Family Mediation Week

Taylor Bracewell are pleased to support Family Mediation Week taking place from Monday 26th to Friday 30th January 2026. The Family Mediation Council (FMC) hosts an annual awareness campaign highlighting the important role family mediation plays in assisting families experiencing separation and dispute, and how it complements the work of professionals such as solicitors, social workers, educators, and others supporting families during challenging times.

Mediation plays an increasingly important role in helping individuals and families resolve disputes in a constructive, cost-effective, and less adversarial way. Whether issues arise from separation, parenting arrangements, finances, or ongoing conflict, mediation offers a confidential space for open discussion, supported by an impartial professional, with the aim of reaching practical and mutually acceptable outcomes.

For those wanting to learn more, there are a number of useful resources available, including informative webinars that explain how mediation works in practice, who it can help, and what to expect from the process. These sessions also provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on whether mediation may be the right option for your situation.

We have included links below to helpful webinars and resources, where you can find further information and submit questions directly to experienced professionals.

Monday 26^th January 9am – Family Mediation Week Launch Event – Register here

Tuesday 27^th January 1pm – Family Mediation Week 2026 – Practical tips to manage turbulent emotions in separation or divorce – Family Mediation Council

Wednesday 28^th January – 1pm – Family Mediation Week 2026 – A beginner’s guide to how mediation can help you in separation or divorce: part 1 Children – Family Mediation Council

Thursday 28^th January 1pm – Family Mediation Week 2026 – 3 must-read books for parents navigating separation – Family Mediation Council

Friday 30^th January 1pm – Family Mediation Week 2026 – A beginner’s guide to how mediation can help you in separation or divorce: part 2 Finance – Family Mediation Council

If you, or someone you know, are currently going through mediation, there are several ways you can offer support to help make the process easier and more effective, including:

• Encouraging open and respectful communication, even where conversations feel difficult
• Helping them prepare by thinking about priorities, being aware you may not always come out with the idea you went in with.
• Promoting a child-focused approach, where children are involved, keeping their needs at the centre of discussions, the main focus is what is best for them, not you.
• Offering emotional support, recognising that mediation can feel challenging and emotionally demanding, giving yourself time to sit with your emotions and understand why you feel that way.
• Supporting realistic expectations, understanding that mediation is about compromise and practical outcomes, come up with a few ideas that you would be happy with and widen your view on the scenario.

Our Family Team at Taylor Bracewell is also on hand to assist with any enquiries or referrals relating to the mediation process. If you would like further information, guidance or support in exploring whether mediation may be appropriate, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01302 341414 or fill out our online enquiry form.