 leaders and founders, brought together for a carefully curated, invitation-only evening around the theme of “The Pivot”. We explored the moments that changed our direction. For some, it was an opportunity they chose to pursue. For others, including me, it was a divorce or even a business challenge that forced them to find a new way forward. The openness around that table made the evening so special. Personal stories sat alongside professional experiences, and the conversations were moving, empowering and full of ideas. It was wonderful to connect more deeply with people I already know through work and admire, and to meet others whose stories will stay with me. I also shared the launch of my Breakup & Divorce Club and the mission behind it: to help as many people as possible around the world cope better with a breakup and feel supported as they rebuild their lives. I came away with some brilliant ideas to put into action, fresh inspiration and so much gratitude. Thank you to everyone around the table for sharing so generously, and to The C Suite for inviting me to host such a memorable evening. 🤍

I’m incredibly proud to see my Heartbreak to Happiness podcast featured by the Miami Chronicle in their list of “Fifteen Podcasts That Redefine Success, One Season at a Time.”❤️🎙️ To be included alongside podcasts such as The Diary of a CEO, The Mel Robbins Podcast and The School of Greatness is such an honour. When I started Heartbreak to Happiness, my mission was simple: to help people understand that the end of a relationship does not have to mean the end of you. Divorce and heartbreak can shake everything your identity, confidence, family, finances and the future you thought you were going to have. But rebuilding isn't simply about “getting over” your ex. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, understanding what you’ve been through, learning the tools to move forward and ultimately creating a life that feels like yours again. I’ve now had the privilege of having hundreds of conversations with incredible experts and guests about heartbreak, betrayal, affairs, anxiety, confidence, relationships and rebuilding your life. The Miami Chronicle highlighted my conversation with Wendy Valentine where we explored changing our thoughts and beliefs, journaling and intentionally spending time alone as ways of reconnecting with ourselves. Every episode comes back to the same belief I’ve held throughout my work: Heartbreak can be one of the most painful chapters of your life, but it does not have to be your final chapter. ❤️ Thank you to every guest who has shared their story and expertise with me, and to every single person who continues to listen. And thank you to the Miami Chronicle for including Heartbreak to Happiness in this brilliant feature. 🙏✨ miamichroniclenews.com/2026/…

I’m incredibly excited to finally introduce The Breakup & Divorce Club. ❤️‍🩹 For more than 16 years, I’ve supported people through heartbreak, separation, divorce and toxic relationships. And one thing has become very clear to me: Nobody should have to navigate one of the hardest periods of their life alone. Divorce doesn’t only happen in solicitors’ offices and courtrooms. It happens at 2am when you can’t sleep. It happens when your children leave for the weekend and the house suddenly feels unbearably quiet. It happens when you see your ex and your stomach drops. It happens when you’re trying to co-parent with someone who makes everything difficult. And it happens in those moments when everyone around you thinks you’re coping, but inside you feel completely lost. That’s why I created The Breakup & Divorce Club - From Pain to Power. A supportive online community bringing together the guidance, tools and connection people need to navigate heartbreak and start rebuilding their lives. Inside the Club, members have access to live group coaching, a supportive community of people who genuinely understand, my 30-day guided recovery journey, practical recovery resources and expert support. And I wanted it to be genuinely accessible. Membership is just $9.99 per month, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. Because getting the right support after a relationship breakdown shouldn’t be a luxury. This has been something I’ve wanted to create for a very long time, and I’m incredibly proud to finally see it come to life. If you're going through a breakup or divorce, there is a place for you here. And if you're a lawyer, therapist, coach, HR professional, healthcare professional or anyone else who encounters people navigating relationship breakdown, I would be so grateful if you shared the Club with somebody who might need it. Sometimes knowing “I’m not the only one going through this” can be the beginning of everything changing. From pain to power. ❤️ saradavison.com/the-breakup-…

