Family Mediation Week 2025 runs from Monday 27th to Friday 31st January, 2025
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 mprocess 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).
Speaking about the event, Burke highlighted the increasing interest from legal professionals, mediators, and organisations working with families, all aiming to raise awareness of mediation as an effective alternative to court proceedings for separating couples.
Burke noted a significant rise in engagement from firms and professionals compared to previous years. “This year, we’ve probably had the best and biggest engagement yet,” he said. He continued:
“Lots of people are registering for our webinars, and other organisations are helping spread the word about the planned events.”
He expressed hope that in 2025, Family Mediation Week would reach more people than ever, including separating couples who need mediation, as well as professionals such as Citizens Advice, schools, and local family support services that can signpost individuals to mediators.
He also pointed to changing consumer behaviour, with more people now approaching mediators directly rather than being referred by solicitors or courts. He said:
“People increasingly know they have to consider mediation before making a court application.”
The government-backed voucher scheme, which provides financial support for mediation, has played a crucial role in this shift. However, he acknowledged that court statistics show many people still apply to court first, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness campaigns like Family Mediation Week.
When asked whether mediation is becoming more mainstream among family lawyers, Burke agreed but emphasised that more work is needed. He added:
“The family procedure rules changed last April, and in some areas, we’ve seen an increase in referrals from solicitors and courts. But in other areas, the impact has been limited so far.”
He acknowledged that some family lawyers still do not fully understand how mediation can help, particularly in cases where couples seem to be in deep conflict:
“Some lawyers send clients to a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) just to get the court forms signed
We hope Family Mediation Week will bridge the gap in understanding by increasing awareness of how mediation works.”
At the same time, Burke recognised that many family lawyers do actively support mediation. This year, Family Mediation Week will include resources specifically designed for lawyers to better support their clients in mediation.
For those looking to engage with Family Mediation Week, Burke said there are plenty of easy ways to get involved:
“Firms can visit the Family Mediation Council website, check the event timetable, and sign up for webinars that interest them. All events are free, most are online, and we’ll be recording them so people can watch later if they can’t join live.”
He also encouraged firms to follow the FMC on LinkedIn to stay updated with articles and resources throughout the week.
Looking ahead, Burke emphasised the need to continue raising awareness of mediation’s benefits, particularly how it gives separating couples more control over their future. He also highlighted the need for more trained mediators and sustainable funding to ensure mediation remains accessible to all families, regardless of income.
“We need continued government support, especially through legal aid and the voucher scheme, to ensure mediation isn’t just for those who can afford it.”
He added that the FMC is reviewing the accreditation pathway to make it easier for people to become mediators and help grow the sector.