When you separate from a partner then it’s a given that two things you will need are to heal and to find a resolution. These two are intertwined and sometimes you need to make considerable progress with one before you can make progress with the other. You may also have a number of other needs beyond that and here at LKW Family Mediation we encourage you to give some thought to those needs so that the resolution is a holistic…
We have recently put together a downloadable pdf of our top 10 tips to help separating couples to work together as constructively as possible. It follows our approach of helping couples who separate to find a resolution that is tailor made for them, and their children, through constructive discussion. You don’t need to be a client to download this. It is free to anyone who feels that it might assist. So please feel free to download it and share with…
The media do love a sensationalist divorce headline: whether it’s about quickie divorces, ongoing maintenance for wives or divorce day. They just want to sell papers or get clicks online. The fact that the divorce process takes the same time for everyone (about 4 to 6 months), regardless of whether you have ever been in Hello magazine, is neither here nor there. So often the headline focusses on a single fact which is actually not the most important part at…
If you have only recently separated from your husband or wife, then you may be quite surprised to find out how the divorce laws work in this country. Currently unless you have been separated from your husband or wife for 2 years (this can include living separate lives within the same house) then the only fact on which you can base your divorce is either the other person’s adultery, or their unreasonable behaviour. The unreasonable behaviour is a subjective test.…
If you have any experience of having solicitors resolve a separation with any degree of acrimony then you might be familiar with the following scenario: Things are ticking along and you are both trying your hardest to keep your head above water in every day life, to manage the process of resolving matters and to look after your children who you know are not doing great following the separation. It’s not easy but things are moving along, albeit not…
The benefits of mediation are huge. That’s not to say that it is easy. Often the things that we are most proud of are the hardest to achieve. Sometimes people are held back from trying, or committing, to mediation. In this blog we have tried to focus on the most common reasons why people say mediation isn’t for them. We are also dispelling the myths to ensure that as many people as possible can reap the amazing benefits mediation can…
When you first learn about mediation it can seem a scary option. Being in the same room as a partner you have separated from can be the last thing you feel like doing. Emotions can be very raw and you can wonder how you will contain all the feelings that are bubbling up within you. It can also be difficult where you have been separated for some time. You may have had very limited contact with each other – or…
It’s natural to feel concerned and a bit anxious about something new, and part of that is wondering what happens if mediation doesn’t help you to find a resolution. The good news is that mediation does have a good success rate in helping couples to find a resolution that works for them and their family. But if it’s not successful there are other avenues that you can try. At our initial meeting the mediator will explain the different ways of…
When you begin the process of mediation you may feel apprehensive and anxious. You may wonder how compromise can ever be possible with someone who simply refuses to compromise. You may wish to avoid taking directly because you feel hurt, rejected and downright angry. It’s natural to feel like you want to run for cover rather than talking directly. In many respects mediation is a brave and bold option. It may feel much safer to get lawyers to write…
Louisa Whitney, who started LKW Family Mediation in 2013, has recently been taking part in a mediation hour on twitter. The purpose of this is to allow people to ask questions about mediation. Why is this important? There are three main reasons: 1. Despite government and other advertising campaigns not enough people are aware that mediation is available to separating couples. A number of people still believe that court is the only option for separating couples to resolve matters.…
