The Split: Fact or Fiction? Episode Four

A new BBC legal drama, The Split, is the first of its kind to focus on the family legal profession and follows the Defoe family, two generations of female divorce lawyers. Although the series sensitively explored the emotional and practical realities of divorce and separation, to the dismay of many family lawyers, a number of legal inaccuracies were also portrayed. Every day this week, we will take a closer look at how each episode of The Split failed to address some common family law myths.

Episode four

Episode four sees Hannah placed in the midst of a very public scandal that becomes a personal one in episode five when it is revealed her husband is one of 10,000 users of an online dating site for extra-marital affairs. Hannah acts for the UK foreign secretary whose husband’s name features on the leaked list. Initially the foreign secretary seeks a divorce, however, Hannah advises that details of her client’s divorce and private life will be heard in open court. The position is that ultimately, a Judge retains the discretion to determine whether a case should be allowed any media publicity. Cases involving children are almost always held in private.

Our Family team understands the sensitive nature of family proceedings and the long term impact and challenges that can surround them. Here at BPE we aim to minimise conflict and help our clients work towards a constructive outcome. Please contact any member of the team to find out how we can help.

These notes have been prepared for the purpose of an article only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.