Family Mediation Week 2026 takes place this week, from 26–30 January 2026 and offers an important opportunity to highlight a constructive, child-focused way of resolving family disputes. At a time when many families feel overwhelmed by separation, divorce or conflict, mediation can provide clarity, calm and control — without the emotional and financial strain of court proceedings.
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, we are proud to support Family Mediation Week and to champion mediation as a practical and empowering option for families navigating change.
What Is Family Mediation Week?
Family Mediation Week is an annual initiative led by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) - aimed at raising public awareness of family mediation and its benefits. Throughout the week, the FMC and its member organisations promote mediation to separating couples, families, legal professionals and other practitioners working with children and parents. The core message is simple but powerful: mediation helps families take control of decisions, reduce conflict and build a more positive future.
When Is Family Mediation Week 2026?
Family Mediation Week 2026 will run from:
📅 Monday 26 January – Friday 30 January 2026
Across the week, a range of free webinars, in-person events and online resources will be available to help families understand how mediation works and whether it could be right for them.
Why Family Mediation Matters
Separation and divorce are among the most stressful life events a family can face. When emotions run high, communication often breaks down — and disputes about children, finances or property can quickly escalate.
Family mediation offers a different approach.
Rather than handing decisions to a judge, mediation enables separating couples to:
- Discuss issues in a neutral, supported environment
- Focus on practical solutions, not blame
- Keep children’s welfare at the centre of discussions
- Save time, stress and legal costs
- Maintain dignity and respect during a difficult transition
For many families, mediation can prevent disputes from becoming entrenched and help parents establish workable arrangements that last.
How Mediation Can Help With Children and Finances
During Family Mediation Week 2026, the FMC is hosting a series of webinars aimed at the public, professionals and mediators, including:
🔹 Mediation and Children (Wednesday 28 January, 1–2pm)
This session focuses on child arrangements following separation, helping parents understand how mediation can support:
- Parenting plans
- Living arrangements
- Time spent with each parent
- Communication and co-parenting
Click here to find out more and register
🔹 3 must-read books for parents navigating separation (Thursday 29 January, 1–2pm)
This session inclides interviews with authors Marcie Shaoul, Sarah Smith and Dr Angharad Rudkin about their books that help parents dealing with separation arrangements and post-separation issues, followed by a Q&A with all of the speakers.
🔹 Mediation and Finances (Friday 30 January, 1–2pm)
This session explores how mediation can assist with:
- Financial disclosure
- Property and asset division
- Managing ongoing financial arrangements
- Preparing for the next legal steps, if required
These sessions aim to debunk myths about mediation and show how it can be a practical, cost-effective alternative to court.
Meet Our Family Mediation Specialist: Victoria Poole
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, mediation is an integral part of our family law service — and we are fortunate to have Victoria Poole, a highly experienced family law specialist and mediator, leading this work.
Victoria is:
- A Resolution-trained Mediator
- An FMC Accredited Family Mediator (all issues)
- A Resolution Accredited Specialist in: Domestic Violence & Children Law (Private)
- An experienced Family Law Solicitor with a strong child-focused approach
Victoria’s dual role as both a specialist family lawyer and mediator allows her to offer clear, balanced guidance — helping clients understand their legal position while exploring non-confrontational ways forward.
Her experience is particularly valuable in cases involving:
- Child arrangements
- High conflict separations
- Safeguarding concerns
- Domestic abuse issues
- Complex family dynamics
Is Mediation Always Appropriate?
While mediation can be highly effective, it is not suitable for every situation — particularly where there are serious safeguarding concerns or an imbalance of power.
This is why obtaining early legal advice is so important.
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, we carefully assess whether mediation is appropriate and safe, and we ensure clients understand all available options before proceeding.
Free 30-Minute Appointments for New Family Law Clients
To support families during Family Mediation Week 2026 — and beyond — we offer all new Family Law clients a FREE 30-minute initial appointment.
This confidential consultation allows you to:
- Understand whether mediation may be suitable for your situation
- Receive clear advice on your legal rights and responsibilities
- Discuss child arrangements, finances or safeguarding concerns
- Explore next steps with confidence and clarity
There is no obligation, and the focus is on helping you make informed decisions at an early stage.
Looking Ahead: A More Constructive Way Forward
Family Mediation Week 2026 highlights an important truth: there is another way.
For many families, mediation offers a calmer, more respectful route through separation — one that prioritises children, preserves relationships where possible, and avoids unnecessary conflict.
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, we are committed to supporting families with empathy, expertise and practical solutions — whether through mediation, negotiation or court proceedings where necessary.
Speak to Us
If you are considering separation, struggling with child arrangements, or unsure whether mediation is right for you, we are here to help.
📞 Contact our Family Law team today on 01606 48777 to book your FREE 30-minute initial appointment and speak with an experienced solicitor or mediator about your next steps.
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