Jessica Keal interviewed by International Comparative Legal Guides

Speaking with ICLG, Jessica highlights severe delays in the family court system driven by underfunding, a shortage of judges, and the increasing number of unrepresented parties following cuts to legal aid. She notes that these delays are having a profound impact on clients already in crisis, making timely legal advice and clear expectation management essential.

“It’s a huge frustration to me – and to every family lawyer I know. Clients are vulnerable, often in crisis. Delays make it worse. But the courts are just stretched beyond capacity.”

She goes on to discuss her significant experience advising high-net-worth clients, often with international assets and sensitive circumstances, on divorce and financial settlements, noting that England and Wales is often a favourable jurisdiction for parties due to its approach to asset division and prenuptial agreements.

With particular expertise in LGBTQ+ families and issues, Jessica calls for urgent reform on cohabitation rights, surrogacy laws, and funding of the family courts - what she refers to as her "three soapboxes". Jessica notes how the law struggles to keep pace with modern cohabitation, which can leave long-term, unmarried partners with minimal protection. She highlights how existing frameworks around surrogacy law are "not just outdated" but "dangerous" when it comes to international surrogacy arrangements. She also argues that increased investment into the family courts is essential to ensure that cases involving children and vulnerable parties are prioritised and handled efficiently.

Jessica concludes by explaining why she enjoys practising family law: “It’s the people. I know that sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. You see clients at their lowest, but you help them through it. That’s the reward.”

Jessica's interview was published in ICLG, 27 June 2025, and can be read in full here.