Last week, 27-31 January 2025, marked “Family Mediation Week” in the UK, an initiative of the Family Mediation Council established to raise awareness of the benefits of mediation in family law matters, a method of dispute resolution and worthwhile alternative to costly, stressful and protracted litigation in the family court.
The unfortunate reality of today’s incredibly backlogged family court system is that parties face significant delays, of up to two years in most cases, between the date of issuing an application, and it being considered by a judge at a final hearing. Unless former spouses are able to reach some form of interim agreement during that time, this means their access to the marital funds or a settlement – in financial cases – or a stable and consistent routine for their children, remains ‘up in the air’ for months on end.
This is important for prospective litigants to consider whilst going through a divorce, in addition to the unavoidable cost, both financial and emotional, associated with court proceedings.
It is – in most cases – worthwhile considering alternate dispute resolution, including mediation, as a means to progressing, and hopefully, resolving, your family law matter. In addition to the above, there is always risk associated with placing all decision-making power into a judge’s hands, who does not know you or your children, as there is no guarantee they will make any particular order, or side with one particular party, over another. In a mediation however, parties retain control over the outcome to an extent, and matters will only be drawn to a close if those involved are both agreeable to the proposed settlement – with a view to obtaining somewhat of a ‘happy medium’.
If you or someone you know could benefit from legal advice regarding a family law matter and dispute resolution options, including mediation, please contact Paul Robinson Solicitors to discuss how we might be able to assist.
If you wish to discuss any of the above then please get in touch below or call us on 01702 338338.
