Family Mediation North Wales

Starting the week the right way……
As a mediator, I don’t always see the outcome of my role following family separation. Today my heart is full. I feel so grateful to a client (whose contact with his son had broken down months ago), for sending me a video. They had been reunited following mediation. The video showed them playing on a trampoline when the little boy spontaneously said “I really love you Daddy”.

Fathers are crucial for a child’s development, providing unique emotional, social, and cognitive benefits. Involved fathers contribute to higher self-esteem, better emotional regulation, and stronger academic performance in children. They offer distinct parenting styles, such as encouraging risk-taking, fostering security, and setting behavioral boundaries, which create a balanced upbringing.

Key reasons for the importance of fathers include:
Emotional and Social Development: Involved fathers (including father figures) enhance a child's cognitive development, social competence, and ability to handle stress. They teach coping strategies and promote inner growth.

Behavioral Outcomes:
A father's presence is linked to fewer behavioral issues in boys and lower risks of psychological problems in girls.

Future Success and Stability: Children with involved fathers are twice as likely to enter college or find stable employment and have a reduced likelihood of engaging in criminal activity or becoming teen parents.

Relationship Role Models: Fathers set a standard for relationships, showing sons how to treat others with respect and daughters what to expect from male partners.
Security and Nurturing: Fathers provide a vital sense of safety, both physically and emotionally.

The children’s commissioner has written a letter to separating parents. “Going through a separation or divorce can be an incredibly challenging time, not only for parents but importantly for children too……I have written to separating parents as an advocate for children, sharing guidance I hope will support them to navigate this period of family change with confidence, compassion, and a focus on what matters most: helping their child feel loved, secure, and supported.”

assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

The Ministry of Justice has now formally confirmed the continuation of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year.

This means families will be able to access a £500 contribution to mediation for issues relating to children for a further year.

This is great news for parents who need help to make decisions about how their children can share a relationship with both parents following separation, or other important decisions, where support is needed

When parents separate, this fleeting moment has to be shared, making the time more precious for both parents. Mediation can help with early decision making when planning how to share the care of your children following separation

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjckRSjZ0T/?igsh=ZGE3aGtxMXd4aWpt

This is your reminder: today, they’re still yours to hold... Follow and enjoy every fleeting moment with your children ❤️ There’s a season in parenting that’s so fleeting, it passes before you even realize it was happening. It’s the blink — when they’re small, soft, and still reach for your hand. 🤝 You carry them in from the car. 🚗 You say yes to bedtime stories. 📖 You answer another question just to hear their voice. 💬 And then suddenly, they don’t ask for help as much. They stop reaching back. 😞 They grow. 🌱 If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering if you’re doing enough - This is your reminder: you’re living in the blink. 🌟 And it’s more sacred than it feels. Hold the moment. ✨ Say yes to the cuddle. ✨ Let them be little. ✨ Because one day they’ll walk into the world... but today, they’re still yours. Follow and enjoy every fleeting moment with your children ❤️ • • • • • #inspiration #parenting #parentinglife

⭐ ⭐ FAMILY MEDIATION FUNDING NEWS ⭐ ⭐

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) are still finalising budget delegations for 26/27 but report that “we fully expect continued funding for mediation vouchers and providers should continue to process vouchers as normal. MoJ will confirm the position formally in due course.”
If you are separating or separated and trying to make arrangements for how your children can share their time between you, mediation can help and the government voucher supports this with a one of £500 voucher towards the costs of mediation

https://youtu.be/PMHeQO-rEfU

Do you really want to hear how family separation affects your children? Watch this powerful video, separation through the eyes of the child - The Child of Separated Parents

The Child of Separated Parents A compelling video clip, helping parents to recognise how separation and conflict can impact on children.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/life-events/how-much-does-a-divorce-cost

How much does a divorce cost? | MoneyHelper 42% of marriages now end in divorce, so it’s worth knowing that the average cost of a divorce in the UK stands at £14,561 in legal fees and lifestyle costs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy7ge6np1l7o?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR12pLjFWEJhjt6AYN6YWvD0X4t8pToEqmfsgfVLyRH2cZv9hbVdCWMOYdM_aem_0TwBnMfeLBNhgOdfyLYpGg

Parental alienating behaviour is endemic - Northampton campaigner About 40% of separated parents say an ex-partner tried to turn their child against them, a study says.

‼️ The Ministry of Justice Announces Extension to
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme ‼️

The scheme
Will continue for a further 12 months to March 2026.

Following the news, Stephen Burke, Chair of The Family Mediation Council (FMC), said: "Analysis of the family mediation voucher scheme has shown it to be successful in helping people make important agreements without the need to go to court. The FMC welcomes its extension, not least as this will continue to ensure that families on low incomes can access mediation to help them resolve conflict."

Avoid the Hidden Costs of Divorce - Choose Mediation! 🤝💼

Divorce can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be financially draining. Discover the benefits of mediation and how it can save you time, money, and stress. Learn more here : https://www.nfm.org.uk/avoiding-the-hidden-costs-of-divorce-the-benefits-of-mediation/