Family lawyers have teamed up with psychologists and psychiatrists to produce a ‘groundbreaking’ resource to support clients going through divorce and struggling with their mental health.

Ben Parry-Smith, a partner at Payne Hicks Beach, which spearheaded the initiative, said family lawyers had a duty of care to support clients accessing the right kind of help, beyond legal advice.

‘I am delighted so many of us collaborated on this initiative and hope that it will be a valuable resource for anyone practicing family law in the UK. I hope it shines a spotlight and starts a wider conversation about how best to help vulnerable clients and indeed, one another,' Parry-Smith said.

The guidance includes a vulnerable clients guide to help lawyers identify struggling clients, have an open conversation with them, and provide appropriate support. Wellbeing guidance for lawyers explores the importance of self-care mechanisms, professional boundaries and building a strong support network. A ‘survival guide’ for vulnerable clients explains the psychological impact of separation and advice on how to recognise and manage problematic behaviours. How a firm might respond if a client becomes increasingly vulnerable is addressed in an ‘escalation policy’ guide.

Guidance produced by Mishcon de Reya and Payne Hicks Beath explores support for vulnerable clients from a regulatory perspective. The resources also include family law booklets produced by the Family Justice Council, Tavistock Relationships and Law Society.

Payne Hicks Beach said the initiative would not have been possible without the support of Dr Jonathan Iliff (Psyke/NHS), Dr Emma Jones (Sheffield University), Sheena Cassidy Hope (Mishcon de Reya), Jonathan Edgeley (Montrose Health), together with Payne Hicks Beach’s Nick Manners, Kelly Gerrard, Luke Scarratt, Kate Edgington and Parry-Smith.

The firm also thanked Mindful Business Charter, members of family law group Resolution, lay clients, social workers, mental health professionals, Mishcon de Reya, Burness Paull, Charles Russell Speechlys, Dawson Cornwell, Farrer & Co, Forsters, Harbottle & Lewis, Peters May, Stewarts, 1GC, 1KBW, 29 Bedford Row and 1 Hare Court for their support and contributions during the consultation process.

The guidance will be officially unveiled at an event in Lincoln’s Inn, London.

 

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