A family law conference hosted in London says it aims to bring a focus to cases where the underlying conflict is never truly being understood and do not focusing on what is best for the children.
Bridging the Gap 2026: Connection, Perspective and Change is a two-day international interdisciplinary conference hosted at the Montcalm Mayfair, London, on 3–4 December 2026. Today’s Family Lawyer is proud to be the event’s media partner.
Most family disputes are well under way long before a lawyer is instructed. Fear, loss, identity and the instinct to protect shape how separating parents behave, and how professionals read that behaviour. When practice focuses only on what is visible, cases can be managed without the underlying conflict ever being understood and without focusing on what is best for the children.
That gap is the focus of the conference explains co-host Katy Harris, UK family mediator, trainer and founder of Mediation Matters Midlands and The London Mediation Company.
Alongside Katy, US family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and founder of the international Amicable Divorce Network Tracy Ann Moore-Grant will also present to family lawyers, mediators, members of the judiciary, therapists, psychologists, researchers and people whose lived experience and passion for resolution and change is shaping the landscape of family law across the world.
The two day event brings together presenters and attendees from England, Scotland, Canada, Australia and the United States. Speakers include Stephen Wildblood KC, Dr Charlotte Proudman, Professor Ben Hine, Dr Peter Jakob, Jacinta Gallant, Dr Deborah Gilman and Andrew Hatherley.
What practitioners take away
Moore-Grant and Harris explain the programme looks at how systems currently respond to family conflict, what is driving that conflict, and how early intervention, child-inclusive practice and trauma-informed approaches can change outcomes. Sessions mix keynotes, panels and breakout discussions with a live performance exploring the realities of family justice in practice.
“Family conflict rarely sits neatly inside one profession” says Harris. “When mediators, lawyers, clinicians and families hear each other properly, better options open up for children.”
Tracy Ann Moore-Grant added: “This event is one of a kind. It is wonderful to see professionals from all different specialities engaging in meaningful conversations on what we can do now to help families through conflict. The connections made and ideas shared cross professions and borders and are elevating the services we provide to families and children around the world.”
25% Reader Discount
Tickets are £299 for both days, and Today’s Family Lawyer readers can save 25% with code kh-BTG-12-25. The ticket includes all sessions, refreshments and lunch. Delegates staying at the Montcalm Mayfair receive 20% off accommodation across the conference week, with Hyde Park, Oxford Street and London’s festive season on the doorstep. Members of Amicable Divorce Network are invited to a welcome reception the afternoon of December 2nd at the hotel.
