Blog

Avoiding the financial storm

Avoiding the financial storm

This year, when mediating financial cases, I have noticed a rise in the number of people facing financial struggles and difficulties. The increased financial pressure often results in higher debt which is adding to the struggle. There are several contributing factors, including current economic conditions, costs of living, housing markets and mortgages, education expenses and consumer debt. A big worry...Read More
Unlock the power of empathy

Unlock the power of empathy

Empathy is the secret ingredient to building deeper connections. We may not always have the courage to display it, but by standing in someone else's shoes, it can lead to genuine progress when it comes to resolving conflict. What is empathy? There is a lot of information out there and you are probably aware of the difference between sympathy and...Read More
Parenting apart… do you have a plan?

Parenting apart… do you have a plan?

Clients will sometimes tell me that they don’t need a parenting plan as both sides are amicable. My answer to this is “The best time to create a parenting plan is when you are amicable.” Working on a detailed parenting plan with your co-parent from a place of calm can avoid disagreements in the future. It can help set boundaries...Read More
Role of the Family Court

Role of the Family Court

From speaking with friends, family, clients, I've come to realise that there is a lot of mis-information when it comes to the role of the family courts for child arrangements and around the expectations on what they will provide to you. Below is a brief outline on the process and what the family courts are here for and more importantly...Read More
Are you hearing me?

Are you hearing me?

There is always more to the story It’s important for me not to let my personal opinions and bias get in the way of the mediation process. I am always conscious of this. Having cases from various parts of the UK, I am constantly exposed to a range of disputes in families with different social classes, lifestyles, needs and mindsets....Read More
Communication – Agenda item #1

Communication – Agenda item #1

You don’t see your arguments, your kids do. Change what they see. One of the first questions I ask clients is “how is the communication between you and your ex-partner currently?” Some common responses might be, “we don’t communicate at all”, or “only via text or email if we have to” or, “she is too difficult to talk to and...Read More
Child Inclusive Mediation : The child’s voice

Child Inclusive Mediation : The child’s voice

Child-inclusive mediation can lead to more child-focused outcomes and help parents understand how to manage their child’s opinions, behaviours and emotions. What is Child-Inclusive Mediation? Child-inclusive mediation (CIM) gives children an opportunity to have their voices heard and bring their perspective into the mediation process. Areas which could be explored with the child include: Proposed arrangements for their future How...Read More
Let’s talk about money

Let’s talk about money

It’s a subject which often causes awkwardness within families. We all strive to have more of it but it is also one of the biggest causes of arguments, relationship breakdown, stress and more stress. Knowing your finances can be empowering and you never know when there might be an unexpected change in your family circumstances. Financial mediation – how does...Read More
Expectations are everything

Expectations are everything

As with every new year that passes, we tend to reflect on what we have achieved, set ourselves goals and have expectations for the year ahead. We all have expectations, some bigger than others. Why do they matter? How can they cause conflict? And what you can do to manage them? Think about a time where you expected a journey...Read More
The coin toss

The coin toss

There are many crises happening all over the world and this year we have experienced one closer to home. The Coronavirus crisis has had life changing impacts on families and peoples livelihoods. These impacts have been through no fault of their own and has often been determined by good fortune or bad luck – a coin toss depending on where...Read More