Separating parents urged to avoid courtroom conflict as Family Mediation Week kicks off
Separating or divorcing parents are being urged to consider family mediation as an alternative to courtroom disputes during Family Mediation Week, which runs from 27 to 31 January 2025.
January often sees a rise in separations, as the pressures of the Christmas period exacerbate relationship challenges. To address this, Family Mediation Week aims to highlight the benefits of mediation in resolving financial and parenting arrangements amicably.
Grant Cameron, National Chair of Resolution and a family law mediator at Trethowans says Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help ex-partners agree what works for them, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
He 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 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?
- What happens with finances, debts and pensions?
- Who will care for the family pet?
“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 circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”
To learn more about the benefits of family mediation, visit www.trethowans.com or call 0800 2800 421.
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Notes to editors:
- Family Mediation Week takes place from Monday 27 – Friday 31 January 2025, organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote the use of family mediation for the benefit of the public. The FMC does not offer mediation itself.
- Trethowans has mediators on the FMC Register, which means they meet agreed professional standards. The FMC Register can be searched online, enabling people to find mediators near to them, who are working online, and – if relevant – who offer legal aid. The search facility can be found here: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/
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