The week is organised by the Family Mediation Council, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote the use of family mediation for the benefit of the public. It is a week designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation.
Changes in the procedural rules that govern the family courts, mean that although judges and magistrates cannot order parties to sort out their problems by non-court means, they will be encouraging parties to engage in mediation and other non-court dispute resolution processes.
When assessing who should be responsible for paying for the costs of litigation, they may make a party who has unreasonably refused either to attend an initial mediation meeting, or to engage in a non-court resolution process, pay the costs of the other party.
The government Mediation Voucher Scheme, for which Evolve Family Mediation is registered, offers up to £500 for mediation relating to child arrangements, and is further evidence of a shift away from the use of court proceedings to resolve issues arising from getting divorced.
There is no doubt that mediation is often successful – even with initially unwilling parties – and is cheaper, and quicker than court-based solutions.
Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you to work out arrangements for your children and finances following separation, whilst avoiding the stress, delay and cost of court proceedings.
For more information about the benefits of mediation and how to access the Mediation Voucher please click here.
Please note: During Family Mediation Week there will be a wide variety of free webinars for the public and other professionals working with families (teachers, health practitioners, social workers and more) as well as events for professionals working in Family Justice (lawyers, arbitrators, CAFCASS officers, judiciary and local family justice board members). Please find details here.