During 2016 Family Law in Partnership launched a series of thought leadership talks on family related issues including the impact of divorce on the extended family and how work impacts on family life. The talks have been spearheaded by Family Law in Partnership associates Elizabeth Fletcher and Helen Greenfield.

The first talk examined “The Impact of Divorce on the Extended Family”.

Dr Avi Shmueli, a renowned clinical psychologist, couple psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, and Sarah Wellard, Director of Policy and Research at Grandparents Plus, were our keynote speakers. Dr Shmueli has a varied practice which includes supervising the work of the Divorce and Separation Consultation Service at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships. Grandparents Plus is a national charity which champions the role of grandparents and the wider family in children’s lives.

As lawyers we often see grandparents, uncles and aunts in meetings supporting their family members. Often they are concerned not only for the health and wellbeing of our client and their children, but they are also keen to maintain a relationship with the extended family moving forward. It can be a difficult relationship to manage even if they had close and regular contact before the relationship breakdown.

The talk looked at the neurological reasons which might explain why difficulties arise in maintaining these relationships going forward and explored tips and techniques which can help to address problems that arise.

Attendance at the thought leadership talks is by invitation only. If you would like to receive details of future events, please contact Sarah Cloke at Family Law in Partnership – E: sc@flip.co.uk T: 020 7420 5000.