Divorce is becoming less private. And I actually think that can be a good thing. An interesting piece from the Associated Press this week looks at the rise of what has become known as “Divorce-tok” people, predominantly women, openly documenting the reality of life after marriage on social media. They’re talking about the things that, historically, people often suffered through behind closed doors. Betrayal. Heartbreak. Co-parenting. Financial independence. Starting again. And trying to work out who you are when the future you had planned suddenly disappears. What struck me most about the article was why so many people are sharing. It isn’t about attention. It’s about connection. One of the women featured explained that sharing her pain made her feel less alone - and, in turn, helped thousands of other people realise they weren’t alone either. After more than a decade working in this space, I know just how powerful that can be. Divorce can be incredibly isolating. Your married friends may not understand. Your family can love you desperately but still not know what to say. And eventually you can become reluctant to keep telling the same people that, actually, you’re still struggling. Sometimes you simply need someone who can say: “I’ve been there. I understand.” Because support shouldn’t only exist for the legal process of divorce. We need spaces for everything that happens emotionally before, during and after it too. There is, of course, an important note of caution. The AP article also highlights the potential legal consequences of sharing details of an ongoing divorce online. Your social media can potentially become evidence, so there is a huge difference between sharing your own experience and publicly fighting your divorce through your Instagram or TikTok account. But the wider shift towards talking openly about divorce? I welcome it. The more we remove the shame and stigma around relationship breakdown, the easier it becomes for people to ask for help. Divorce can be the end of a marriage without being the end of you. And nobody should have to navigate it alone. ❤️ What do you think - has social media made people going through divorce feel more supported, or are we sharing too much?

Can infidelity be a form of psychological violence? A ruling from the Supreme Court of the Philippines has sparked an important conversation about something I have witnessed throughout my career working with people through divorce: the psychological impact of betrayal. The Court has recognised that, in certain circumstances, marital infidelity can amount to psychological violence where it causes mental or emotional suffering. And while this is Philippine law, not UK or US law, the conversation it raises is an important one. Because anyone who has experienced infidelity knows that the impact can go far beyond the end of a relationship. I know this personally. Discovering that my husband was having an affair completely shattered the reality I thought I was living in. Suddenly you’re questioning your marriage, your memories, your judgement and sometimes even your own sense of self. For many people, betrayal brings anxiety, sleepless nights, obsessive thoughts, loss of confidence and an overwhelming need to understand how the person you trusted most could do this to you. That psychological impact deserves to be taken seriously. Of course, every case and every relationship is different, and infidelity itself should not automatically be labelled abuse. Even the Philippine Supreme Court has subsequently stressed that infidelity alone does not automatically establish the criminal offence; the circumstances and resulting psychological harm matter. But I do think we need to stop dismissing cheating as “just an affair.” For the person on the receiving end, betrayal changes their entire world overnight. And recovering from it isn't simply about getting over your ex. It's about learning to trust yourself again. What do you think, do we underestimate the psychological impact of infidelity?

When Love Is a Lie. On Monday night, I had the pleasure of speaking at Soho House at an event organised by Rosemary Reed, exploring toxic relationships - why we get into them, why we stay and, importantly, how we recover from them. This is a subject incredibly close to my heart and one I’ve specialised in for many years through my work supporting people through breakup, divorce and domestic abuse. A huge part of that work is helping people understand the dynamics of toxic and abusive relationships, recognise patterns of manipulation and control, and learn how to “hone their radar” to spot the red flags earlier. I joined @MarisaPeer Cecilie Fjellhøy and Tracy on the panel, bringing together professional expertise alongside powerful lived experience. Cecilie shared her extraordinary story, featured in Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler, while Tracy spoke movingly about her own experience of financial deception, and Marisa brought her expert perspective on the psychology behind relationship patterns. It was a fascinating conversation and a brilliant audience - and particularly lovely to see some of the coaches I’ve trained sitting in the room too. ❤️ Thank you Rosemary for creating an evening that opened up such an important conversation. The more we talk about these relationship dynamics, the better equipped we become to recognise them, protect ourselves and help others do the same. #DomesticAbuse #ToxicRelationships #Divorce #DivorceCoaching #CoerciveControl

This is a really significant Family Court judgment and one I think we need to pay attention to. The Family Court has taken the exceptional step of suspending all contact between a father and his six-year-old daughter for three years to give the child's mother the opportunity to recover from complex PTSD. The background to this case matters. An earlier judgment found that the parents' relationship had been characterised by “extreme emotional and psychological abuse” of the mother by the father over many years. Despite their separation in 2020, arrangements for contact between the father and daughter continued. Experts ultimately concluded that continuing those arrangements would prevent the mother from recovering from her complex PTSD. The court heard that alternatives had already been tried, including supervised contact, strict handovers and reduced frequency. What makes this case particularly important is that the child reportedly enjoyed spending time with her father. This wasn't a simplistic decision about whether a child loved one parent or the other. The court had to look at the bigger picture: the mother's ability to recover, her ability to continue meeting her daughter's needs and ultimately the child's long-term welfare. As someone who has worked with survivors of abusive and controlling relationships for many years, I have seen how deeply post-separation abuse can affect someone's ability to heal. Leaving doesn't necessarily end the trauma. Sometimes the systems and arrangements that keep an abusive former partner present in someone's life can mean their nervous system never gets the opportunity to feel safe again. This judgment recognises something incredibly important: the wellbeing of the parent providing a child's day-to-day care is intrinsically connected to the wellbeing of that child. Protecting a child's relationship with both parents is important. But protecting a child must always come first. And sometimes that requires us to look beyond contact itself and ask a much bigger question: What does this child need in order to be safe, secure and emotionally well in the long term? This case feels like an important moment in that conversation. todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk/fam…

