Family Mediation Swindon

When children reach the age of 16, it’s common for parents to assume that their financial obligations to their child have ended. However, in reality, the obligation to provide financial support to a child can continue well beyond the age of 16. This can lead to disputes between parents, especially if one parent feels that they are unfairly shouldering the financial burden.

In situations like this, family mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes and ensure that everyone’s needs are being met. At Barclay Devere, we provide comprehensive family mediation services in Swindon to help parents come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Understanding Maintenance Disputes After Children Turn 16

When a child turns 16, the parent with whom the child is living may be entitled to financial support from the other parent. This financial support, which is sometimes referred to as child maintenance, is typically paid until the child turns 20, or until they finish their full-time education.

Maintenance disputes can arise for a variety of reasons. For example, one parent may feel that they are contributing more than their fair share, or they may believe that the other parent is not contributing enough. In some cases, there may be disagreements about how the money is being spent, or whether it is being used for the child’s benefit.

How Family Mediation Can Help

In situations like this, family mediation can be a valuable tool for resolving disputes. A mediator is a neutral third party who can help facilitate discussions and negotiations between parents. Mediation sessions are typically conducted in a confidential setting and can take place in person or online.

During mediation, the mediator will help the parents identify the issues that need to be addressed and work with them to come up with potential solutions. The mediator will not make any decisions for the parents; instead, they will help the parents come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Advantages of Family Mediation

There are several advantages to using family mediation to resolve maintenance disputes after children turn 16. These include:

• Reduced conflict: Mediation can help to reduce conflict between parents, which can be particularly important if the parents will continue to have a co-parenting relationship.
• Cost-effective: Mediation is cheaper than going to court, which can be an important consideration for parents who are already experiencing financial strain.
• Faster resolution: Mediation can often result in a faster resolution than going to court, which can help to reduce stress and uncertainty for everyone involved.
• Better outcomes: Because mediation is a collaborative process, it can often result in better outcomes for everyone involved, as opposed to the “win-lose” mentality of a court case.

If you are experiencing a maintenance dispute after your child turns 16, family mediation can be an effective way to resolve the issue. At Barclay Devere, we offer comprehensive family mediation services in Swindon to help parents come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Our experienced mediators are trained to facilitate productive discussions and help you find a solution that works for everyone involved. Contact us today to learn more.