Blog Posts

September often brings a natural change of pace. As children return to school and summer holidays come to an end, many separated parents find themselves settling back into familiar routines. It can also be a useful opportunity to pause and reflect on what is working well and what may need some attention moving forward. Separation is not a single event. Family life continues to evolve, children's needs change, and arrangements that worked six months ago may need revisiting. Ra

If you're going through a separation or divorce and finding even the simplest decisions difficult, you're not alone. Many people describe feeling mentally exhausted, overwhelmed and unable to think clearly. Decisions that would once have seemed straightforward can suddenly feel impossible. Whether it's responding to an email, making arrangements for the children, thinking about finances or planning for the future, everything can feel harder than it should. The truth is that s

Separation often brings a mixture of emotions, practical challenges and difficult decisions. During this time, many people find themselves taking on the role of the peacemaker, doing their best to avoid conflict and keep things calm for everyone involved. At first glance, this may seem like the most sensible approach. After all, reducing conflict can help create a more constructive environment, particularly where children are involved. However, there is an important differenc

Why Summer Can Feel Different After Separation For many families, summer brings a sense of ease, longer days, lighter routines, and opportunities to spend time together. When you are navigating a separation, it can feel very different. Alongside practical changes, there may be uncertainty, emotional strain, and questions about how things will work now. Children often feel this too, even if they do not express it directly. The aim is not to create a perfect summer. It is to cr

No‑fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales in April 2022, with the promise of making separation kinder, less adversarial and more straightforward. Four years on, many people arriving at Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings ask the same question: “If divorce is no‑fault now, why does this still feel so hard?” This blog looks honestly at what has genuinely improved, what hasn’t, and where support such as mediation fits into the reality of separation today. Wh

As Sir Andrew McFarlane approaches his retirement on 13 April 2026, his final “View from the President’s Chambers” looks not backwards, but firmly ahead. Rather than a retrospective, this final message from the outgoing President of the Family Division sets the tone for the next chapter of the Family Court: one focused on children, modernisation, and a justice system that serves families more effectively and compassionately. The Child Focused Model: The Future of Private Law