Who lives where? How do we sort money? Who gets the dog?
Parents who have made the decision to separate are being invited to find out how they can avoid a courtroom confrontation to settle money, property and parenting issues, when ‘Family Mediation Week 2024’ takes place from 22 – 26 January.
“January usually sees a big rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart,” says John Taylor, Chair of The Family Mediation Council.
“The various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the festive period can act as a final straw for strained relationships. Parents in this position often don’t know which way to turn,” he adds.
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?
- How will we sort money?
- What about debts and pensions?
- And even the family dog?
He 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, with the help of a professionally-trained mediator.
From Monday 22 to Friday 26 January, a series of free webinars will take place, raising awareness of the benefits that family mediation can bring to separating families. Full details are here.
The aim is to let more people know about family mediation and encourage separating couples to think about the process as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family,” adds John Taylor.
“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work things out together, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation and all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
“Professional mediators help you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”
Legal Aid remains available for family mediation.
