Engaging in the mediation process is the start of moving away from being a couple and thinking about yourself as two individuals living apart. Separation inevitably involves change - different living arrangements, change of routine, contact with your children, and a legal process. In some ways, you may not be completely separate as you could continue to be linked financially e.g. providing income to the other if there is a disparity in income and needs, having a legal charge over the family home, and continuing as co-parents. Negotiating and transitioning to this new type of relationship can be anxiety-provoking as you may not know what this will look like.

The mediation process is collaborative and encourages you to communicate and listen to each other. Understandably, this may be difficult to fathom especially if you are feeling emotionally and/or financially vulnerable after a separation. There can be some anxiety about how your future will pan out.