Family Mediation Week – 16th – 20th January 2023

Family Mediation week is the Family Mediation Council’s annual campaign which provides an opportunity to raise awareness of family mediation and the benefits it can bring to separating families.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential method of alternative dispute resolution. An impartial third party can help you and your ex-partner to identify potential solutions, discuss them, negotiate and reach your own informed decision. It is a way of resolving a dispute whilst retaining control over whether or not to settle the dispute and on what terms.

Family mediation is commonly used by couples to resolve disputes relating to:

• Separation
• Divorce or dissolution of civil partnership
• Property and financial matters
• Children, including contact, residence and financial arrangements

Why should you attempt mediation?

• Cheaper and quicker than taking the matter to court – Parties can schedule mediation sessions and so control the speed of the process and are not dependent on court listings or resources.
• Easier to preserve better relationships – Disputes are resolved together rather than determined by a Judge. Maintaining communication and a good working relationship is particularly important if the parties have children whom they will be co-parenting in future.
• Likely to be a longer lasting settlement – The process involves rigorous scrutiny and reality testing various options. There is a higher chance of parties’ sticking to what they have agreed long-term rather than an order imposed by a Judge, which may be unfavourable to one party or have unintended consequences.

Tips for successful mediation

• Approach mediation with a flexible mindset
• Actively listen to the other party’s concerns and feelings
• Try to put yourself in the other party’s position and see the dispute from their eyes – this will give you a better understanding of how to mutually resolve the issue
• Think about creative and practical solutions
• Assess all options discussed with an open mind

Whilst Family Mediation Week is about promoting a positive form of dispute resolution, mediation may not be for every couple.

If you would like to discuss mediation or alternative forms of dispute resolution, please contact the Kuits Family Team.