Mediation Week 2026: A Practical Q&A on Family Mediation with William Hogg
As part of Mediation Week 2026, we are sharing straightforward guidance on how family mediation works in practice, and why it can be such an effective alternative to the court process for separating couples.
In this Q&A, William Hogg, Head of Alternative Dispute Resolution at Laurus, explains why mediation is still underused, what high-quality mediation looks like when it is done properly and how the process helps families move forward in a structured, constructive way. He also addresses common concerns, including the role of lawyers and experts within mediation and why having a neutral mediator at the head of the table can make all the difference.
If you are separating and want a calmer, more practical route to resolving issues around finances or children, this Q&A is a helpful place to start.
1. Why is family mediation still underused, and why should separating couples consider it as an alternative to court during Mediation Week?
Family mediation is still underused because many people feel nervous about entering the process without lawyers. In reality, that fear is often based on a misunderstanding. Mediation does not have to mean “no lawyers involved”. We are very happy to undertake mediation with lawyers present where that support is needed.
At its core, mediation helps people stay out of the court system and instead form a team around the family, working towards an outcome that benefits everyone involved. If you go to court, neither party ever really feels like they have properly “won”. People often leave the process questioning whether they could have done better, or worrying that they have done worse than they should have. Mediation avoids much of that emotional fallout because it is focused on resolution rather than conflict.
It is also a process where the right expertise can be brought in at the right time. Depending on the issues, we can involve accountants, mental health professionals, child inclusive mediators, lawyers, and other specialists. That means the process can be tailored to the family’s needs, rather than forcing every case into the same court driven structure.
Most importantly, mediation offers something that other forms of out of court dispute resolution often do not. Neutrality at the head of the table. A mediator is not advocating for either person. That neutrality matters, particularly when emotions are running high, because it allows both individuals to feel heard and supported in a fair process.
2. What does high quality family mediation look like when it is done properly?
High quality mediation is structured, safe, and built around the right professional support. At Laurus, we offer joint mediation and co mediation where appropriate, and we ensure that mediators are properly accredited. The focus is always on creating a team approach, so that both individuals feel the process is balanced and constructive.
A key part of doing mediation properly is ensuring that the environment feels neutral and safe for everyone involved. We are very conscious of creating a setting that is as gender neutral as possible, so that no one feels disadvantaged or unable to speak openly.
Where children are involved, it is also essential to consider whether child inclusive mediation is needed. In many cases, involving a child inclusive mediator can help ensure that the child’s voice and welfare are properly considered in a way that is appropriate and sensitive.
3. How do you know if mediation is right for your situation, and when might it not be appropriate?
Mediation is right in most cases, and many family disputes can be resolved through it successfully. That said, it is important to be very careful in situations involving domestic abuse, coercion, or controlling behaviour. These issues must be screened for properly, and we take that process seriously.
The key question is whether both people are able to participate safely and meaningfully. If there has been a significant imbalance, whether financial, emotional, or psychological, it can affect someone’s ability to advocate for themselves. In some cases, people may have lost confidence or self worth as a result of what they have experienced, and we need to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to go through mediation.
Support structures also matter. For mediation to work well, individuals need to be able to look after themselves during the process, and that can include having the right professional and personal support around them.
While we are discussing family mediation here, it is also worth noting that many disputes beyond separation can be mediated too, including matters relating to wills and probate. The same principle applies. Mediation can be effective, but only where the individuals involved can engage in the process safely and with appropriate support.
4. What does a family mediator actually do when discussions become difficult or highly conflicted?
When discussions become difficult, the mediator’s role is to keep the process constructive and help people find common ground. That often starts with shifting the focus away from blame and towards the future.
A mediator will help the parties think practically about what life needs to look like in two years, three years, and beyond. When people are stuck, it is usually because of fear. Fear of change, fear of loss, or fear of what the future might look like. The job is to identify what that fear is, bring it into the open, and work through it.
That can involve drilling down into the practical realities, not just the emotional arguments. The goal is to help people understand that the future may look different, but different does not automatically mean worse. With the right structure and support, mediation can move people from conflict into clarity.
5. How does mediation help people reach long term solutions rather than short term compromise?
Mediation helps people reach long term solutions because the outcome is reached by agreement, rather than being imposed by a court. That distinction is crucial. When people have actively shaped the solution themselves, they are far more likely to feel committed to it and to make it work in practice.
Because mediation is designed to be a kind and safe process, it also supports better decision making. People are not being pushed into positions under pressure, or reacting defensively to an adversarial court environment. Instead, they can focus on what is mutually advantageous and sustainable for the long term.
6. What principles guide Laurus’ approach to family mediation, both during Mediation Week and beyond?
At Laurus, we genuinely embrace mediation. It is not something we offer reluctantly or as a last resort. We believe in it because we see the positive outcomes it can deliver for clients.
We currently have two accredited mediators, one mediator working towards accreditation, and we have a new assistant solicitor training to become a mediator. We also have two new trainees in our training pipeline. We are building and investing in a large, active mediation practice because we believe in the power of the outcomes it can achieve, and we expect that demand for mediation will only continue to grow.
7. How is family mediation likely to shape the future of family dispute resolution in the UK and internationally?
Any alternative to court is likely to become the norm, because the court system is under enormous strain and, in many respects, it is broken. People are increasingly looking for a better way to resolve disputes, and mediation provides the best prospect of reaching a lasting agreement.
The UK, Australia, and New Zealand are already well set up in terms of mediation practice. Across Europe, there is also a growing shift towards collaborative approaches, and many jurisdictions are recognising that the demand for mediation is higher than expected, with consistently positive outcomes.
Mediation is not a new concept. It has been around for a long time, and one of its greatest strengths is that agreements reached through mediation tend to last. In my view, it remains one of the best processes available for achieving a solution that works in real life, not just on paper.
Speak to our mediation team
If you would like to explore whether mediation is right for you, we would be happy to talk you through the options and explain how the process works. You can reach our team via enquiries@lauruslaw.co.uk or call 020 3146 6300.
