It is never going to be easy to bring together children from entirely different families after a relationship breakdown but whilst challenging, it can often be extremely rewarding in successfully creating a new “blended” family. Inevitably, there are often bumps along the road on the way, and mediation is emerging as a helpful and popular way to resolve any disputes that arise within the new family unit.
Mediation has for many years played a vital role in family breakdown by providing a neutral forum where those separating or divorcing can reach their own solution to disputes, with the support of a trained mediator to guide them through it. Parents in particular have found it reassuring to have a voice in the process, and feel that they are working together in a collaborative manner, to navigate complex relationships, without becoming polarised.
In the case of blended families, this can provide welcome support, particularly when facing issues such as step-parent relationships, sibling rivalry with children who are not related to by blood, and co-parenting conflicts. Whilst children are immensely adaptable, a change like this can be extremely unsettling and very difficult for them to navigate, as well as the new couple who at a time when they should be enjoying a new relationship have to consider the wider range of people involved.
Children often struggle with feelings of disloyalty to the parent that they are not living with, and with adjusting to a new parental figure in their lives. A dispute between biological parents as to child support or parenting styles can spill over into the new relationship, and put a strain on a new blended family from the start.
Mediation can allow the children, if appropriate, to have a voice in the process as well, and allow for a more creative, tailored solution that fits this most modern family unit far better, such as flexible child arrangements, co-parenting agreements and generally offering a more personalised and workable outcome.
At Payne Hicks Beach, our highly experienced family law team understands entirely the complexities of starting a new blended family, and the challenges that come with it, both emotionally and financially. Our solicitors offer expert guidance through the mediation process, to help you to consider tailored solutions that bring the family to a compromise without the need for lengthy Court hearings.
We can advise on all aspects of family mediation, from creative child arrangements that best support your children’s needs, to resolving financial issues with fairness and sensitivity. If you are navigating a difficult situation with a blended family, our team can help to start those discussions and guide you through mediation, establishing clear roles and expectations from the start. With our support, we can help you receive an amicable resolution that prioritises your family’s well-being. All everybody ever wants is for their family to get on, but sometimes it is going to need help to adapt to a new “normal”. Mediation can be a powerful tool to help establish new family relationships, preserve those previously existing, and promote harmony.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Skea-Strachan, Legal Director in the Family Department or, alternatively, telephone on 020 7465 4300.
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