Learn Your Options During Family Mediation Week

Family mediation support for East Midlands families

If you’re going through separation or divorce, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed. Questions about where everyone will live, how children will be cared for, how finances will work – and even who keeps the family pet – can quickly start to pile up.

For many families across the East Midlands, these worries often surface in January, particularly after the emotional and financial pressures of the festive period. If this sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. Importantly, there is a calmer and more constructive way forward.

What is family mediation?

Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that helps separating couples make decisions about children, finances and property without going to court.

During mediation, an independent and professionally trained family mediator supports open, respectful conversations. As a result, you can explore practical solutions together and focus on what works best for your family. Instead of handing decisions over to a judge, mediation allows you to stay in control of the outcomes.

Because of this, many families choose mediation. It is usually less stressful, often quicker, and far more affordable than court proceedings.

How family mediation can help after separation

Family mediation remains flexible and adapts to what matters most to you. In particular, mediation can support families with:

• Parenting arrangements and child-focused plans

• Financial matters, including property, savings, pensions and debts

• Reducing conflict and improving communication between parents

Elizabeth Bilton, Accredited Mediator at Midlands Dove Mediation, explains:

“In family mediation, an independent mediator helps you work things out together. This approach allows families to avoid courtroom confrontation and the stress, delay and cost that often come with it.”

Learn more during Family Mediation Week

Family Mediation Week runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January and is organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). Throughout the week, members of the public can access a series of free online events designed to explain how mediation works and whether it could help their situation.

These events include practical webinars as well as a lunchtime Q&A with This Morning agony aunt Deidre Sanders. Consequently, it’s a great opportunity to learn directly from trusted professionals.

You can view the full timetable and register for free here:
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation-week-2026-timetable/

Local, affordable family mediation in the East Midlands

Midlands Dove Mediation supports families across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands. All of our mediators are registered with the Family Mediation Council, which means they meet nationally recognised professional standards.

In addition, mediation often costs significantly less than going to court. Legal Aid may be available for eligible families, and FMC mediation vouchers worth up to £500 can also help reduce costs.

Take the next step with confidence

If you live in the East Midlands and are navigating separation or divorce, family mediation can help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

To find out more, or to arrange a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), contact Midlands Dove Mediation on 01623 706020 or email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk.

Family Mediation Week offers a positive and supportive place to start.

Please note: Mediation should be considered before applying to court. Not engaging in non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) can result in delays.