I watched Netflix’s new documentary series Death of the Pastor’s Wife and there is so much in Mica Miller’s story that we need to be talking about. The three part documentary explores Mica’s life, her marriage to pastor John-Paul Miller, allegations of control and manipulation, her attempts to break free and the circumstances surrounding her death in April 2024. For me, one of the most important conversations it raises is about coercive control. Abuse does not always look like physical violence. It can look like monitoring someone, isolating them, controlling their choices, humiliating them, manipulating their reality or making them feel that they cannot safely leave. And something I wish more people understood is that separation does not necessarily end the abuse. In some relationships, leaving can be the point at which controlling behaviour escalates. Mica had separated from her husband and was pursuing divorce. Her family and friends have alleged that she experienced harassment and controlling behaviour during this period. John-Paul Miller has since been federally indicted on cyberstalking and false-statement charges and has pleaded not guilty. His trial is currently scheduled for October. This is why conversations about domestic abuse cannot simply be reduced to: “Why didn't she just leave?” Leaving is often a process, not a single moment. It takes support. It takes planning. It takes courage. And, crucially, it requires systems that understand the dynamics of coercive control and post-separation abuse. Documentaries like this are incredibly difficult to watch, but they can help people recognise behaviours they may previously have dismissed or normalised. If watching Mica's story makes even one person recognise what is happening in their own relationship, or helps a friend or family member understand why someone they love is struggling to leave, then that awareness matters. We need to keep having these conversations.

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I was really pleased to contribute to a new piece in The Telegraph today exploring something I hear about so often: the invisible mental load women carry in relationships and why it can become even more obvious when you go on holiday. The planning, the packing, remembering the passports, organising the children, thinking about meals, activities and making sure everyone else is having a good time… while your partner waits to be told what needs doing. As I shared in the article: “It’s a classic case of the invisible mental load, where one person carries the responsibility for what needs doing, planning it and delegating it and then checking it’s actually been done.” But this isn’t really about one stressful holiday or an argument over who packed the suitcase. Over time, an unequal mental load can fundamentally change the dynamic of a relationship. One person becomes the household manager and the other becomes someone they have to manage. And that’s where resentment can begin to build. I also spoke about one of the warning signs I see in my work: “One of the most dangerous points in a marriage isn’t when a woman is complaining – it’s when she no longer believes anything is going to change.” That silence can say far more than another argument ever could. Relationships need partnership. Not one person carrying the physical and emotional responsibility for family life while the other waits for instructions. A really interesting and important conversation. Thank you to The Telegraph for including my thoughts. Do you think the mental load is still disproportionately carried by women in relationships? telegraph.co.uk/gift/3fea05c…

Behind every employee is a human being - and sometimes they are carrying far more than anyone at work can see.   That’s why I’m so pleased to be delivering two important awareness webinars for @NDCS_UK :one on breakup and divorce and one on domestic abuse.   NDCS recognises the importance and relevance of these topics and has included the sessions alongside a variety of other initiatives to support employee wellbeing.   Breakup, divorce and domestic abuse are deeply personal experiences but their impact does not stop when someone begins their working day. They can affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, concentration, attendance and productivity. Yet the people around them may have no idea what they are going through.   I understand this personally. Domestic abuse happened to me - and I never imagined it could happen to somebody like me.   The truth is, it can happen to anyone.   How many people in your organisation might be struggling silently? Would your managers recognise the signs?
Do employees know where they can turn?
Do you have the understanding and systems needed to respond sensitively and safeguard your team?   Awareness is the first step.   My webinars create a safe space for important conversations, helping HR teams, managers and employees feel better informed and more confident about supporting themselves and others.   A huge thank you to NDCS for recognising that meaningful employee wellbeing must include the difficult experiences people may be facing behind closed doors.   If you feel your organisation could benefit from a sensitive, practical webinar on breakup, divorce or domestic abuse, I’d be very happy to have an informal conversation.   #EmployeeWellbeing #DomesticAbuseAwareness #DivorceSupport

