Lawyers have issued a plea at the start of Family Mediation Week for divorcing couples to consider mediation before plunging into court proceedings.
The family mediation team at Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors says it offers a more co-operative and less adversarial setting – leading to quicker resolutions, greater control over the outcome and a more affordable approach.
Family Mediation Week is being held from 26 to 30 January and comes at the end of the so-called ‘divorce month’ of January when there is often a sharp rise in couples seeking legal advice after Christmas and new year.
Ellis Jones Solicitors, with 187 staff including 23 Partners in Dorset, Hampshire and London, has experienced an increase in enquiries about separation and divorce generally so far during the month.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said: “Mediation can assist couples navigating divorce or separation by resolving disputes in a more constructive and less confrontational manner.
“It is a flexible process where a qualified, impartial mediator facilitates discussions between the two parties on issues such as how much time the children should spend with each parent and how the matrimonial finances should be divided. The goal is to find solutions that benefit everyone, particularly the children.
“We encourage all clients, when suitable, to consider mediation and or another form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution. Court should always be considered a last resort, except in a few exceptional cases.”
Ellis Jones’s family mediation team is led by Joint Head of Family Deborah Leask, Partner Katie Taft, Associate Solicitor Asya Panchalieva and Senior Associate Solicitor Georgina Emerson. All are qualified and experienced mediators.
Georgina, who is a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 guide for 2026, said: “Mediation gives families a chance to be heard fully, respectfully, and without the pressure of ‘winning’.
“It focuses on understanding, not blame. In a calm, guided setting, people can speak honestly, protect relationships and shape outcomes that are customised to their situation.
“Choosing mediation first can save time, money, and emotional wear, especially for children who feel every ripple of conflict.
“Even when agreement feels far away, mediation often restores clarity and dignity to the conversation.”
Family Mediation Week is held by the Family Mediation Council. According to latest figures from the ONS, there were 102,678 divorces in 2023 – a return to pre-pandemic levels.
Visit https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/fmw/ for more about Family Mediation Week and https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/personal/mediation-solicitors-bournemouth/ for more about how Ellis Jones delivers mediation.