When parents separate, it is often the adults who find themselves navigating difficult decisions, emotional conversations and an uncertain future. Yet, in mediation rooms across the North East, one thing becomes clear time and time again: children are experiencing the separation too. As family mediators, we regularly support parents who are trying their best to make good decisions for their children whilst managing their own emotions, practical challenges and concerns about t

Families across Northumberland, Newcastle, Durham and the wider North East will see significant changes to the Family Court process from November 2026. The new Child Focused Courts Programme is being introduced in Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland on 17 November 2026 following successful pilot schemes elsewhere in England. The programme aims to improve outcomes for children, reduce delays and encourage earlier resolution of family disputes. For parents considering a child

When a child says they do not want to spend time with one of their parents following separation, it can be deeply upsetting for everyone involved. Parents are often left feeling confused, hurt, anxious, or fearful about what this might mean for their relationship with their child. In some situations, concerns about a child resisting contact can quickly lead to increased conflict, urgent applications to court, or allegations being made before the situation has been fully under

When relationships end, many parents are left carrying an overwhelming sense of sadness, guilt, fear, or uncertainty about the future. It is common for separated parents to worry about the impact on their children and wonder whether family life will ever feel stable or positive again. At Pax Mediation, we regularly speak to parents who feel that separation has somehow meant they have failed their children or failed as a family. But separation does not automatically mean failu

If you’re separating and need to sort out finances, property or pensions, it can feel overwhelming. Many people assume the process will be long, complicated or confrontational. The reality is very different. Financial mediation is a structured, supportive process that usually takes just 3–4 sessions and helps you reach practical, workable agreements together—without the stress of court. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how property and finance mediation works, st

Separation can bring a lot of uncertainty, especially when it comes to making arrangements for children, finances, or property. Many people consider family mediation as a way to move forward constructively, but starting that conversation with an ex partner can feel daunting. This article explores how that conversation often arises, what family mediation involves, and how it can be introduced in a calm and constructive way. What Is Family Mediation Family mediation is a struct

When parents separate, many things change—routines, communication, and family life more generally. One area that often becomes more noticeable is differences in parenting styles. What may previously have felt manageable can, over time, begin to feel more significant. This is something many separated parents experience, particularly in the early stages of parenting after separation. If you are finding this challenging, you are not alone—and there are supportive, constructive w

At Pax Mediation, we recognise that no two neurodivergent people are the same . Neurodiversity includes a wide range of experiences — such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, sensory processing differences, and other ways of thinking and processing information. But labels only tell part of the story. Every person brings their own strengths, preferences, communication style, and needs. Rather than making assumptions, we take the same approach we use in mediation itself: we

Why Communication Breaks Down in Families Family communication often becomes strained during periods of change or stress. Common reasons include: The expression of strong emotions that can make it difficult for other family members to listen calmly. Assumptions about what others in the family are thinking or feeling. A tendency to avoid difficult conversations to try to keep the peace. Power imbalances between adults in the family or between parents and children. External pre

When parents separate, discussions about shared care, time with children , and child maintenance are often some of the most emotionally charged and complex issues to navigate. Many parents arrive at mediation with strong views about what feels fair, what they believe reflects their involvement, and what they hope arrangements will look like going forward. These conversations are not unusual — and they often reflect deeper concerns about parenting identity, financial pressu