The summer holidays are often something children look forward to. Whether it's a trip abroad, a UK break or simply spending extra time with a parent, holidays can create lasting memories. But what happens when a child says they don't want to go? This can be an incredibly difficult situation for everyone involved. One parent may feel worried or unsure how to respond, while the other may feel hurt, rejected or concerned that their relationship with their child is being affected

For many separated parents, the summer holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with their children. But if communication has broken down or trust is low, it's not uncommon for one parent to worry: "What if my ex doesn't bring our child back?" Even the thought of this can be incredibly distressing. Whether your concern comes from previous disagreements, threats that have been made, or simply anxiety about how things will unfold, these situations can feel

The recent publication of the House of Commons Justice Committee's Access to Justice: Legal Aid report is welcome news for everyone involved in family mediation. For many years, family mediators have been highlighting the growing pressures facing Legal Aid services. While demand for mediation continues, providers have been working within a system where fees have remained unchanged for decades and administrative demands have continued to increase. The Justice Committee's repor

School holidays can be challenging for separated parents, particularly when plans for trips and time with children are difficult to agree. We explore how family mediation can help parents discuss holiday arrangements, improve communication and find a way forward.

If you've seen The Invite, you'll probably have left the cinema thinking about more than just the storyline. Without giving away any spoilers, the film explores something that many people will recognise: relationships are complicated. They change over time, people grow in different directions, communication breaks down, and the life you imagined together doesn't always become the life you end up living. As family mediators, we see this every day. Marriage is hard work Marriag

The summer holidays are often a time families look forward to. They bring opportunities for holidays, days out, celebrations and making memories with children. For separated parents, however, the six-week break can also bring additional decisions and conversations about arrangements for children. Family mediation provides a structured, impartial space where parents can discuss these matters together and explore practical arrangements in a calm and constructive environment. Wh

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