‘Back-to-school’: Separating parents’ demand for family mediation set to rise
The pressures of the six-week school vacation often mean a rise in the number of couples calling time on their relationship,”. The picture postcard image of happy summer family holidays doesn’t ring true for many.
Sadly, the time that unhappy couples spend together in the summer can deepen long-standing cracks. The six-week break from the usual routines places huge burdens on fragile relationships, with the costs and other pressures that come with extra childcare responsibilities.
Experience shows us that the end of a summer holiday can lead to one or both partners taking a long deep breath, and confirming what they’ve suspected for a long time: the relationship is over.
Those who have made the life-changing decision to separate can feel daunted, not knowing where to turn: “When you separate or divorce, there are so many challenging questions, ranging from ‘Where will the children live?’ to ‘Who gets the family dog?’
“Other questions need answering too, including:
- How can we make sure we each spend time with the children?
- How will we sort money?
- Who lives where?
- What should we do about debts and pensions?”
Family mediation is a process that helps ex-partners agree what will work for them as they look to make parenting, property and finance arrangements.
As an independent, professionally trained mediator I can help you work things out, avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring. I can help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family. Mediation allows you to stay in control, as you will not be made to do or agree to anything against your wishes. Unlike in a courtroom both partners can agree to a solution rather than have a judge decide for them
The government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 to help separating couples make settlements using family mediation.
I will be pleased to have a preliminary telephone chat to help with any queries, just ring me 07831 393283 or email me peppy@peppymediation.co.uk