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TN/SIT/03
Edition 2027 · effective 1 January 2027

Personal & family · Separation and co-parenting

The couple is ending. The parents are not. Children need a plan both can live with.

Family mediation helps separating parents agree on arrangements for children and finances, with the children’s interests at the centre and the courts as a last resort. Where there is any risk of harm, safety comes first and specialist services are the right route.

Route your versionFind a Neutral

§ 01What it looks like

Recognise it early. The earliest moment is the cheapest.

Early signals

What you notice first

Small, and easy to explain away.

  • Every handover becomes an argument
  • Children are carrying messages between parents
  • Each parent is preparing for court
  • Money and time with children are being traded
What is at stake

What waiting can cost

Usually more than the original issue.

  • The children’s wellbeing and stability
  • Years of cost and conflict in court
  • The parents’ ability to work together for decades

§ 02The Neutral route

Usually: Mediation.

Family mediators are trained to keep the focus on children and on workable arrangements, and to screen for situations where mediation is not safe.

Usual first role · Binding only if the parties sign an agreement

Mediation

The parties decide. The mediator never imposes.

Also used · Advisory

Neutral Evaluation

You decide. The evaluator advises.

Human checkpoint. Guidance, not legal advice. You choose the role; the Neutral discloses conflicts and accepts a mandate before any file is shared.

§ 03The steps

What a good process looks like.

  1. Check that mediation is safe and suitable for youBefore anything else01
  2. Find an accredited family mediatorThe moment independence enters02
  3. Work on a parenting plan before the financial settlementWhere the work is done03
  4. Have any agreement reviewed by your own lawyerSo it holds04

§ 04Prepare and avoid

What to bring. What to leave out.

(Bring)

01

Children’s routines, schools and needs

02

A full and honest financial disclosure

03

What each parent can realistically commit to

04

Any court dates or legal deadlines

(Avoid)

✕

Using children as messengers

✕

Mediation where there is abuse or fear: seek specialist help first

✕

Signing anything without independent advice

§ 05Your version

Every situation is different. Describe yours.

Write in your own words. Leave out names and confidential details.

§ 06Related

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