Family Mediation Week 2026

Family Mediation Week aims to raise awareness of how family mediation can help to avoid the cost, stress and lengthy delays of divorcing through the courts.

The pressures that come with the festive period are often thought to act as a final straw for strained relationships, meaning January usually sees a rise in numbers of parents deciding to live apart.

Couples who have made the decision to separate are invited to find out how they can avoid a courtroom confrontation to settle money, property and parenting issues, at a series of free online events taking place during Family Mediation Week, Monday 26 to Friday 30 January.

Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the week aims to raise awareness of how family mediation can help separating couples decide arrangements for children, property and finances in a calmer, more constructive way.

The life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:

• Who lives where?
• Where will the children live and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
• How will we organise our money?
• What about debts and pensions?
• Who gets the family dog?

The free online events, organised by the FMC are designed to let more people know about family mediation and encourage separating couples to think about the process as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for their family. Sessions are designed for members of the public wanting to understand how mediation could support them.

Full details of all the online events and how to register are here:

https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation-week-2026-timetable/

“In family mediation, an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you work things out together, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation and all the stress, delay and cost it can bring. Professional mediators help you to create long-term solutions for your circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family,” explained Director, Gilva Tisshaw.

At Tisshaws we have three mediators, Richard, Verity and Hana on the FMC Register, which means they meet agreed professional standards.

Moreover, Richard is an Accredited Family Mediator. This prestigious accreditation is awarded by the Law Society and Family Mediation Council to those reaching the highest level of professional practice and expertise. It allows Richard to conduct statutory Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings, as well as mediations funded by the UK Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. Richard, along with Verity and Hana, also conducts mediation sessions for private clients.

If you would like to explore how mediation might benefit you and your family, please call us on 01444 472700, email info@tisshawssolicitors.co.uk or complete the form below.