Mediation Week 2025: Constructive Approach to Family Law Disputes?

From 27 – 31 January, Mediation Week takes place across the UK to encourage people involved in disputes relating to family law matters to consider mediation and avoid costly, stressful court dealings. Angela Killa, a Director of Family Law at JCP Solicitors, explains the options that people can consider in order to avoid Family Court involvement.  

Having to resolve a family law dispute is always an emotional time, compounded by financial and logistical stresses around the practicalities of your particular circumstances. Communication between ex-partners can become strained, and it can be tempting to think “we will let the Courts decide.”

However, when it comes to deciding what will be best in your circumstances, there are many options to consider before involving the Courts; the Court process can be incredibly costly and stressful. As a member of Resolution – a community of family justice professionals that seek to reduce acrimony in family law matters – JCP Solicitors advocates for a constructive approach to all family law matters. The Court has an expectation, before any application is made to the Court, that parties try non-Court dispute resolution (NCDR) methods and Mediation is one of these methods. The team at JCP Solicitors can advise you about the various NCDR methods to help determine what works best for you.

Mediation can be a helpful option for those who find communication difficult and want a third party to support. The Family Mediation Council is running a series of free, virtual events throughout Family Mediation Week, open to the public, offering advice and guidance on multiple areas of family law such as parenting, property, and finance.

Mediation can help with complex, personal situations, as a Mediator acts as a neutral third party who listens to both you and your ex-partner or the other party, helping you to make decisions about issues that need to be resolved. Your solicitor can support you through this process and provide advice before and in between mediation appointments.

Another option is to engage your Solicitor and work closely with them to reach agreements. The Family Law team at JCP takes a collaborative and constructive approach to family law matters, considering individual circumstances and tailoring advice as needed. Your Solicitor can communicate with the other party’s Solicitor if communication has broken down between you, and can provide expert advice and guidance on how to make arrangements in a constructive manner. If you have children, JCP’s team will encourage you to put the needs of your child first and aim to make arrangements which will be in the best interests of your whole family. The Court does not need to be involved to dictate arrangements for children, property or finances, as your Solicitors can help you to reach a decision.

If you need advice and guidance on Family Law, JCP Solicitors can help. Call our team on 03333 208644 or email hello@jcpsolicitors.co.uk