As Family Mediation Week gets underway (27 to 31 January) local charity Relationships Scotland Orkney is urging parents who are considering, or in the process of, separation or divorce to seek an alternative to a courtroom confrontation to settle parenting arrangements.
January traditionally sees an increase in the number of parents deciding to live apart as the various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period act as a final straw for their relationships.
Tamsin Bailey, Family Mediator at Relationships Scotland Orkney said:
Often families who are experiencing challenges in their relationships will automatically think of court as their only option to resolve these difficult issues, but mediation can be hugely beneficial in helping separating couples agree what works for them, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.
Family Mediation Week is about raising awareness of the benefits of mediation as a way of helping parents make decisions together, which can result in more positive outcomes for the whole family.
When parents separate, they often don’t know which way to turn. Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions: Where will the children live, and how will we make sure they spend time with each of us? How will we sort out our finances? And even the family pet?
Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps separating or separated couples work these things out, enabling them to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower families to take control of their individual circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions on their behalf. This confidential service is available to families in Orkney free of charge through Relationships Scotland Orkney.
92% of parents who participated in mediation told us that it helped improve their family situation and 100% would recommend the service to others. One parent told us: “At times my ex-partner and I have been completely unable to communicate in any way apart from through the mediation service. It’s the only thing that has proved useful in helping to us keep life on an even keel for our child.
Anyone wanting to find out more can visit www.rsorkney.org.uk or call 01856 877750.
