Family Mediation Week 2023
January 2023
As Family Mediation Week 2023 (16th – 20th January 2023) commences, separating couples are encouraged to avoid costly and lengthy courtroom conflict by using mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method.
Jane-Louise Burrows, Mediator and Solicitor at Fullers Family Law says “Family mediation week is organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of family mediation and its benefits for separating families and couples.”
She also highlighted: “January is the month in which we usually see a large rise in the number of parents deciding to separate due to the pressures associated with Christmas and the festive period which can act as the breaking point for many relationships. Many parents just don’t know where to turn and have lots of tough questions about how to move forward with their lives.”
At Fullers Family Law, we aim to support and advise separating couples at this difficult time about all of the benefits of family mediation as a way of avoiding costly confrontations in court over finances, property and parenting arrangements.
Mediation empowers both sides to express their views in a safe and confidential environment and to take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for themselves and their family. This is particularly important when you have children together so that you will be able to discuss and make future arrangements for them as they grow and their needs develop.
Mediation is usually a much quicker process than court proceedings. The National Audit Office Report on Family Mediation in 2007 confirmed that the average duration of a mediated family case was 110 days in comparison with 435 in a litigated case. Since that report, the pressure of work at the courts has increased so the delays in court cases are even longer.
Mediation is also much less stressful than formal court proceedings.
Government Mediation Voucher Scheme
Fullers Family Law is also a part of the government's free mediation voucher scheme which contributes £500 towards the cost of mediation for families if they need to discuss arrangements for children.
To find out more about the scheme and to apply, please visit - https://fullersfamilylaw.com/blog/2022/11/free-mediation-vouchers-worth-500-help-reduce-cost-legal-fees
For more information about the benefits of mediation or if you would like to book a consultation, please contact Jane-Louise Burrows on 01234 343134 or at jane-louise@fullersfamilylaw.comor book a FREE callback here.
