Bath law firm Stone King’s family mediation service is to offer free advice to couples facing post-Christmas separations as an alternative to potentially bitter court battles.
Partner John Brownrigg and his family law team are offering free half-hour consultations to help couples find out whether mediation could help them better handle their divorce and avoid further family conflict. 
The initiative is part of Family Mediation Week, which runs from January 11 to 15. Organised by the Family Mediators Association, the week aims to raise awareness of family mediation.
John Brownrigg, pictured, said: “Many people contemplating separation or divorce believe it is inevitable that they will find themselves in court and, every year, thousands of families are torn apart by bitter court battles.
“Relationships between separating parents are irretrievably broken, and all too often their children are caught up in the middle. But it doesn't have to be that way.”
He said family mediation had helped many divorcing parents build a constructive future for their family, without a court imposing decisions on them, and research showed that mediation was often the best way for families to resolve conflicts.
It is proven to be faster, less costly and – crucially – less adversarial than divorcing through the courts.
“Unfortunately, too few people realise this and end up locked in angry disputes that have far-reaching consequences for them, and for their children,” said Mr Brownrigg. “Sadly, this time of year often sees an increase in the number of couples going their separate ways.
“We want to help those people understand that lawyers and courts aren’t their only divorce option, and also to let other people know that family mediation is an option they can suggest to friends or family members who are experiencing separation and don’t know where to go for help.”
Stone King, which also has offices in London and Cambridge, employs nearly 200 people across its practice teams, including 29 partners and 85 fee earners.
