Children in The Middle

Home
United Kingdom
Bristol
Children in The Middle

Expert direct access barristers - specialising in advising separated parents about their children

02/09/2026

When a child suddenly begins rejecting or resisting one parent without a clear reason, it can be incredibly distressing for everyone involved.

Every family is different, and there may be many reasons why a child's relationship with a parent changes. However, in some cases, the family court may need to consider whether alienating behaviours are a factor.

These cases are often complex and require careful consideration, specialist legal advice and, where appropriate, input from experienced professionals.

If you're worried that alienating behaviours may be affecting your relationship with your child, it's important to seek advice early.

At Children in the Middle, we have experience supporting families through complex cases involving allegations of alienating behaviours, providing clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

26/08/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about family mediation is that you have to sit in the same room as your former partner.

In reality, many mediation sessions can take place remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, making the process more comfortable and accessible.

Mediation won't be suitable for every situation, but where it is appropriate, it can help families communicate more effectively, reduce conflict and reach practical agreements without lengthy court proceedings.

If you'd like to find out more, we'd be happy to help.

📧 [email protected]
📞 0117 214 1797

19/08/2026

Back to school means more than buying new shoes.

For separated parents, the start of a new school year often brings extra things to think about.

Who's doing the school run? Who's attending parents' evenings? How will school letters and updates be shared? What happens if one parent wants to change schools?

Having these conversations early can help avoid unnecessary stress as September approaches and, most importantly, provide children with the stability and reassurance they need during a busy time of year.

Every family's circumstances are different, but planning ahead and keeping communication child-focused can make the transition back to school much smoother.

If you're unsure about your legal position regarding school arrangements or other decisions affecting your child, we're here to help.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

12/08/2026

"Will the mediator take my ex's side?"

It's one of the questions we're asked most often.

The answer is no.

A family mediator doesn't take sides or make decisions for you. Their role is to remain impartial, helping both people have productive conversations, explore options and work towards practical solutions where possible.

If the thought of meeting in person feels daunting, mediation can often take place remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, so you don't have to be in the same room.

Mediation isn't suitable for every situation, but for many families it provides a calmer, more collaborative way to resolve issues while keeping the focus on what's best for the children.

To find out whether mediation could be right for you, we'd be happy to help.

📧 [email protected]
📞 0117 214 1797

05/08/2026

Could mediation help you move forward?

When parents separate, it's natural to have different views about arrangements for the children, finances or the future. But not every disagreement has to end up in court.

Mediation gives you the opportunity to have structured conversations with the support of an impartial, trained mediator. The aim isn't for someone to make decisions for you – it's to help you explore solutions together where possible.

Many people are surprised to learn that you don't have to be in the same room to take part. Mediation can often be carried out remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, helping everyone feel more comfortable throughout the process.

For many families, mediation can be a less stressful, quicker and more collaborative way to resolve issues while keeping the focus on what's best for the children.

It's not suitable for every situation, but understanding your options is an important first step.

If you'd like to find out whether mediation could be right for you, we'd be happy to help.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

29/07/2026

When relationships break down, emotions naturally run high. It's easy for small misunderstandings to grow into bigger disagreements, especially when you're both trying to do what's best for your child.

Where it's safe and appropriate to do so, taking a step back, communicating calmly and focusing on your child's needs can often prevent situations from escalating unnecessarily.

Of course, there are times when legal advice is essential, particularly where there are concerns about safety, welfare or unresolved disputes. Knowing when to seek support is just as important as knowing when a conversation may be enough.

At Children in the Middle, we're here to provide clear, practical legal guidance when you need it most, always with the child's best interests at the heart of what we do.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

22/07/2026

The summer holidays can bring opportunities to make lasting memories, but they can also create challenges for separated families.

Questions around holiday arrangements, travel plans and changes to routines can sometimes become points of disagreement, particularly if expectations haven't been discussed well in advance.

Where possible, early communication and a focus on what's in the child's best interests can help avoid unnecessary conflict and provide children with the consistency and reassurance they need.

For professionals supporting families, this time of year often serves as a reminder that planning ahead and encouraging constructive communication can prevent issues from escalating.

At Children in the Middle, we're here to help parents navigate family law matters with clarity, compassion and a child-focused approach.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

15/07/2026

Family court can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first experience. There are unfamiliar terms, legal processes and expectations that can leave parents feeling unsure about what happens next.

One of the most important things you can do is ask questions.

Whether you're speaking with your solicitor, barrister or another legal professional, don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand something. A good legal adviser will want you to feel informed and confident about your case.

No question is too small when it comes to decisions that affect your family.

If you're unsure where to start or would like to discuss your options, our team is here to help.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]

08/07/2026

🤖 Thinking of using ChatGPT or another AI tool during family court proceedings? Read this first.

AI can be helpful for finding general information, but it should never replace professional legal advice when you're involved in family court.

Many parents don't realise that uploading court documents to an open AI platform could breach confidentiality rules, and sharing communications with your solicitor or barrister could even affect legal privilege.

Our latest blog explains the risks and why it's so important to seek advice from a qualified family lawyer before relying on AI-generated information.

📖 Read the full blog here: https://childreninthemiddle.co.uk/using-ai-family-court-proceedings

01/07/2026

One of the most common questions we hear is: 💬 "𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦?"

The short answer is: not quite.

The family court may take a child's wishes and feelings into account, particularly as they get older. However, there is no specific age at which a child gets to make the final decision.

Instead, the court will consider a range of factors, including the child's welfare, emotional needs, and overall circumstances.

Every family is different, which is why it's important to seek advice tailored to your situation.

📞 0117 214 1797
📧 [email protected]
🌐 childreninthemiddle.co.uk

Address

Bristol

Telephone

+441172141797

Website

http://childreninthemiddle.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Children in The Middle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Children in The Middle:

Featured

Nuevo Lawyers Ltd
Quadrant Court, 49 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Want your business to be the top-listed Law Practice in Bristol?