Half term can be an exciting break for children, but it can also create practical questions for separated parents. Who will care for the children during the week? Will they spend time with both parents? What happens if one parent is working? Can either parent make holiday plans? And how should arrangements be managed if the parents have different expectations? There is no single way for separated parents to arrange half term. Every family’s circumstances are different, and ar

When a relationship ends, communication between former partners can become difficult. Messages may go unanswered. Conversations may quickly become arguments. Important information about the children may be misunderstood or not shared at all. For some separated parents, even a simple discussion about school, activities, money or arrangements for the children can feel impossible. When communication has broken down, family mediation can provide a safe and structured setting wher

When parents separate, it is common for everyday arrangements around the children to become more complicated. One issue that can cause particular anxiety is not knowing where your children will be staying when they are with their other parent. You may know that the children are safe and spending time with their parent, but still feel unsettled because you do not know the address, who else may be there, or what the arrangements are. For the other parent, the situation may feel

Children’s activities are often an important part of family life. Football, swimming, gymnastics, music lessons, scouting, dance and other clubs can give children opportunities to develop friendships, build confidence and enjoy time outside school. After separation, however, questions about these activities can become more complicated. Who pays for the fees? How should equipment be purchased? What happens when an activity takes place during one parent’s time with the children

When one parent is regularly late collecting the children, it can become much more than a problem with the clock. The other parent may be unable to make plans, handovers may become tense, and the children may be left wondering when they are going to leave. At Pax Mediation, we meet parents who describe the same collection differently. One may feel that a short delay is part of a busy week. The other may feel that repeated lateness makes the arrangements unreliable. Family med

If your ex is stopping you from seeing your child, it can feel devastating. For many parents, this is one of the most painful and frightening situations after separation. You may feel angry, powerless, confused or deeply worried about what this means for your relationship with your child. The good news is that this situation is often not the end of the story. In many cases, parents are able to improve communication, reduce conflict and make workable arrangements that help the

If you're wondering "Can my child change their surname at school?", you're not alone. This is a question many separated parents ask, particularly when family circumstances have changed and different surnames are being used at home, at school or elsewhere. A child's surname can be closely connected to their identity, family relationships and sense of belonging. It's understandable that parents may have different views about whether a surname should be changed, how it should ap

If you're asking "Who decides which school a child goes to after separation?", you're not alone. Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions parents make for their children, and after separation it can sometimes become a source of disagreement. Whether your child is starting primary school, moving to secondary school or considering a change of school, it's natural for both parents to have views about what they believe is best. One parent may prioritise academic achievem

If you're asking "Who pays for school uniform after separation?", you're certainly not alone. As a new school year approaches, many separated parents find themselves discussing the cost of uniforms, PE kits, school shoes and other essentials. For some families, these conversations are straightforward. For others, they can become a source of stress, particularly where communication has become difficult or there are already disagreements about finances. There is no single arran

If you're wondering, "Can my ex change my child's school without my permission?", you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions parents ask following separation. A child's education is incredibly important, and when parents have different views about which school is best, emotions can quickly run high. Whether one parent wants to move closer to family, believes another school would better meet a child's needs, or simply feels a change is necessary, disagreements abo