Family Mediation Week 2025

Monday 27 January marked the start of Mediation Week. At this time of year when parties are often at the initial stages of separation, it is crucial to consider how matters may be resolved quickly and amicably, thus avoiding a long protracted dispute. The change in family court rules last April means that courts are now supposed to be used as “a last resort” in the vast majority of cases.

Mediation has been available for many years, and is a cost effective but efficient way to resolve matters, whilst having assistance from a specially trained Mediator. One of the benefits is that between sessions, parties can take independent legal advice, to ensure that the discussions at Mediation progress positively.

At Brethertons we have a trained Mediator, Simon Craddock, who can offer Mediation both in relation to financial and children matters. Simon offers Mediation as an independent person, and therefore does not provide advice to either party, but instead helps clients reach an agreement. If the parties need legal advice, this can be obtained via their own lawyers.

The Mediation process itself often takes place between 3-4 sessions, and can be concluded in as little as 6- 8 weeks. Both parties have a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) independently at the outset, and the Mediator will assess whether the case is suitable for Mediation. Thereafter the Mediator takes clients through the Mediation process helping them to complete financial disclosure, and reach an agreement. Once an agreement has been reached, it is vital the agreement is formalised in a Consent Order, to give it a legally binding status.

Discussions at Mediation are without prejudice, meaning they cannot be raised in Court. This means that issues and options can be safely explored within the Mediation environment, and does not prejudice or impact proceedings at Court.

If you would like any more information about Mediation, please do not hesitate to contact us, at info@brethertons.co.uk or call 01295 270999 (Banbury Office), 01869 252161 (Bicester Office), 01788 579579 (Rugby Office), or 01242 472747 (Cheltenham).