How can family mediation help my divorce?

January 14, 2022, By Slater Heelis

In Family Mediation Week, we share with you the benefits that mediation can bring to divorce proceedings.

Divorce and separation can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. It comes with a lot of emotional turmoil, as well as navigating finances and childcare. On top of this, the current divorce law adds an unnecessary amount of strain to an already stressful situation.

There is, however, some good news on the horizon. The new ‘no-fault’ divorce law comes into force on 6th April 2022. Plus, as Family Mediation Week falls this week from 17th-21st January, our team has pulled together some guidance on what mediation involves and how it can be a beneficial alternative to going through court.

Why is family mediation helpful?

Mediation puts your children at the centre and puts you in control. You decide what you want to discuss and with the support of a professional mediator, you and your partner will be helped to have conversations about the matters that are worrying you. Your mediator remains neutral but is there to help you and your partner to focus on the issues that are important to you both and to help you work through those issues. When an agreement is hard to reach, the mediator will help keep the focus where it needs to be and keep you on track.

A mediator can guide you to reach agreements for example, with regard to finances and childcare options. You will both have the opportunity to be heard and mediation is generally acknowledged as being a much more civilised way to resolve differences.

Using family mediation can be more cost-effective than going to court, as you pay for one mediator rather than two lawyers. It can also help you to resolve matters much more quickly than the traditional court route at a time when the courts are under enormous pressure and Judges are actively encouraging couples to consider mediation as an option.

In appropriate circumstances, older children can be involved in the mediation.

Family Mediation Week

17th– 21st January 2022 is Family Meditation Week and a great time for you to find out more about mediation. This week is designed to raise awareness of the many benefits family mediation can bring to separating couples and their families.

Over this week, there will be a series of webinars, publishing resources and news stories. We recommend having a look through this information to see how it can help you and your family.

Speak with a Family Mediator

If you are separating and would like a cost-effective and more amicable way of reaching an agreement on the arrangements for your children or financial arrangements, then reach out today.

We have a number of experienced Mediators who can guide you through the process.

To speak with us today, call 0161 969 3131 or fill in our contact form and one of the team will be in touch.