Pax Mediation are also extremely proud to announce that one of our own mediators, Oliver Dobson, has been nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year Award’ at the National Mediation Awards 2022. Oliver trained and qualified as a FMCA accredited mediator whilst working at Pax Mediation. This nomination shows that Oliver has demonstrated significant achievements in the field of mediation. Oliver has assisted Pax Mediation in working with stakeholders including the Department of Work and Pensions to develop an online Child Maintenance Calculator and its online portal, and Northumberland Domestic Abuse ..read more

Pax Mediation are proud to announce that out of hundreds of mediation providers in England and Wales we’ve been shortlisted for Mediation Provider of the Year at the National Mediation Awards 2022. We have been chosen because we have a high success rate and are committed to providing an excellent mediation service to our clients. We have high quality assurance systems in place and have a good understanding of our clients’ needs. We have invested in new mediators, provided access to continuing professional development, to supervision and to coaching. We have shared our experience of mediation ..read more

Mediators play their part in finding new ways to share resources and resolve issues, including the challenges of climate change. We know that mediation is a cost effective, efficient, sustainable way to resolve disputes, but could we do more? The Family Mediation Associations Green Pledge reminds mediators of the actions they can take to improve their environment and become more sustainable, suggestions include: · Offering reusable cups instead of disposable for our client refreshments · Plants on desks can improve oxygen flow and offset the chemicals in our environment for example from clean ..read more

If you’ve booked an appointment for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and you’re not sure what you need to do ahead of the appointment, or what to bring with you then keep reading. If you’re having an appointment online, ahead of your appointment we will send you the Zoom link and some guidance for attending an appointment online, please read this through carefully. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, practice attending a meeting with a family member or friend, make sure you have sufficient bandwidth and you’re in a quiet place perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re ..read more

No. However, if you are considering applying to court over a family problem, (like how to divide money or property after splitting up or where the children should live,) you will probably need to show the court that you have met with a mediator first and considered mediation in a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is because the government thinks, with good reason, it is better to decide these issues between yourselves if you can, rather than the court telling everyone what to do. In exceptional circumstances you can apply to court without having had a meeting with a me ..read more

Our mediator Sarah-Jane Turnbull was on BBC Radio Newcastle on 16th April talking to Lisa Shaw about the issues separated parents can face during the coronavirus crisis. Clients have told us they found this conversation helpful, so we thought we’d put together an extract of what they discussed plus our responses to some of the questions that separated parents are asking us right now. “We know that during the lockdown parents who are separated are allowed to see their children BUT we’ve also been told that it’s better if they stay in one home to reduce the risk. - this puts parents in an incre ..read more

Parenting can be challenging at the best of times, never mind parenting through a separation or parenting whilst separated. And now there is parenting during a pandemic. Don’t panic. We can help. Whether you’ve recently separated from your ex-partner or you’ve been separated a while and are just unsure how to organise arrangements during these times, we can help you. The government have confirmed that during the lockdown children should not normally be moving between households but this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents. Therefore, you may wish to ..read more

If your marriage breaks down, separating your finances with your ex-partner can be very challenging but it is often key to helping you move forwards. Whatever settlement you decide can affect you for years to come so it’s important to get it right. Grounds for Divorce The person who starts the divorce process is known as the ‘petitioner’ or “applicant for the divorce” and the other party is the ‘respondent’. The single ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The petitioner must provide evidence to the court based on one or more of five facts namely: Adultery Unreaso ..read more

Family Mediation North East are proud to annouce one of directors Sarah-Jane Turnbull has been chosen to be on the national Family Mediation and Standards Board (FMSB). She will be instrumental in advising on and overseeing the implementation of, and adherence to, the Family Mediation Council’s professional standards. Congratulations Sarah-Jane ..read more

When we’re facing big decisions about the future, we often rely on the help and support of others. Seeking different perspectives, impartial advice and more information can allow us to answer those big questions in new and better ways. This is no different when you’re making decisions by yourself, with others or about others – and it’s also the case where you can’t agree. Using mediation to resolve disputes provides a great way of getting support, and then using this to sort things out. This is why at Family Mediation North East, we’re proud to offer a professional service that fits around our ..read more