Who lives where? How do we sort money? Who gets the dog?
Couples who have made the decision to separate are invited to find out how they can avoid a courtroom confrontation to settle money, property and parenting issues, as a series of free online events take place during Family Mediation Week, Monday 26 to Friday 30 January.
Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the week aims to raise awareness of how family mediation can help separating couples make arrangements for children, property and finances in a calmer, more constructive way.
Events include a Monday lunchtime Q&A with ‘This Morning’ TV Agony Aunt, Deidre Sanders, about family separation and mediation on 26 January (1 – 2 pm).
The 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?
“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,” says Helen Anthony, Chief Executive of the FMC.
“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.
“These free online events are designed 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.”
Sessions are designed for members of the public wanting to understand how mediation could support them, with some events aimed at helping professionals who work with families.
Full details of all the online events and how to register are available using this link.
The pressures that come with the festive period are often thought to act as a final straw for strained relationships, meaning January usually sees a rise in numbers of parents deciding to live apart.
Family mediation helps ex-partners agree what works for them, without the additional stress, cost and time of a courtroom conflict.
Legal Aid and Family Mediation Vouchers worth £500 are available to help fund the cost of family mediation.
Helen Anthony, adds: “Every year we hear from families and professionals who tell us how much they’ve gained from these free events.
“Whether you you’re going through a separation yourself, or you work with separating parents, these sessions will offer clear, practical information about the support available.”
