Every month, we will be sharing all the exciting things occurring within the FMA. This is the best place to find out what is happening in the FMA community, and a great opportunity for us to share relevant information and connect with our FMA members.
We hope you enjoy!
FMA Conference 2026 – Thank You
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s FMA Conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to come together, share ideas and explore key developments in family mediation.
From the insightful panel on Authenticity in Mediation, to thought-provoking discussions on the role of AI with James Evans, and Samantha Singer’s introduction of Courtney, the programme highlighted both the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession.
Interactive sessions like “AI Spy & AI’d & Seek” brought great energy to the event, alongside valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues.
A big thank you to all our speakers, facilitators, sponsors and delegates for making the conference such a success.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Southampton Family Trust are hosting two upcoming free online seminars designed to support families navigating some of the more complex aspects of children’s behaviour and wellbeing. These sessions are practical, accessible, and open to all – no booking required.
Understanding Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Children
Thursday 25th June 2026 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
This session explores how some neurodivergent children mask their difficulties in school environments, often leading to emotional exhaustion or “crashing” at home. It will offer valuable insights into recognising the signs of masking and burnout, along with supportive strategies for families.
An Introduction to Oppositional Behaviours (including Pathological Demand Avoidance)
Thursday 11th June 2026 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
A helpful introduction to understanding oppositional behaviours in children, including demand avoidance. The session focuses on why these behaviours occur and provides practical approaches to reduce conflict and support positive relationships at home.
Both seminars are delivered online via Zoom and can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the meeting details provided.
📩 For further information or to request the Zoom link, contact: info@sftrust.org.uk
🌐 Visit: www.sftrust.org.uk
Following the success of our first FMA Accredited Mediators Forum, we’re keen to keep the momentum going.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural session. If you weren’t able to attend… what are you waiting for? This forum is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow mediators, share experiences, and explore the issues shaping our practice and community.
We’re planning our next forum for late June and want to make sure it’s as relevant and engaging as possible.
What would you like to see covered?
Are there particular challenges, topics, or discussions you’d find helpful? Your input will help shape the session.
Please share your suggestions – we’d love to hear from you and hope to see you at the next forum.
Christine and Oliver
The Separated Parenting Programme Directory is a valuable tool for signposting clients to additional support.
It brings together trusted parenting programmes designed to:
• Improve communication
• Support children’s wellbeing
• Build co-parenting confidence
➡️ https://separatedparentingprogrammedirectory.org/
A useful complement to mediation practice.
Discover how the Court of Appeal reinforced the high bar for costs orders in children proceedings in Pringle v Nervo [2026] EWCA Civ 266.
The court overturned a substantial costs order of over £380,000, reaffirming the well-established principle that there should generally be no order for costs in children cases unless a party’s conduct is truly reprehensible or unreasonable. It emphasised that losing a case, resisting an appeal, or making late litigation decisions will not ordinarily meet this threshold. The judgment also highlights the dangers of escalating conflict through unnecessary allegations or tactical litigation decisions, particularly where this undermines cooperation and increases costs without benefiting the child.
Read the full headnote here.
Philippa Johnson
Discover how the Court of Appeal clarified the impact of non-disclosure on financial remedy settlements in De La Sala v De La Sala [2026] EWCA Civ 282.
The court upheld the setting aside of a consent order after it emerged that the husband had failed to disclose his expectation of receiving a substantial multi-million-dollar gift. It confirmed that the key test is materiality—whether proper disclosure would have made a significant difference to the outcome. The judgment reinforces the principle that full and frank disclosure is fundamental, and that even anticipated future resources can be highly material. As the court reiterated, in financial remedy proceedings, “fraud unravels all.”
Read the full headnote here.
Philippa Johnson
We’re always keen to share the voices, insights and experiences of our members – and we’d love to hear from you.
If you have a blog post, case insight, opinion piece, or any news you’d like to share with the family mediation community, please consider contributing to the FMA newsletter. Whether it’s reflections on your practice, developments in the field, or updates on projects and initiatives, your contributions help keep our community informed, connected and inspired.
What we’re looking for:
Submissions don’t need to be long or overly formal- clear, engaging content is what matters most.
If you’re interested in contributing, please send your content (or ideas) to us at : info@thefma.co.uk , and we’ll be in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your work with the wider FMA community.
Innovation in Outcomes
7 May 2026 | 10:00 – 13:00
Trainer: Neil Robinson & Philippa Johnson
A Guide for Mediators: Supporting Parents of Neurodivergent Children Through Separation
11 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Claire Webb & Helen Savage
Introduction to Supporting Fathers and Male Caregivers
12 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Anna Tarrant
Kinship Care Mediation
13–14 May 2026 | 10:00 – 16:00
Trainer: Claire Webb
Family Law Update 2026: Essential Case Law for Mediators
18 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Claire Webb & Helen Savage
Wills, Life Insurance & Powers of Attorney on Divorce
19 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Sharon Liptrott
Know Your Own Communication Style and How to Bridge Styles in Mediation
21 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Ruth Hay
The Ripple Effect: Understanding Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Developing a Trauma Informed Mediation Practice
26 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Claire Webb & Helen Savage
Systemic Theory and Practice in Separation and Divorce Dilemmas
27 May 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Trainer: Simon Shattock