Two thirds of people are aware that family mediation is an option to help avoid court in the event of divorce or separation, but only 30% would make a family mediator their first port of call.
Instead, 45% would turn to a lawyer first, according to a survey commissioned by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). The results were published this week to coincide with Family Mediation Week.
Chair of the FMC Stephen Burke said: ‘It’s good that so many people know family mediation is an option to help them resolve money, property and parenting issues in divorce or separation.
‘It is now my goal to ensure that growing awareness means that divorcing and separating couples take action, knocking on a family mediator's door first. They will do so knowing the process can lead to their issues being resolved more quickly, with less stress and less expense than if they head off to a court.’
