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 where difficult...

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 very different....

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? And what if one...