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