•It really helps to go to your first mediation knowing what is important to you. Try to keep an open mind about what the practical solution might look like but identify the questions that you believe need answering. These will be unique to your family, but might include, for example: Read more…
Mediation is a sort of a structured conversation, in which a professional helps people to discuss difficult things in a safe space. A qualified mediator will keep the discussion focused on the important issues and will encourage you both to think about the future rather than the past. As a Read more…
One of the most difficult things about divorce and separation is the uncertainty and confusion people feel. Mediation can help you work out what your options are. Sometimes none of the options will be especially good ones from your point of view and that can be a difficult and unhappy Read more…
When you are in a broken relationship your ability to be the best parent you can be is hampered – so separation can be a positive opportunity to have a better relationship with your children. Try not to see your child as a commodity to be bargained over – children Read more…
Being a separated parent is a daunting challenge. Here are some issues you may wish to consider in exploring what kind of arrangements would suit your new family best. If you think it would be helpful to have a parenting plan agreed we can work on this in mediation. Who Read more…
During mediation it is really important, though often really hard, to keep communication with your ex civilized. Communication can be hampered when you feel too anxious, angry or upset. Basic exercises may help – take a breath, go for a walk, count to ten. Finding a way to communicate effectively Read more…
The Office for National Statistics has published the divorce statistics for 2020 in England and Wales. There is a caveat about the potential but unknown impact of the pandemic on the figures. Highlights are: Over 103, 000 divorces were granted in England and Wales, a decrease of 4.5% compared with Read more…
The government is extending the family mediation voucher scheme. They have also put in another £1.3 million. It is expected that this will extend the scheme until the end of March 2022. This means that mediators can continue to offer vouchers to their clients. It is anticipated that vouchers will Read more…
A cool £1 billion was either collected or arranged by the Child Maintenance Service last year. That’s a record figure. The increase down to the CMS having stronger powers and and having strong sanctions. This include deductions from personal bank accounts as well as seizing passports and/or driving licences. There Read more…
Different people use different strategies for managing conflicts. These are learned, usually in childhood, and they seem to function automatically. Often we are not aware of how we act in conflict situations. We just do what comes naturally. But we do have a personal conflict management style, and because it Read more…