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

Family mediation or lawyer negotiation? Which is right for you? When you're facing a family dispute, it can be difficult...
06/10/2026

Family mediation or lawyer negotiation? Which is right for you?

When you're facing a family dispute, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Should you try mediation? Or would negotiating through a solicitor or barrister be a better option?

The answer depends on your individual circumstances.

In our latest blog, we explain the key differences between family mediation and lawyer negotiation, including:

βœ”οΈ How each process works
βœ”οΈ The role of the mediator or lawyer
βœ”οΈ When one option may be more appropriate than the other

Understanding your options is the first step towards making informed decisions for you and your family.

πŸ“– Read our latest blog on the website: https://childreninthemiddle.co.uk/family-mediation-vs-lawyer-negotiation

If you'd like to discuss your circumstances, we'd be happy to help.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

πŒπ˜π“π‡: "The family court always favours one parent." 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓: Family courts don't make decisions based on whether someone is...
30/09/2026

πŒπ˜π“π‡: "The family court always favours one parent."

𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓: Family courts don't make decisions based on whether someone is a mother or a father. Every case is considered on its own individual facts, with the child's welfare as the court's paramount consideration.

It's easy to be influenced by stories you've heard from friends, family or social media, but every family's circumstances are unique.

If you're involved in a family law matter, understanding your legal position and the options available to you can help you make informed decisions based on the facts of your case - not on common myths.

If you'd like clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances, we're here to help.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

You don't have to agree on everything to be a good co-parent! After separation, it's normal for parents to have differen...
23/09/2026

You don't have to agree on everything to be a good co-parent!

After separation, it's normal for parents to have different opinions from time to time. What matters most is keeping the focus on your child's needs.

Children benefit from consistency, reassurance and knowing that both parents are there to support them, even if they live in two different homes.

Co-parenting doesn't mean agreeing on every decision. It means finding ways to work together where possible and making choices that put your child's wellbeing first.

If you're struggling to agree on arrangements for your child, seeking legal advice early can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

Many people worry that contacting a family law professional means they've already taken the first step towards court pro...
16/09/2026

Many people worry that contacting a family law professional means they've already taken the first step towards court proceedings.

In reality, that's often not the case.

Seeking legal advice early can help you understand your rights, your responsibilities and the options available to you. It can provide clarity, answer your questions and, in some cases, even help prevent disputes from escalating.

Every family's circumstances are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is having the information you need to make informed decisions.

If you're unsure where you stand, we're here to help.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

"𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐑𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭." It's something we hear from many parents when they first get in touch. Family law ca...
09/09/2026

"𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐑𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭."

It's something we hear from many parents when they first get in touch.

Family law can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never been through the process before. You might not know what information you'll need, what your options are, or even whether you need legal advice at all.

That's okay.

Your first appointment with one of our barristers is simply an opportunity to understand your circumstances, answer your questions and explore the options available to you.

No jargon. No pressure. Just clear, practical advice to help you decide your next steps.

If you're unsure where to begin, we're here to help.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

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

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [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.

πŸ“§ [email protected]
πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797

Back to school means more than buying new shoes. For separated parents, the start of a new school year often brings extr...
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.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

"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 medi...
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.

πŸ“§ [email protected]
πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797

Could mediation help you move forward?When parents separate, it's natural to have different views about arrangements for...
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.

πŸ“ž 0117 214 1797
πŸ“§ [email protected]

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