Mediation charity braces itself for new year separation and divorce spike
Family dispute specialists who are part of the country’s largest network of family mediators are preparing for what could be their busiest time of the year, as couples across the region make it their new year resolution to end their relationships after a stressful holiday period.
Staff at National Family Mediation (NFM), which helps families to sort arrangements for children, property, finance and other important matters,say in their experience Christmas often proves the final straw for relationships that have been fragile for some time.
The charity says this year is likely to be even more stressful for many, as the cost of living continues to rise.
Jane Robey, NFM’S CEO, said the Government’s £500 Voucher Scheme would act as a ‘lifeline’ for many, with couples turning to mediation to help them to ‘co-exist amicably’ until finances allow them to move into separate accommodation.
As part of the scheme, couples who decide to split up can access up to £500, which can be used to fund mediation to discuss children matters using mediation providers such as NFM.
Jane said: “Sadly, while Christmas is supposed to be a jolly time of year it can also pile added pressure on relationships already at the end of their tether.
“Our mediators always see a spike in enquiries in December and January, but this year we do anticipate more calls than ever given the economic climate and the difficulties that many people are facing.”
The first working Monday in January is now commonly referred to as 'Divorce Day' - a term used by lawyers and law firms to typically describe the time of year when they receive a surge of new enquiries from couples about divorce.
Jane added: “Food prices have gone up, fuel costs have rocketed, and we are seeing a lot of businesses collapsing leaving many workers unemployed or worried about their jobs.
“Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in people who come to us who are very worried about how they are going to pay for the basics, let alone the added expense that comes with Christmas.
“Recently, that has included couples in conflict who just cannot afford to go their separate ways. Instead, they are resigned to the fact that they are going to have to live together until they are both in a better financial position.
“While you might think that seems like a sensible approach to sharing costs and managing childcare, the reality is that living in close proximity to an ex-partner can be incredibly stressful.
“For families with children, the priority needs to be finding a way to co-exist amicably for as long as is needed, and so the government’s mediation voucher scheme has been a real lifeline in helping them to navigate the difficulties that inevitably lie ahead.
“The voucher scheme is a real lifeline in that respect, as it means that everyone can access the support they need, and it could save them thousands on costly court fees.”
NFM’s professional mediators are highly skilled third party negotiators with experience in helping families create long-term solutions that work well for their particular circumstances.
Jane added: “Rather than leaving it to a judge to decide who will live where, what happens to the money, debts and pensions, and arrangements for the children, mediation empowers families themselves to decide these things. It’s their future after all.”
Legal Aid also remains available for family mediation.
