Family mediation service rolls out free call-back line
FAMILIES going through divorce and separation are being urged to avail of a new free mediation service, being run by the Cahersiveen-based Legal Aid Board.
The new call back service for free family mediation in Kerry allows people to make first contact with the Board’s Family Mediation Service.
It is being rolled out at a time of rising levels of marital breakup, with a 71 per cent increase in divorces in the High Court since 2017.
And one of the main areas of focus of the Family Mediation Service as always is on the emotional impact on children of parental separation.
As High Court divorce cases sky-rocket so too does the volume of family law cases coming before the District Court; which has witnessed a 14 per cent rise since the first year of Covid lockdowns in 2020.
The service says it recognises that it is not necessarily the divorce, separation or living apart that is most affecting to children, but the emotional impact of changes in their home life and routines.
The new call back service emerges as a first point of contact with the Mediation Service in the hope of easing processes that can be so very painful for all affected.
Their advice for families in Kerry includes focusing on the belief that the issues can be resolved.
Understanding, communication and compassion are the three key concepts the service highlights in a bid to empower people to navigate disputes with a minimum of pain.
“Looking at the courts data, we have seen a 71% increase in divorce in the High Court since 2017. As we know, the breakdown of a marriage or relationship brings Kerry families into an unexpected and unplanned journey of change and transition. It is a stressful and difficult time, with many Kerry people underestimating the challenges that such a transition brings,” Director of the Family Mediation Service, Fiona Mc Auslan said following the launch of the call-back service.
“Our Family Mediation Service is your partner in building a plan for your brighter tomorrow.
“This service empowers you to navigate disputes through understanding, communication and compassion.
“Through understanding, we provide guidance towards harmonious resolutions that prioritises everyone’s well being.
“Through communication, we are committed to facilitating respectful conversations that enable Kerry families to work together.
“And through compassion, we help families lay stronger foundations for healthier relationships in the future,” Ms McAuslan said.
Crucially, the service has found that couples who undertake mediation tend to manage the process in a healthy way, long into the future.
“In particular, we have found that decisions taken together during the mediation process are more likely to be honoured by both sides going forward. By contacting us on our new call back service, you can start the journey of building a plan for your better tomorrow, with our staff in Kerry on hand and ready to help,” Ms McAuslan said.
The process involves both parties meeting with a professionally-trained mediator in a space in which they are given the chance to express their perspectives, concerns and desires.
The mediator then starts to create an environment of good faith, co-operation and responsibility; helping the parties to communicate effectively.
Children’s needs are a priority for the service. Ms McAuslan emphasises the importance of managing a family change in way that protects the best interests of their children:
“Through our parenting plans, you can agree how best to share time with the children, how to manage responsibilities, and how to make decisions about the children that takes into account the child’s needs and interests. School arrangements, child care, holidayseven pocket money can all be part of these parenting plans.”
Ms Mc Auslan concludes with advice for families: “When we are experiencing a divorce, separation or living apart, it can be a very confusing and difficult place to be. It can feel that there is no way to work everything out. The most important thing to realise is that the issues that you are arguing about can be resolved.
“My second piece of advice is to remain calm, and walk away from the argument if needed. Try and bring down the heat in the situation. Things can get stressful, and you can always take a moment to catch a breath.”
The call back feature can be accessed at LegalAidBoard.ie.