Separating couples and parents urged to avoid courtroom conflict as Family Mediation Week kicks off
People who have decided to separate or divorce in 2025 are being urged to find out how to avoid courtroom confrontation to settle money and parenting arrangements, with the launch of Family Mediation Week, 27 – 31 January.
Ruth Hawkins, Partner and solicitor and mediator in B4 Platinum member firm Boardman Hawkins and Osborne LLP (based in Abingdon, South Oxfordshire), explains that 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, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
“Many people simply don’t know which way to turn. 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 out money? Will we have enough to re-house ourselves?
- What about debts and pensions?
- And even, what will happen to the family dog?
“Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating couples and parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.
“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”
As part of the process, Ruth and her colleagues can explore the various ways that these issues can be resolved and approached, outside of court.
If anyone in the B4 network finds themselves in this situation, or is working with someone who is and has any questions, please contact Ruth or her team on 01235 425500 or rhawkins@bholegal.co.uk
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