Parental disputes set to rise after six-week break from routines
Family dispute experts expect demand from separating parents to rise as the school summer holiday ends.
The pressures of the six-week school holiday can lead to unhappy parents calling time on their relationship.
The ‘picture postcard’ image of happy holidays is far from the truth for many people: “Sadly, the time that unhappy couples spend together in the summer can deepen long-standing cracks.
The long break from the usual routines can create big burdens on fragile relationships, with the costs and other pressures that come with extra childcare responsibilities.
Experience shows us the end of a summer holiday can lead to one or both partners taking a long deep breath and confirming what has been on the cards for some time: the relationship is over.
Those who have made the life-changing decision to separate can feel daunted, not knowing where to turn: “When you separate or divorce, there are so many challenging questions, ranging from ‘Where will the children live?’ to ‘Who gets the family dog?’
“Other questions need answering too, including:
- How can we make sure we each spend time with the children?
- How will we sort money?
- Who lives where?
- What should we do about debts and pensions?”
Family mediators can help people as they come to terms with the scale of the arrangements that need to be made.
Family mediation is a process that helps ex-partners agree what will work for them as they look to make parenting, property and finance arrangements. Our experts are ready to help guide you through, helping you feel in control of the process.
An independent, professionally trained mediator can help you work things out, avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.
The government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 to help separating couples using family mediation – if they need to sort out future arrangements for children.
We can also set up Legal Aid if you meet the requirements which would cover the full cost. Check if you can get legal aid – GOV.UK
Talk to us by calling 0300 003 2324 or emailing mediation@relationships-service.org.uk