In this episode of the Legal Chat podcast from Warners Solicitors, host Paul Harvey is joined by Matthew Aves, Head of the Family Law Team, for an honest and practical look at how the family justice system is operating today.

Together, they explore the realities of court delays across the UK, why more individuals are choosing self-representation, and the growing—and often risky—trend of using AI tools like ChatGPT for legal arguments and document preparation. Matthew shares real-world insights into why generic online advice can often backfire, the emotional and financial cost of court backlogs on families and children, and how alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and early legal advice can help you navigate separation far more effectively.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Court Delays: Why wait times vary dramatically by region and what it means for families.
• Self-Representation & Legal Aid: The broader impact of removing legal aid on court efficiency.
• The AI Pitfall: Why relying on online### Episode Title Navigating Family Law: Delays, Self-Representation, and the Limits of AI

Moving home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, but the conveyancing process can often feel complex, time-consuming and stressful.

In this episode of Legal Chat from Warner’s Solicitors, Paul Harvey is joined by Jane Bohill, Partner and Head of Residential Property at Warner’s, to explore what has changed in the property market and what buyers and sellers need to know.

Jane explains why property transactions have become more complex, what commonly causes delays, how leasehold and environmental considerations can affect a purchase, and why preparation and communication are key to keeping a transaction on track.

The conversation also looks at why choosing a conveyancer based on price alone may not always be the best decision, and the questions buyers and sellers should ask before instructing a solicitor.

Whether you’re planning to move soon or simply want to understand the conveyancing process better, this episode offers practical advice to help you save time, money and stress.

Inheritance Tax is changing, and many more families could be affected than they realise.

In this episode of Legal Chat, host Paul Harvey is joined by Richard Theobald, Partner in Warners Solicitors' Private Client team, to explain the major inheritance tax changes announced following the October 2024 Budget and what they could mean for individuals, families, business owners and farmers.

Together they discuss:

• Why inheritance tax is no longer just an issue for the very wealthy
• The impact of pensions becoming subject to inheritance tax from April 2027
• Changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief
• Common myths around gifting and the seven-year rule
• Why reviewing your will, pension nominations and estate planning has never been more important
• How solicitors and financial advisers can work together to help families plan effectively

Whether you've made a will years ago, have built up pension savings, own a family business, or simply want to understand how the latest changes could affect your loved ones, this episode provides practical guidance to help you stay informed and plan ahead.

Legal Chat is the podcast from Warners Solicitors, offering clear, practical insights into the legal issues that affect individuals, families and businesses.