Family Mediation Week: Finding a Way Forward for Your Family
Family Mediation Week: Finding a Way Forward for Your Family
Family Mediation Week 2025, running from January 27th to January 31st, is a great chance for us to highlight mediation's significant role in helping to resolve family disputes amicably. Family Mediation Week is an annual campaign organised by the Family Mediation Council, and it aims to raise awareness about how mediation can provide an alternative to lengthy and costly court proceedings, especially for couples that are getting a divorce or separating.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is where an impartial, professionally trained mediator helps people to navigate disputes like separation, divorce, child arrangements, and financial matters. It’s different to court proceedings because mediation focuses on communication and finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Family mediation is useful in family law cases because it encourages open conversations in a more controlled environment therefore reducing conflict. This can be helpful for families as they can reach agreements that benefit everyone involved, especially children.
There has been a requirement for a few years that anyone wanting to apply to the court about a family issue (be it financial arrangements after separation or arrangements for children) attends a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This initial meeting with a mediator allows you to find out more about how mediation works and to check if it would be suitable in your circumstances. In some cases you may be exempt from mediation depending on your circumstances.
Why Choose Mediation Over Court?
The advantages of mediation over court proceedings are significant:
- Cost-effective: Mediation is often far cheaper than court battles, reducing financial strain. Including a voucher scheme funded by the government.
- Faster resolutions: Cases are typically resolved more quickly, helping families move forward.
- Less confrontation: Mediation encourages cooperation rather than confrontation.
- Confidential and flexible: Unlike court proceedings, mediation is private, and agreements can be tailored to suit the needs of the family.
- Better outcomes for children: Mediation prioritises the well-being of children by promoting parental communication and minimising conflict.
Extension of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
To make mediation more accessible, the Ministry of Justice has extended the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. This initiative provides up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible families, helping them resolve disputes without resorting to court. The scheme has already assisted thousands of families in reaching amicable agreements.
To make mediation more accessible, the Ministry of Justice has extended the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. The scheme provides up to £500 to put towards mediation costs for families that are eligible, helping to resolve disputes without going to court. More information on the scheme can be found on the Family Mediation Council website.
How to Get Started with Mediation
- Attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): An initial meeting with a mediator determines whether mediation is appropriate for your case.
- Participate in mediation sessions: If both parties agree, sessions are scheduled to facilitate discussions and find solutions.
- Reach an agreement: Mediated agreements can be made legally binding if necessary.
Conclusion
Family Mediation Week is an important reminder of the benefits of resolving disputes constructively. By choosing medication, families can find solutions that save time, money and reduce stress for everyone involved.
If you are considering mediation or require legal advice, Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors can provide expert guidance and support. We work with a number of highly trained mediators who we can refer to if this is deemed suitable. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how mediation can help you.