PARENTS in Warrington are being urged to use family mediation as a way to avoid lengthy, expensive courtroom battles.

January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart or to start the separation or divorce process, as the various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period act as a final straw for relationships.

Family Mediation Week has been launched from Monday, January 16, to Friday, January 20.

Jane Robey, CEO of National Family Mediation, said: "Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances that have been highlighted during the holiday period.

“We often see a spike in enquiries across the country at this time and are working with a number of parents in Warrington who don’t know which way to turn.

"Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions:

  • Who lives where?
  • Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
  • How will we sort money?
  • What about debts and pensions?
  • And even the family dog?

"Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance."

Jane added: "Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation.

"Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family."

There are a number of different options available for families looking to mediate, including a voucher from the Ministry of Justice which covers £500 of costs for families if they need to make arrangements for children.

Jane finished: “The key message that I want to get out there is that people don’t need to face this difficult time alone.

"There are trained mediators who can help to keep things amicable, and to find a solution and resolution for the problems at hand that genuinely works for all."

More information can be found on National Family Mediation's website.