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Family Mediation Week highlights conflict-free solutions for separating couples

20/01/2025

In January, as many families reassess their living arrangements following a strained or stressful holiday period or look to make a fresh start in the New Year, Family Mediation Week highlights a timely solution.

With new regulations requiring family lawyers to prioritise mediation over courtroom proceedings to resolve financial and parenting issues, this weeklong initiative, running from 27 to 31 January, offers an ideal opportunity to explore how mediation can facilitate amicable resolutions.

Michelle Bettell, Senior Associate in our Family team and an experienced Accredited Family Mediator, emphasises the important role of Family Mediation Week to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of mediation. This harmonious process is designed to help former partners establish workable agreements and avoid the stress, delays and costs associated with court proceedings.

“Many people emerge from the holiday period feeling defeated by the pressures on their relationships and finances,” Michelle explains. “We find couples in this position often feel overwhelmed and simply don’t know which way to turn. Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:

  • How will the children be affected?
  • Who will live where?
  • Which parent will the children live with, and how will we ensure both parents spend time with them?
  • What will happen with our finances and the house?
  • How will we handle debts and household expenses?”

Family Mediation Week sheds light on these complex issues, providing separating couples with essential information to help them make informed decisions about parenting, property and finance.

Throughout the week, the Family Mediation Council will host free online sessions, offering valuable insights about family mediation to the public, lawyers, mediators, and other professionals working with separating couples. A detailed timetable of events is available.

Lindsay Halliwell, Partner in our Family team and Accredited Family Mediator, further explains: “Family mediation involves an independent, professionally trained mediator guiding discussions to help couples work out what is important in their separation. The aim is to avoid courtroom confrontations. Our role as mediators is to empower couples to agree on long-term solutions for their circumstances, rather than having a court dictate their family’s future. The mediation process is flexible, allowing us to explore various options to ensure a successful outcome for all involved.”

At Steele Raymond, our experienced family lawyers and accredited family mediators, Lindsay and Michelle, specialise in child inclusive mediation. They bring a wealth of experience in supporting children and their parents throughout the mediation process.

Michelle and Lindsay believe that every child should have the opportunity to express themselves in matters that affect them, in a manner appropriate to their age and level of understanding. While children should not be burdened with the specifics of parental discussions, it’s crucial for them to feel heard through confidential conversations with a mediator, free from the pressure of making decisions.

To learn more about family mediation at Steele Raymond, please visit https://www.steeleraymond.co.uk/personal/family-law-solicitors/family-mediation-lawyers/ or call Lindsay on 01202 204514 or Michelle on 01202 436026.

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