Family Mediation and Separation

Inheritance disputes don't always start with the inheritance itself. Sometimes they are part of a much wider disagreement between siblings about money, responsibility or what is fair. When a parent dies, there is already enough to deal with. There is the grief. The funeral. The paperwork. Sorting through a lifetime of possessions. And, for many families, the practical decisions that come with dealing with an estate. Then there is the inheritance. What should happen to the hou

A closer look at the changes to family courts in England and Wales, and what they could mean for children and parents. When parents separate, the decisions that follow can have a lasting impact on their children. Where parents cannot agree on arrangements, they may find themselves turning to the family court. For some families, this can mean a lengthy and emotionally demanding process at a time when everyone is already adjusting to significant change. The family justice syste

For millions of couples, living together is family life. But if that relationship comes to an end, the law currently treats you very differently from a married couple. That could be about to change. In June 2026, the Government published a consultation called A Fairer End to Relationships, setting out proposals for significant changes to the law around relationships, including new protections for cohabiting couples when they separate. The consultation closed on 14 August 2026

New research explores what happens after parents go through Family Court. Discover why some families return to court and how mediation can help create lasting solutions. When parents separate, disagreements about children can sometimes feel impossible to resolve. For some families, Family Court becomes the route they need to take to obtain decisions about arrangements for their children. Court plays an important role and, in some circumstances, it is absolutely necessary. But

How Marshall Rosenberg's ideas can help separating couples communicate more effectively. If you've ever been through separation or divorce, you'll know that conversations can quickly become arguments. Sometimes it's not what is being said that causes the problem; it's how it's being heard. I've recently been reading Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg, a book that has influenced mediators, counsellors, teachers and peacebuilders around th

Sometimes divorce or separation can feel less like moving forward and more like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube.

Discover what family mediation can help with beyond separation and divorce, including child arrangements, communication, family disagreements and financial discussions. When people hear the term family mediation, they often assume it only applies to couples who are separating or divorcing and trying to sort out child arrangements or finances. If you are separating or divorcing, mediation can help you navigate important decisions about the future. While that is a very common a

Learn how the divorce process works in England and Wales, from applying for a divorce to the final order, and discover where family mediation can help resolve child and financial arrangements. For many people, starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming. There are often questions around how long it takes, what the different stages mean, and how finances or arrangements for children fit into the process. Since the introduction of the no-fault divorce system in England a

Comparing family mediation with court? Discover the benefits of mediation, including lower costs, quicker resolutions, greater control and a less stressful way to resolve family disputes. Family disputes can be emotionally draining and complex. When families face conflicts, the traditional route often leads to court, which can be lengthy, costly, and adversarial. However, there is a more constructive alternative: family mediation. This blog post explores the numerous benefits

Discover how family mediation can save time and money compared with court proceedings, while helping separating couples reach practical agreements about children and finances. Family disputes can be emotionally draining and financially burdensome. Whether it's a divorce, custody battle, or property division, traditional legal processes often lead to prolonged conflicts and escalating costs. Fortunately, family mediation offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.

Discover how family mediation works, what happens at each stage and how mediation can help separating couples make decisions about children, finances and the future. I'm Steven Hagan, founder of New Moon Mediation. I help separating couples and parents understand their options and find practical ways forward through family mediation. Family disputes can be emotionally charged and complex, often leading to prolonged conflicts that affect relationships and well-being. Family me