In the media: Dutton Gregory on BBC News and BBC South Today

In the spotlight and featured by the BBC

Jonathan Whettingsteel, Partner and Head of Family Law at Dutton Gregory, has been featured by the BBC, quoted in a BBC News article and appearing on the BBC South Today lunchtime show.

The BBC article focusses on parental alienation and the experience of parents and wider family members who say they have lost meaningful time with children following separation.

It features accounts of the emotional strain and financial cost of navigating repeated hearings, alongside campaigners who warn the issue can lead to serious mental health consequences.

The report covers a Portsmouth gathering by the People Against Parental Alienation support group and their “Lost Years” campaign, using children’s toys outside court buildings to represent time missed with loved ones.

It also references steps aimed at speeding up cases, including the Pathfinder pilot now operating locally. Jon cautions that any move towards decisions made largely on paperwork must still allow justice to be seen to be done.

In a previous interview regarding the rollout of Pathfinder, Jon raised concerns about parties feeling confident in decisions made without traditional hearings, and about whether services like CAFCASS have sufficient resource.

You can read more on the BBC’s website:

Parental alienation
The Pathfinder Process

Media enquiries like these are an opportunity to bring clear, practical family law guidance into the public conversation, helping people understand what’s changing, what it might mean in real life, and where to find support when decisions feel complex or emotionally charged.

Recognised in Doyle’s Guide

Alongside the BBC coverage, Jonathan Whettingsteel has been ranked again in Doyle’s Guide for the second consecutive year, in the Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Hampshire, 2026 listings.

Doyle’s Guide describes its Hampshire 2026 listing as highlighting family and divorce practitioners who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in the Hampshire market.

The 2026 listing of leading Hampshire Family & Divorce Lawyers details solicitors practising within the areas of family, divorce and matrimonial law matters in the Greater Hampshire legal market who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

You can view the listing on Doyles website

Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Hampshire, 2026

Reaccredited by the Law Society

Lastly, we’re delighted to share that Jonathan Whettingsteel has been re‑accredited by the Law Society in its Family Law Accreditation.

The Law Society explains that its Family Law Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for family law practitioners, covering all types of family law work except public law Children Act work (which is covered by a separate Children Law Accreditation).

Accreditation is not a one‑off badge. The Law Society states that membership lasts five years, and practitioners can apply to be reaccredited ahead of expiry.

If you’d like to read more about what the accreditation is, you can read more on the Law Society’s website

Why this all matters

Family law issues often arrive at moments of high stress.  Separation, divorce, child arrangements, finances, or the practical implications of big life changes. In those moments, people need two things, straightforward legal guidance and human support that helps them make confident decisions.

That’s why these milestones matter. Being approached by the media, recognised by independent directories, and maintaining professional accreditations all point to the same thing, a commitment to expertise, clarity, and high standards.  All while keeping the focus on what matters most to the people in front of us.

If you’re looking for advice, clearly explained, our Family team can help you understand your options and the next practical step. Get in touch to arrange a confidential conversation on [email protected] or call 01962 624 405.