I am delighted to share with all my followers that Clare Madeline Mediation is now 8! I would not have thought when I first started out in law over 25 years ago that I would be looking back on 8 years of running my own business and carving out a bespoke practice which I feel really meets the needs of those who are divorcing who do not want to engage in a process which further adds to their stress and trauma. It fills me with enormous pride and gratitude for all those who have put their trust in me to guide them through the trauma of divorce and separation to celebrate this milestone.
I’m also reflecting as I go into my 9th year of going it alone on how I can continue to provide the best possible mediation service to those who are in need. I’ve seen more children and young adults as part of my work this year, helped a record number of clients who I’ve been privileged to work with and I’ve also taken on several new mediators, embarking on their own careers in family mediation as their professional practice consultant.
I’m also dedicating time to support other family law professionals as a mentor for Resolution. I recognise the toll of working in family law which is a high conflict, emotionally charged area on our health and I am pleased to be able to offer a safe space to other solicitors and barristers who are at a point in their career where they need a little support and direction.
I’m continuing my professional learning development with courses focusing on how I can best support and adapt the way I work for those who are neurodivergent and an increased focus on the needs of children and young adults in separation. I’d like to be able to offer a space for children to see me in every mediation I conduct (where there are children, regardless of whether there is a dispute about parenting or the arrangements for the children). I am a huge believer in the benefits of communication and the involvement of children and young adults who are also impacted by any family separation. All of the research and lessons we learn about how best to manage a family separation indicates that ensuring children have a space to talk about how things are for them and their own perspective of this life changing event is helpful not only in the immediate processing and understanding of the situation but in the long term with their own future relationships and feelings about their parents which can continue to impact well into their adulthood.
I’m dedicating time for business planning, creating workshops, sharing what I have learnt over 25 years of working with separating couples and group discussions for mediators and professionals alike. I’m looking forward to meeting up more often with my fellow family law colleagues whilst continuing to maintain the balance between work and home life, ensuring I’m available for sports day, the Christmas play and parents evenings. After all, my main driver for moving out of the rigidity of law and setting up my own mediation practice was to work in a way where I could fulfil my professional goal to offer something valuable to couples who are facing divorce and be present as a Mum to my two young boys. Running a thriving business serves me professionally and personally as it gives me a great sense of satisfaction but nothing fires me more than being able to provide a life for my children where I am present and can be there for them.
The plan is to continue working online with couples who are comfortable using a shared virtual space.
Thank you, as always to all the clients I have been privileged to work with, to all the children and young adults who have put their trust in me to offer them their own space to talk about their wishes and feelings and how things are for them and also to my professional colleagues who continue to trust me to look after their clients in the mediation process. I appreciate each and every one of you.