This is deeply concerning. A new Justice Committee report has warned that declining access to legal aid and increasing levels of self-representation are creating an “unacceptably high risk of miscarriages of justice.” One statistic in particular stood out to me: 76% of single parents with one primary school-aged child could fall into the so-called “justice gap”unable to qualify for legal aid, yet unable to afford private legal advice or representation. For anyone navigating divorce, domestic abuse or family court proceedings, access to the right legal support can be critical. These are often people making life-changing decisions at a time when they are already emotionally overwhelmed, frightened or vulnerable. Justice should not depend on how much money you have. When people are left to represent themselves in complex legal proceedings because they simply cannot afford another option, we have to ask whether the system is truly providing equal access to justice. The Justice Committee is now calling for urgent reform to legal aid in England and Wales. This is a conversation we urgently need to be having. What are your thoughts? Are you seeing the impact of the justice gap in your work? Read more via todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk/jus…

Financial abuse doesn’t end when a relationship ends. A powerful article in the news recently highlighted how some domestic abusers continue to use money and finances as a way to maintain control - leaving survivors facing debt, damaged credit and ongoing emotional harm long after separation. This is post-separation abuse when the relationship has ended, but the attempts to control, intimidate or destabilise someone continue. For many survivors, leaving is not the end of the journey. It can be the beginning of navigating new challenges: financial control, legal battles, co-parenting difficulties, harassment or the struggle to rebuild confidence after years of being undermined. This article raises an important question: How many people are still experiencing abuse and control after they have found the courage to leave? We need to keep talking about post-separation abuse and make sure survivors know they are not alone. Through my 1:1 coaching, I support people navigating heartbreak, divorce, separation and the complex emotional journey of rebuilding their lives after difficult relationships. If you need support, DM me or email [email protected] to find out more about 1:1 coaching. theguardian.com/society/2026…

This is the second episode in a two-part series produced in partnership with the non-profit organisation @Right2Equality to Equality, exploring the deeply concerning issue of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales. In this episode, we discuss what has been described as a modern-day “witch trial” within parts of the family justice system, where behaviours that might ordinarily be seen as expressions of love and concern can be interpreted through the lens of parental alienation. We explore how something as simple as a mother saying she loves and misses her child can become part of an allegation of alienating behaviour, and the devastating consequences these labels can have for families. We also examine the significant role and influence of expert evidence in shaping decisions and outcomes within the family courts. I’m joined by @NataliePage, advocate, campaigner, Director of Survivor Family Network and author of The System Is The Weapon. To learn more about the work of Right to Equality and read real-life reporting from the family courts, visit:
righttoequality.org

“It hurts to only see my children half the week.” Those words, from a mum sharing her experience after divorce in a recent @Netmums article, will resonate with so many separated parents. One of the greatest heartbreaks of separation isn't always the end of the relationship. For many parents, it's coming to terms with the reality that they won't be there for every bedtime, every school run, every birthday morning or every milestone. No one prepares you for that grief. When children are safe, loved and able to have healthy relationships with both parents, shared parenting can be in their best interests. But that doesn't make the emotional adjustment any easier. As The Divorce Coach, I've supported countless mums and dads through this transition. The guilt, the sadness and the fear of missing out are completely understandable. Yet over time, many parents discover that it's not about measuring the quantity of time they have with their children, but the quality of the connection they build. The hardest part is often letting go of the picture you once had of family life and learning to embrace a different one. I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you've experienced shared parenting after separation, what helped you cope with the days your children weren't with you? If you're struggling with separation, divorce or co-parenting, you don't have to navigate it alone. I offer 1:1 coaching to help you move from surviving to thriving. Feel free to DM me or email [email protected] to find out more. netmums.com/support/it-hurts…

I’m delighted to have joined the @todaysfamily_ Lawyer podcast for an important conversation about how we can better support clients in crisis during breakup and divorce. When someone is going through a relationship breakdown, they’re not just dealing with legal decisions. They may also be experiencing grief, fear, anger, anxiety, trauma and, in some cases, domestic abuse. All of this can affect their ability to process information, make decisions and navigate an already overwhelming legal process. This is where I work alongside family lawyers to empower clients. Lawyers provide essential legal expertise and strategy, while I, and the divorce coaches I train, support clients with the emotional and practical challenges they’re facing, helping them regulate difficult emotions, regain confidence and approach important decisions with greater clarity. We also discussed technology-facilitated abuse and the emotional impact that complex, high-conflict cases can have on the family law professionals supporting clients every day. A more trauma-informed approach benefits everyone involved. The more we understand what is happening to a person emotionally during a crisis, the better equipped we are to support them through it. Thank you to Today’s Family Lawyer for inviting me to have this important conversation. 🎧 You can read more and listen to the conversation here: todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk/inf…