Let’s talk about family mediation.
If you don’t know someone who has been to family mediation yet, you probably soon will.
Family mediation has been an alternative to court-based dispute resolution for decades. It’s simpler, quicker, and cheaper and yet so many people are wary of trying it.
In 2024, the court service advanced its powers to encourage people to use “non court dispute resolution”, of which family mediation is the most widely available (and cheapest) type.
Why does the court service want more people to go to family mediation?
Family mediation is a less stressful and simpler way of resolving issues around separation, such as sharing finances, arrangements for children, child maintenance payments, and dealing with any debts.
Too many people are trying to use the court system to resolve family issues that could be resolved in other (less adversarial) ways.
This causes delay and clogs up the system, preventing those who really need to use the family court from accessing the help they need.
These delays mean that urgent cases, such as those designed to keep families and children safe from harm, aren’t heard quickly enough.
Non urgent cases, that could potentially be dealt with at family mediation, are facing even longer delays.
This doesn’t help anyone. In some cases, it can lead to financial hardship or emotional harm.
There are also a number of benefits to family mediation, such as its being much less stressful than court with less conflict between partners and less upset for children involved. It is a much more flexible process than going to court and can be adjusted to meet the needs of your family in order to find a solution which works for both partners and any children involved.
What changed in 2024?
The court rules were updated last year to restrict access to the family court until people have tried resolving their disputes in other ways first.
Certain exemptions will continue to apply, such as where there is a risk of (or has been) domestic abuse.
Fewer exemptions from family mediation.
Since 8th April 2024, fewer general exemptions are available from the requirement to try mediation before making certain types of court application. People are now expected to use online, video mediation services if face to face is not available.
Evidence of having attended a mediation information and assessment meeting need to be attached to the court application. These applications will then be scrutinised at an early stage and people will be referred back to mediation before the first court appointment where appropriate.
Adjournment for family mediation
Judges will be required to actively consider whether it is appropriate to adjourn cases and require people to attend a mediation meeting, at every stage of the case, not just at the outset.
Sanctions for those who don’t try family mediation
As part of the shake up, those who refuse to try family mediation or other NCDR face possible costs sanctions.
Does that mean family mediation is now compulsory?
No. Whilst you will be required to explore family mediation, it is, for the moment at least, still your choice whether it’s right for you.
The future of family mediation
The direction of travel is very clear. Family mediation is here to stay, and we all need to be talking about it.
Family disputes need to be resolved out of court. As we say in Manchester, don’t look back in anger.
How can AFG LAW help you with family mediation?
Our expert family solicitors support our clients through mediation and lodging consent orders to make final agreements legally binding. Our experienced family team has a conciliatory approach and work with mediation services to provide our clients with the best possible outcome.
About the author
Nicola Williams is solicitor specialising in family finances. She is a member of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) and qualified as a mediator in 2003. In January 2025, Nicola transitioned from an Associate Solicitor at AFG LAW to a Consultant for the Family team.
If you need help with any aspect of separation or divorce, get in touch with our team by calling 01204 377600 or email familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk.