Family Mediation Week, running from 26–30 January 2026, is a vital opportunity to highlight the important role mediation can play in supporting separating couples and resolving family disputes. The annual campaign is an initiative led by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), which encourages families to explore mediation as a constructive path forward during the breakdown of a relationship.
Mediation offers many benefits to separating couples. It provides ex-partners with a structured yet flexible approach to resolving disputes over their children, property and finances in a more cost-effective, timely and less stressful manner than going through the courts.
To mark this year’s event, Paul Wilson, our Head of Family Law, a member of Resolution and an accredited Family Mediator, explores some frequently asked questions about mediation.
What is Family Mediation?
Family Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that involves an independent, professionally trained third party helping couples reach an agreement on the various arrangements arising from the breakdown of their relationship.
Under current legislation, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a legal requirement for couples considering court proceedings for child arrangements or financial matters. The requirement, introduced in April 2014, ensures couples understand how Mediation might benefit their situation before pursuing litigation.
What can mediation help with?
Mediation can be tailored to a couple’s specific needs and includes discussions relevant to an individual’s particular requirements.
Family Mediation for separating couples can most commonly help with arrangements for:
- Children’s arrangements. Mediation can help parents work together to decide where their children will live, how often each parent will see them, when and what form of contact will take place, and what happens during school holidays and on special occasions, such as birthdays.
- Financial settlements. The division of finances, property, savings and pensions upon divorce or separation requires careful consideration. Family mediation can help separating couples agree on ‘who gets what’ and reach an agreement that both parties consider ‘fair’.
- Child maintenance. Beyond statutory obligations, an impartial mediator can help ex-partners agree on how much child maintenance to pay and how to pay it.
- Property and personal possessions. Disagreements can quickly arise when couples are faced with the prospect of dividing up the contents of their home. From family homes to personal belongings and even pets, mediation can help ex-partners navigate this often-emotional, but necessary aspect of separation and divorce.
- Shared debts. Mediation can help couples agree on liability for any debts arising out of a marriage or civil partnership, ensuring that both parties understand their ongoing responsibilities.
Why Choose Family Mediation?
Family Mediation offers numerous benefits over court proceedings in family matters. Litigation can be time-consuming, expensive, and hugely stressful for everyone involved.
Below are some of the key advantages of Family Mediation:
- It’s more cost-effective. Mediation is one of the most cost-effective ways for couples to reach an agreement on the practical arrangements that need to be made when separating. Although it is still advisable for both parties to take independent legal advice, couples who resolve matters through mediation typically spend a fraction of what it would cost to go to court.
- It’s quicker. Mediation is much faster than going to court. In general, most family law matters take between three and six months to resolve through mediation, compared to potentially two or more years for a case to be heard in court.
- It reduces conflict. While court proceedings tend to pit one party against another, Mediation encourages cooperation. This approach is particularly valuable when couples need to maintain an ongoing co-parenting relationship.
- It encourages collaboration. An independent Mediator does not take sides. Instead, a trained Family Mediation specialist will listen to each party and encourage them to listen to each other and reach their own solutions rather than having decisions imposed by a court.
- It offers flexibility. Mediation is a bespoke process, and conversations can be tailored to a couple’s particular needs. Mediation sessions can take place in person or remotely online, and appointments can be made to fit around existing commitments.
Are agreements made in mediation legally binding?
Agreements made during mediation are not legally binding. Once you and your partner have reached an agreement following Mediation, you should discuss the arrangements with an experienced family solicitor, who can apply to the court for a consent order to make the agreement legally enforceable.
Family Mediation and Legal Support at Bookers & Bolton
Family Mediation Week 2026 reinforces an important message for separating couples who want to take control of their situation, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family. Mediation provides the framework for these constructive conversations to take place.
At Bookers & Bolton, we appreciate that Family law matters can be highly emotional and stressful for everyone involved.
Our Head of Family Law, Paul Wilson, has practised Family law for over 30 years and is an Accredited Family Mediator.
Paul can assist with all issues arising from family relationship breakdown, including holding MIAMs and conducting private Mediation.
He can work remotely and often meets clients online over Zoom, helping individuals and families with their legal matters in Hampshire and across the UK.
Regardless of the nature of your family dispute or the complexity of the matter, our specialist family law team is committed to finding the right solution.
Family Law Solicitors in Alton
Whether you’re considering mediation, need advice on financial settlements, children’s arrangements, or other Family law matters, our team is here to help.
We will advise you on your options and carefully guide you through the process, tailoring our advice to your needs and situation.
Bookers & Bolton’s experienced Family solicitors advise on all divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, and separation matters, including:
- The divorce process.
- Separation.
- Financial matters.
- Child matters and arrangements.
For more information on how we can help, please contact us on 01420 558 335, email us at enquiries@bookersandbolton.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch.
