Couples who have decided to separate or divorce are being urged to find out how to avoid courtroom confrontation to settle money and parenting arrangements, with the launch of Family Mediation Week 2025 which takes place between 27th and 31st January.
The goal of Family Mediation Week, run by the Family Mediation Council, is to let more people know about the benefits of family mediation – through webinars and local activities – and encourage separating couples to think about mediation as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family.
January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of couples deciding to live apart owing to the pressure that comes with the Christmas period acting as a final straw for relationships.
In addition, both the previous and current UK Government are looking to streamline and improve the resolution of family disputes. Recent amendments to the Family Procedure Rules place a renewed emphasis on non-court dispute resolution mechanisms. For example, separating couples are now required (in most cases) to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before they are able to make a court application. Rebekah Gershuny, principal of Evolve Family Mediation, said:
“Family Mediation Week is a huge help in raising awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help ex-partners agree what might work for them and their family going forward, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring. The holiday period increases pressure on couples that are already in strained relationships, with many feeling defeated. Those facing separation or divorce often struggle to know which way to turn. While family and friends mean well – they often lack the tools and up to date information needed to advise on life-changing decisions ahead.By having a discussion with a qualified family mediator, who is trained to diffuse tension and allow all points of view to be heard, couples can calmly work out answers to questions such as: Who will live where? Where will the children live? How can we each spend quality time with the children? How do we go about working out our money? What about debts and pensions? And even family pets? By shining a helpful spotlight on these challenging issues, Family Mediation Week offers separating couples information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.”
Family Mediation Week 2025 is set to be the biggest and most impactful yet, with record engagement from professionals across the family justice sector, according to Stephen Burke, Chair of the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

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