16th to 20th January 2023 saw the return of the Family Mediation Week, an initiative designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation to separating families and couples.
It is now an established fact that an assessment for mediation is a pre-requisite to all family proceedings, but the advantages of the actual process are perhaps less well known. Like other forms of ADR (alternative dispute resolution), mediation encourages and enables separating families and couples to take control of their issues, make decisions together and have ownership of the outcomes to provide a positive future for themselves and their families. Mediation offers a wealth of information and practical advice about separation and divorce and can assist with all aspects of separation, including money, property and children. It is not free but it is often quicker and much less expensive than going to court. There are also schemes available which offer free vouchers worth up to £500.00 to assist with the cost.
For now, mediation remains a voluntary process, but one which robustly screens for suitability, and which can be adjusted where necessary to suit the needs of the participants. It can take place in person, remotely and with the introduction of hybrid and child-inclusive mediation, can now be tailored to include children where appropriate and also lawyers.
There is always an impact upon those involved in any separation or divorce, however amicable it may be. Mediation offers support, guidance and a safe passage through what is often a very difficult journey. For more information about mediation and other forms of ADR please contact us.
