Separating parents urged to avoid courtroom conflict as Family Mediation Week kicks off in Scotland
Parents living in Scotland who have decided to separate or divorce in 2023 are being urged to find out how to avoid courtroom confrontation to settle 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.
Rosanne Cubitt, Head of Practice for Mediation at Relationships Scotland, a network which provides services across Scotland, says Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation. It is a process that can help ex-partners agree what works for them, whilst minimising involvement in the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
She says: “Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling overwhelmed by the pressures that have been highlighted during the holiday period.
“We find parents in this position often don’t know which way to turn. Their 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?
- What are we going to do about money, school, friends and activities?
- And even the family dog?
“Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements.
“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.”
Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can visit
www.relationships-scotland.org.uk or call 0345 119 2020
Interview opportunity
To arrange an interview, or for more information, please email rosanne.cubitt@relationships-scotland.org.uk or call 0345 119 2020
Notes:
- Family Mediation Week takes place from 16 – 20 January 2023, organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote the use of family mediation for the benefit of the public. The FMC does not offer mediation itself.
- Relationships Scotland is a network of Member Services, 13 of which offer Family Mediation across Scotland. They employ mediators on the Relationships Scotland Register, which means they meet agreed professional standards. Relationships Scotland is approved as an organisation to accredit mediators by the Lord President of the Court of Session in Scotland. Member Services that provide mediation can be found here: https://www.relationships-scotland.org.uk/find-a-local-service/family-mediation-services