Hartlepool-based organisation aims to help separating parents avoid courtroom conflict during Family Mediation Week

Family Mediation Week, which runs from January 22 to 26, shines a helpful spotlight how mediation can help settle many tricky issues and questions around separation such as money and parenting arrangements.

The awareness campaign is being backed locally by Tees Valley Mediation which is a part of the Hartlepool-based organisation Changing Futures North East.

January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart as the various pressures of Christmas act as a final straw for relationships.

Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps couples work these things out and avoid courtroom confrontation.

Jane Affleck, Family Mediator of Tees Valley Mediation which serves the Hartlepool and wider Tees Valley area, said: “Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances that have been highlighted during the holiday period.

“Here in Tees Valley area we find parents in this position simply don’t know which way to turn.”

She added: “Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.”

Legal Aid is available for family mediation.

Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can visit www.teesvalleymediation.co.uk or call (01429) 869247.