Family Mediation Week 2026: Resolving Separation and Family Disputes Without Court

Family Mediation Week 2026: Resolving Separation and Family Disputes Without Court | Thursday 22 January 2026 | 3 min read

Family mediation week – 26-30 January 2026

Have you and your partner recently separated and are looking to try to resolve matters outside of Court? If so, mediation may be the right option for you.

What is family mediation week?

Next week (26-30 January 2026) is Family Mediation Week. Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), it will provide separating couples with valuable and practical information as to how mediation could help them to avoid court proceedings and resolve children, property, and financial matters in a calmer and more constructive way.

Throughout the week, there are a number of free online events which have been specifically designed to let people know more about the mediation process and how, through mediation, they could work together to create long term solutions for themselves and their families rather than leaving it to the Court to make decisions. The sessions have been devised to help couples understand the mediation process and how it could support and assist them as they navigate the breakdown of their relationship.

Full details of all the online events and how to register are here: Family Mediation Week 2026 – Webinar Timetable – Family Mediation Council

Some of the free online events include “A beginner’s guide to mediation”, which explores how mediation is a practical and cost-effective way to manage conflict without drama.

Why consider mediation instead of court?

Mediation can offer separating couples a real alternative to the stress, strain and high costs associated with Court proceedings and is something that should be actively considered and tried before going down the Court route. It can also be quicker than court proceedings and has the potential to preserve and improve relationships.

Resolving financial and children matters through mediation

Separating is never easy, and with it comes so many difficult questions, such as how financial matters will be resolved, where the children should live and how much time they should spend with each parent. Mediation can help couples work out these solutions together in a constructive and collaborative fashion.

Starting the new year after separation

If you are starting the new year, having come to the conclusion that, sadly, your relationship is over, take the time to explore what mediation can offer you and why the benefits of trying to resolve matters through mediation could be the best solution for you and your family.

Legal support during mediation

The Family department here at SA Law can support you during mediation and provide legal advice before, during and after mediation. If you and your partner reach an agreement in mediation, we can help by putting that agreement into a formal Court order.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a mediator to help you and your partner try and resolve matters, Joint Head of Department and Partner, Marilyn Bell, is a Family Mediation Council (FMC) registered mediator with many years of experience. Marilyn is an accredited mediator and is qualified to provide child inclusive mediation.

Parents can often get stuck because they have different views on what the children are indicating they want. Children sometimes say different things to each parent because they want to please them and they are aware of what answer the parent wants to hear. This can be discussed in mediation, and if both parents agree, it would be helpful for Marilyn to meet with the children.

Find out more about family mediation

If you are interested in exploring mediation further and what it may mean for you, attend an online event or reach out to our family solicitors for further guidance.