My Family Pod
Welcome to My Family Pod, the go-to podcast for anyone navigating family and relationship challenges in their life.
Each episode, hosted by Myerson’s Family Law experts, will explore the complexities around family life.
Whether you’re seeking advice on resolving disputes or simply aiming to create a more harmonious family structure, our experts are here to provide support and insights.
Tune in to explore interviews with professionals in the family space, offering practical guidance for listeners facing family struggles.
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Website: www.myerson.co.uk/
My Family Pod
Mediation, Not Court: How Separating Families Can Resolve Conflict Constructively
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In this episode of My Family Pod, Jane Tenquist, Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Maura McKibbin, accredited family mediator and family separation specialist, to demystify family mediation and explain how it can help separating couples resolve issues without going to court.
Together, Jane and Maura explore what mediation really involves, when it works best, and how it fits alongside legal advice. The conversation offers practical guidance for separating couples, parents, and anyone considering alternatives to court proceedings.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What family mediation is and how it differs from the court process
- When mediation can be used during separation and divorce
- Why mediation is voluntary, confidential and future-focused
- How the mediation process works in practice, from initial meetings to joint sessions
- The role of solicitors alongside mediation and why legal advice remains essential
- Managing power imbalances, including differences in financial knowledge or confidence
- When mediation may not be suitable and what alternative options are available
- How mediation can support parents in creating practical, child-focused arrangements
- The involvement of children in mediation and when child-inclusive mediation may be appropriate
- Costs, funding options, legal aid and the mediation voucher scheme
Jane and Maura also discuss how mediation can help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and build sustainable co-parenting arrangements that adapt as children grow and circumstances change.
This episode is particularly helpful for separating couples who want to understand their options clearly and make informed decisions about how best to resolve financial and parenting issues.
About the guest
Maura McKibbin is an accredited family mediator and family separation specialist based in Altrincham. She supports individuals and couples through separation by providing a structured, neutral and supportive environment to resolve financial and parenting matters outside of court.
Useful links
- Jane Tenquist – Meet the team: https://www.myerson.co.uk/people/jane-tenquist
- Myerson Solicitors – Family mediation services: https://www.myerson.co.uk/services/family-law/mediation
- Maura McKibbin – Family mediation and separation support: https://mauramckibbin.com