liverpool family lawyer

Family Law News

For free initial advice on all aspects of family law contact us today.

Use of Family Mediation can Prevent Holiday Disputes

A family charity has urged separated parents to use mediation to sort arrangements for childcare before the holiday period to reduce the chance of conflict over Christmas.

The National Family Mediation (NFM) charity have called on separated parents to work out a simple parenting plan before the holiday season to avoid disputes on child care over Christmas.

The charity, which helps families reach post-separation agreements on parenting, property and finance, has warned of the stress that Christmas can with the holiday season often highlighting issues with court-approved settlements and living arrangements. According to the organisation, arrangements that work throughout the year can be exposed and prove to be ineffective over Christmas.

The charity stated that family mediation could be an effective way to manage the holiday season for separated couples and that a simple family plan could provide clarification in advance for both parents, thus reducing the risk of conflict and distress over Christmas and New Year.

Jane Robey, CEO of National Family Mediation said: “Living arrangements that work well all year can be exposed as inadequate. And there can be turmoil for pick-ups and drop-offs when children need to visit relatives they haven’t seen for the past year.”

“A positive parenting plan, agreed by both parents, is easier to achieve than many people think.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Liverpool: Family Mediation

Family Mediation is one form of dispute resolution that can prove to be more effective for separated couples than court-based dispute resolution. Mediation involves open discussions between two parties with a third party acting as the go-between/mediator. While mediation is being urged over the festive period, it can prove useful for separated couples on all matters.

According to the NFM, which operates in England and Wales, mediated cases are resolved much more quickly and save money for both parties. Statistics show that a mediated case is completed, on average, in 110 days compared to the average 435 days for cases resolved through the courts. This amounts to a saving of ten and a half months. It is estimated that the average cost per client for mediation is £535 compared to £2,823 for court resolution.

Further Advantages of Mediation

While there are many financial advantages to mediation, such resolution also allows those who are going through a separation to discuss how their assets are distributed and what solutions could work best for them and their children. This prevents the courts from deciding on an agreement that in reality, may not work for either party. By having the final say on vital issues and agreeing to compromise, you are ensuring that you have a say in these key aspects.

Jane Robey explained the advantage saying: “You both tailor it to suit your own circumstances, and it can be flexible, updated to match changing need, not just when holidays come, but in years beyond as the child grows up and parents’ jobs and relationships change."

Mediation Liverpool: Contact Us

If you require the services of our family lawyers for mediation or any other issue, contact us today using our online contact form.

Rise in Elderly Divorces Across UK
Inheritance Tax “Too Toxic” to Save According to T...

Related Posts

Enquire now

Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Please tick the box below.

Invalid Input

Pick tick to confirm you have read this.