Resolution’s Family Mediation Week 2024 – Resolving family issues does not mean going to court.

Disputes and conflicts are not uncommon in family law. Navigating these challenges can be emotionally draining for all parties involved. Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), Resolution’s Family Mediation Week 2024 hopes to highlight the benefits of mediation. Their aim is to let more people know about the benefits of family mediation and encourage separating couples to think about family mediation as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process that brings disputing parties together with a trained, neutral mediator. The courts will want to know that the parties have considered/attended mediation before any formal court proceedings are commenced. An independent mediator does not take sides, so cannot give advice to the parties. Instead, their role is to facilitate communications and guide discussions to help families reach mutually agreeable solutions. Unlike court proceedings, mediation places control in the hands of the parties involved.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

• Mediation can be applied to a wide range of issues including divorce and separation, child arrangements, financial matters, property division and other family-related issues.
• As a private and confidential process, any discussions that take place during mediation are not disclosed outside of the process which provides parties with a safe space to express themselves without fear of negative consequences.
• The collaborative nature of mediation hopes to preserve relationships between parties. By adopting an understanding and empathetic approach, mediation helps to maintain positive relations between family members during challenging situations.
• As mediation is usually more cost-effective than court proceedings, it can save families both time and money – avoiding lengthy and costly court proceedings which minimises stress levels that financial pressures might otherwise bring. In some situations, funding is available for mediation and the mediation organisation would assess your eligibility for financial assistance.

In summary, family mediation has a range of benefits aimed toward helping reach a practical solution that will work for all parties involved. Chrys Wall is a Member of Resolution and will always discuss with her clients the benefits of mediation and encourage the parties to consider mediation and provide details of local mediators in the area to assist. If you need any further information on mediation, please do not hesitate to contact our Family Law Department for further information.