A fresh start for families in 2025
As the new year unfolds, Scott Bailey's article for February focuses on families navigating the challenges of separation and relationship breakdowns, and trying to keep things civilised for all concerned. Solicitors Ann Herd and Sarah Unsworth explain how Mediation can preserve the health and sanity of everybody involved - especially for the children caught up in it all.
Article by Scott Bailey Solicitors
A fresh start for families in 2025 – Mediation with Scott Bailey’s family law team
As a new year unfolds, it’s a time for fresh starts and setting the tone for the months ahead. For families navigating the challenges of separation and relationship breakdowns, now is also an opportunity to consider more constructive ways to resolve disputes.
On the 27th January, Scott Bailey took part in Mediation Week 2025. It is an annual initiative that shines a spotlight on the benefits of mediation in family law - an approach the family law solicitors at Scott Bailey are really committed to and would encourage all separating couples, especially those with children, to consider.
What is mediation?
Mediation provides a cost-effective, less stressful, and future-focused alternative to the often adversarial court process. It is designed to help couples resolve disputes amicably, preserving relationships and, for families, prioritising the well-being of children. Whether it’s planning future finances, deciding where each person will live, or making arrangements for children, mediation offers a neutral and supportive environment to find solutions tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
Scott Bailey’s experienced mediators, Ann Herd and Sarah Unsworth, are committed to helping families find peaceful resolutions. As accredited mediators and family law experts, they guide clients through the process with care and professionalism, ensuring that discussions remain constructive and focused on the bigger picture. They will help identify any matters you cannot agree on and will assist in finding the right solution.
The benefits of mediation
- Cost-effective: Mediation is often significantly cheaper than going to court.
- Time-saving: It avoids lengthy legal proceedings, enabling quicker resolutions.
- Less stressful: The process is designed to be collaborative, reducing conflict.
- Flexible solutions: Agreements can be tailored to your family’s needs.
- Children-centred: Mediators ensure that children’s voices and needs remain central to the process.
Meet Scott Bailey’s mediators
Sarah Unsworth, who leads the Scott Bailey family team, brings extensive expertise in managing high-net-worth financial disputes and child arrangements. As a trained hybrid mediator, Collaborative lawyer and Resolution Together practitioner, Sarah is adept at fostering effective communication and cooperation between separating couples.
Ann Herd is a highly experienced family lawyer and accredited mediator who specialises in guiding families through complex financial disputes and child-related arrangements. Ann is also a trained collaborative family law practitioner, committed to finding creative and harmonious solutions that avoid court wherever possible.
Mediation Week 2025
During Mediation Week 2025, Scott Bailey’s social channels were dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of mediation. Informative videos, blogs and valuable resources were shared to help families understand how mediation can provide a fresh start. Ann and Sarah also addressed common questions, such as how mediation works and what to expect from the process.
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Considering mediation in 2025?
The family law solicitors at Scott Bailey believe that separation doesn’t have to mean conflict. With the right support and approach, families can navigate these challenging times while preserving relationships and focusing on the future. If you or someone you know could benefit from mediation, Scott Bailey is here to help.
Through the Government’s Ministry of Justice Voucher Scheme, you can also claim £500 towards each case involving children, making mediation even more accessible for families in need.
Contact Ann Herd or Sarah Unsworth at Scott Bailey’s Lymington office on 01590 676933 or visit the Scott Bailey website to learn more about family mediation services: www.scottbailey.co.uk/family-mediation-hampshire
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About Scott Bailey LLP
Founded in 1930, Scott Bailey has grown to become a leading firm in the New Forest, providing a full range of legal services to private individuals and businesses. Services for individuals include Residential Conveyancing, Divorce, Family, Wills Trusts & Probate, Litigation & Disputes.
SME business legal services include Corporate, Commercial, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Landlord & Tenant, Insolvency and Employment Law. Scott Bailey LLP is one of only a very few firms based in the New Forest providing these specialist services.
The first firm in the region to receive the Law Society's prestigious LEXCEL award for high standards of practice management and customer care, Scott Bailey LLP promises top-quality, professional help from a team of expert solicitors who will put your best interests at the heart of their work.
Scott Bailey was delighted and proud to win "Business of the Year" at the 2023 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards - read story here.
