07943 286229
Family dispute experts in Greater Manchester are stepping up work to raise awareness of how family mediation can help separating couples, as new figures show increased interest in the process.
Participation in the annual England and Wales-wide ‘Family Mediation Week’ event rose by nearly a fifth in January 2025, compared with last year’s event. Thousands attended a series of free webinars focused on aspects of the family mediation process.
Monica Garvey, Director and Family Mediator of Manchester and Cheshire Mediation says “The success of these events, along with the recent extension of the government’s ‘family mediation voucher’ scheme offering couples £500 towards the cost of the process, means the profile of family mediation has never been higher.
“So we are accelerating our work to ensure separating and divorcing couples living in and around Greater Manchester and Cheshire consider using a family mediator to help them agree parenting, property and money issues when they split.
“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out,” she says.
“It helps you resolve the issues without suffering the stress, delay and cost of going to court to try to make settlements.
“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.
“Couples who have decided to separate find that their life-changing decision brings 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 sort the money?
- What about debts and pensions and divorce?
- And even the family pets?
“Very often they don’t know which way to turn, and the voucher scheme will help many more separating families feel the benefits family mediation can bring,” she adds.
Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can visit Manchesterandcheshiremediation.com or call 07943 286229.
Family Mediation Vouchers remain available to help fund the cost of family mediation.
Separating couples and family law professionals attended a series of free webinars during Family Mediation Week in January. They are available to watch free, here: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/fmw/all-events/
Webinar themes include:
- Child-inclusive family mediation
- How family mediation can be undertaken in cases where there has been domestic abuse
- The benefits of Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs), and
- Digital solutions to improve experiences of separation
The live events attracted a total of 2,370 people, with a further 1,400 watching the recordings to date. The total of 3,770 represents a 19 per cent rise on 2024 participation.
- Manchester and Cheshire Mediation engages accredited mediators on the Family Mediation Council (FMC) Register, which means they meet agreed professional standards. The FMC Register can be searched online, enabling people to find mediators near to them, who are working online, and – if relevant – who offer legal aid. The search facility can be found here:
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/
- Mediation allows the parties to stay in control, as no one will be made to do or agree to anything against their wishes. Unlike in a courtroom both partners can agree to a solution rather than have a judge decide for them.
