Family Mediation Week 2026: A Better Way Forward for Families

Starts Monday 26 January 2026

Every January, families across the UK face difficult decisions about separation, children, and finances. Family Mediation Week 2026, running from Monday 26 January, shines a spotlight on a calmer, more constructive way to resolve family disputes — without the stress, cost, and conflict of court.

If you’re going through a separation, divorce, or disagreement about children or finances, this week is an ideal time to explore how family mediation could help you move forward with clarity and dignity.

What Is Family Mediation Week?

Family Mediation Week is an annual awareness campaign led by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). Its aim is simple but powerful:👉 to help families understand that they have options other than court.

Throughout the week, mediators across the country highlight how mediation can:

• Reduce conflict

• Save time and legal costs

• Put children’s needs first

• Help families stay in control of decisions

For many people, it’s the first time they realise that going to court isn’t the only — or best — solution.

Why Family Mediation Matters More Than Ever in 2026

Court delays, rising legal fees, and increased emotional strain have made traditional legal routes harder than ever for families. Mediation offers a practical, human-centred alternative.

In mediation, a trained and impartial mediator helps you and the other person:

• Talk through issues safely and productively

• Focus on solutions rather than blame

• Reach agreements that work for your family’s real life

And crucially — mediation is about the future, not reliving the past.

Common Issues Family Mediation Can Help With

Family mediation isn’t just for divorce. It can help with a wide range of situations, including:

• Child arrangements and parenting plans

• Separation and divorce discussions

• Financial settlements and property issues

• Grandparent contact

• Communication breakdowns after separation

Whether things feel tense or completely stuck, mediation creates space for progress.

Is Mediation Right for You?

You don’t need to be “on good terms” to try mediation. Many people start the process feeling anxious, angry, or unsure — that’s normal.

Mediation may be right for you if:

• You want to avoid court if possible

• You care about protecting children from conflict

• You want more control over outcomes

• You’re willing to explore solutions, even if communication is difficult

Even attending an initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) can help you understand your options clearly.

Family Mediation Week 2026: A Chance to Take the First Step

Starting Monday 26 January 2026, Family Mediation Week is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and choose a different path forward.

If you’ve been feeling:

• Overwhelmed

• Unsure what to do next

• Worried about the impact on your children

…mediation could be the turning point.

Looking for Support During Family Mediation Week?

We offer:

• Clear explanations of the mediation process

• child-focused and confidential support

You don’t have to decide everything at once — you just have to start the conversation.

Final Thought

Family breakdown is never easy. But how you handle it can make a lasting difference to your future and your children’s wellbeing.

This Family Mediation Week 2026, starting Monday 26 January, take the opportunity to learn about a calmer, kinder way forward — one conversation at a time.