It's Family Mediation Week next week (27 – 31 January 2025), which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help separating partners agree on what works for them, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.

The week is organised by the Family Mediation Council, which is running a timetable of online events open to professionals and members of the public. 

January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart as the various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period act as a final straw for relationships. Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances highlighted during the holiday period. 

This life-changing decision to separate brings with it many tough questions: 

• Who lives where? 
• Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we both spend time with them? 
• How will we arrange finances? 
• What about debts and pensions? 
• Who will care for the family dog?

Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering information about parenting, property and finance options for separating parents.

Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.

At AC, we are taking part in the Ministry of Justice’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which meets up to £500 of mediation costs for families if they need to discuss arrangements for children. 

For more information

If you would like to know more about the benefits of family mediation, please visit our website or contact us on 0121 212 7413.