Family mediation week takes place each January and in 2024, it runs from 22nd – 26th January. The week provides an opportunity to raise the profile of family mediation and encourage separating and separated couples to think about mediation as a method of resolving their disputes.
Consilia Mediation recognise that the breakdown of a relationship is stressful and can be a challenging and uncertain time which is why we support Family Mediation Week. Whilst mediation is a pre-curser to an individual being permitted to make a court application, it does not and should not mean that court proceedings are inevitable.
The purpose of mediation is to allow individuals to take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family. The process of mediation is designed to avoid conflict and to facilitate healthy discussions which will lead to a positive resolution for everyone involved. The role of the mediator is to ensure all parties have the opportunity to speak and be heard. The mediator is independent and will help guide you towards an agreement without taking sides, unlike the more traditional methods of dispute resolution.
Family mediation can help resolve a range of disputes. Whether you are a separating couple wanting help with your financial arrangements or separated parents needing help with your child arrangements, mediation could help you move forward.
The first step in mediation is to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is a one-to-one meeting with a mediator during which you explore the issues you are seeking to resolve and the mediator will assess whether mediation is suitable to move forward. As well as discussing the issues, the MIAM provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process and put your mind at ease by ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in the process and in achieving a positive outcome.
If mediation is suitable and you decide to move forward to a joint mediation session, there are a number of ways in which you will benefit versus a more traditional method of dispute resolution such as court proceedings. Mediation offers you a lot more control and flexibility as to when the sessions take place. It is also less formal in both tone and setting, taking place in a comfortable office space rather than a courtroom.
As part of Family Mediation Week 2024, Consilia Mediation is offering a limited number of MIAM appointments free of charge. If you would like to attend a free MIAM appointment it must take place between 22nd and 26th January 2024 and you can get in touch by emailing enquiries@consiliamediation.co.uk quoting the code ‘MUMBLERMIAM’.
