Family Mediation Week takes place from Monday 26th to Friday 30th January 2026.
Goodman Ray Solicitors are Proud to Support Family Mediation Week 2026.
Family Mediation Week is run by the Family Mediation Council and aims to bolster the public’s awareness of mediation and the benefits that it can bring to separating families.
The Family Mediation Council is keen to promote family mediation as a way of enabling separating families to take control of the process, make informed decisions and pave the way forward for a positive future.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process which is typically undertaken by parents, couples or partners. Mediation allows parties to work out arrangements, such as for children and finances, following a separation.
The family mediator is an independent third party who manages discussions between the parties. The mediator’s role is to help the parties narrow the issues between them and then leads a forward-thinking and constructive discussion to help them reach a resolution.
Any discussions that take place in mediation are generally confidential and privileged. This means that discussions which take place in mediation cannot be repeated in Court unless this is agreed by the parties. This allows parties to have open and honest discussions with one another during mediation which, in turn, enables agreements to be reached and decisions to be made.
Mediation allows parties to approach their disputes in a constructive, neutral, creative and co-operative manner. Typically, it is less stressful, expensive and time consuming than court proceedings.
Is Family Mediation Successful?
“People often ask whether family mediation works, and so the FMC conducted a survey to find out. Survey results just published show that this is a highly successful way of helping couples resolve disputes, with mediation successful in over 70% of cases” – Source: Family Mediation Council.
John Taylor, former Chair of the Family Mediation Council said: “It is not surprising that so many people who attend a first meeting with a mediator choose to go on to mediate. The meeting (sometimes called a “Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting”, or “MIAM”) provides people with an opportunity to find out what family mediation is, how it might work for them and the practicalities and costs involved, as well as the alternatives if they choose not to mediate. Once people realise that family mediation is less expensive than being represented in court proceedings, as well as being less stressful and quicker than the court process, most realise it is a conversation worth having.” – Source: Family Mediation Council.
A Comparison of Non Court Dispute Resolution
Family disputes are often emotional and complex. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation and family therapy, helps families communicate constructively, focus on what matters most, and reach practical solutions without escalating conflict or going to court. Find out more about ADR by reading this blog by Ann Thompson.
Find out more about Family Mediation
The mediation team at Goodman Ray are eager to find the best approach for parties and their specific dispute. Our mediators specialise in a range of mediation processes to help create the best environment to resolve issues constructively and amicably. That includes:
- Hybrid mediation
- Child-inclusive mediation
- Mediation in person or by video
- Lawyer-inclusive mediation
- Shuttle mediation
Our experienced mediation team is recognised in both Chambers High Net Worth and Legal 500. Our mediators are happy to have a quick telephone call to introduce themselves before arranging your first meeting. Alternatively one of our experienced trainees or paralegals will be able to speak with you and arrange your initial meetings.
Get in touch with our Family Mediation Solicitors in London and Brighton
If you would like to meet with one of our mediators or simply discuss the process further, then please get in touch using whatever method is easiest for you. You can use the form on our website or email us at mail@goodmanray.com. Alternatively, feel free to ring us on 020 7608 1227 or you can call the mediator at Goodman Ray directly using the direct dial on their profile.
Family Mediation FAQs
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which an independent, impartial mediator helps you and the other party discuss and resolve disputes without going to court. The mediator facilitates constructive conversation so both sides can negotiate and, where possible, reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The process is flexible and can be used before or during court proceedings.
In many family law cases in England and Wales, you are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can apply to the family court for issues such as child arrangements or financial disputes, unless a specific exemption applies. Attending mediation itself is voluntary, but the MIAM is usually a necessary step before court action.
Yes. Mediation is confidential. What is said during mediation generally cannot be disclosed outside the process, including in court, unless all parties agree. If an agreement is reached, it can be made legally binding (for example by turning it into a consent order approved by the court).
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is an initial meeting with a qualified mediator. Its purpose is to explain how mediation works, assess whether it is suitable for your situation, and discuss alternative ways of resolving your dispute without going to court. In most family law cases involving children or finances, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before applying to the family court, unless an exemption applies (such as domestic abuse or urgency).
A Consent Order is a legally binding court order that formalises an agreement reached during mediation. Once terms are agreed, they can be drafted into a Consent Order and submitted to the court for approval. If approved by a judge, the agreement becomes enforceable by law, providing certainty and protection for both parties, particularly in relation to financial settlements or child arrangements.
Contact us today
If you have any questions or wish to get legal advice on any of the topics raised above please feel free to contact us.
Call us on 020 7608 1227
