With the launch of Family Mediation Week, 16 – 20 January, parents across the UK who have decided to separate or divorce in 2023 are being urged to find out how to avoid courtroom confrontation to settle money and parenting arrangements.
The various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period often act as a final straw for relationships, resulting in the decision to live apart.
What is Family Mediation Week?
Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help separating couples agree what works for them and in the best interests of their children, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
Phillip Rhodes, one of our family solicitors and mediators says: “Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances that have been highlighted during the holiday period.
“We often find parents in this position simply don’t know which way to turn. Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:
- Who lives where?
- Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
- How will we sort money?
- What about debts and pensions?
- And even the family dog?
“Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.
“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.
“Parents who opt to mediate regularly comment that they feel that their voice has been heard and, for most parents, reaching an agreement in mediation means that they are far more likely to keep to the agreement. It also means that many parents are able to maintain a better working relationship following their separation.”
What do our clients say?
Our team of family Solicitors strive to provide the best possible service and the highest quality of client care. And with over 175 4/5-star reviews collected on the independent site Review Solicitors you can be rest assured your case is in safe hands.
Contact Us
If you would like to know more about the benefits of family mediation, you can contact us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in our confidential contact form here.