Family Mediation Week
Separating parents urged to avoid courtroom conflict as #FamilyMediationWeek kicks off in Bedford.
Parents living in Bedford, Ampthill and the surrounding areas who have decided to separate or divorce in 2023 are being urged to find out how to avoid courtroom confrontation to settle money and parenting arrangements, with the launch of Family Mediation Week, 16–20 January.
January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart as the various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period act as a final straw for relationships.
Philip Elliott, Partner of Sharman Law, which serves Bedford says Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help ex partners agree what works for them, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
He says: “Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances that have been highlighted during the holiday period.
“Here in Bedford we find parents in this position simply don’t know which way to turn. Their life changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:
“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”
Sharmans is also taking part in the Ministry of Justice’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which meets up to £500 of mediation costs for families if they need to discuss arrangements for children.
Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can contact