Free Online Events for Families Navigating Separation During Family Mediation Week (26-30 January 2026)

The post-festive period often sees a rise in parents deciding to live apart. Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a professionally trained mediator helps couples resolve family law issues, including decisions about children, property, and finances during separation and divorce.

Couples facing the challenges of separation are invited to learn how they can resolve issues without going to court, thanks to a series of free online events during Family Mediation Week, running Monday 26 – Friday 30 January 2026.

Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the week highlights how family mediation services can help separating couples find calmer, more constructive solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

As part of the week, a Monday lunchtime Q&A with TV Agony Aunt Deidre Sanders will explore family separation, divorce, and mediation on 26 January from 1–2pm, providing practical advice on resolving parenting, financial, and property disputes.

These sessions are open to anyone - full event details and registration are available here.

About Family Mediation

Family mediation differs from court proceedings in that it gives families control over their own decisions rather than leaving them to a judge. While courts focus on legal requirements, mediation focuses on what works best for your unique family circumstances.

Mediation for separation and divorce can:

• Encourage open discussion and collaboration rather than adversarial conflict
• Help couples create long-term, tailored solutions that suit their particular needs
• Reduce stress, time, and cost compared to legal proceedings
• Promote better communication and more positive outcomes for children
• Provide a confidential space to explore options openly, without fear of judgement

Legal Aid and Family Mediation Vouchers worth £500 may also be available to help cover the cost of family mediation.

Common Family Law Questions During Separation

Separation and divorce often bring difficult questions, including:

• Who will live where?
• Where will the children live, and how will parental time be arranged?
• How do we divide money, debts, and pensions?
• Even… who gets the family dog?

Family mediation can help resolve these common family law issues by providing a structured environment where trained mediators guide couples through each matter step by step.

Insights from Our Family Law Partner on Family Mediation:

“Family mediation allows couples to work together with a professionally trained, independent mediator to reach solutions that work for their family,” says Sam Miles, Partner in the Family team at Warner Goodman LLP.

“It avoids the stress, delay, and expense of going to court and lets families take control of their own arrangements. These free online events are designed to help people understand how mediation works and how it could support them during a difficult time.”

Need More Support?

If you are considering separation or divorce and would like guidance on how family mediation or family law advice could work for your situation, our experienced Family team at Warner Goodman LLP can help. We can explain the mediation process, discuss legal considerations, and connect you with accredited mediators.

Contact us today to speak to one of our Family Law specialists on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.