Policy Press

Rethinking Family Mediation

The Role of the Family Mediator in Contemporary Times

By Rachael Blakey

Published

Feb 26, 2025

Page count

256 pages

Browse the series

Perspectives on Law and Access to Justice

ISBN

978-1529232967

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 26, 2025

Page count

256 pages

Browse the series

Perspectives on Law and Access to Justice

ISBN

978-1529232974

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 26, 2025

Page count

256 pages

Browse the series

Perspectives on Law and Access to Justice

ISBN

978-1529232974

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Rethinking Family Mediation

Over several decades, policies have made mediation a key part of the English and Welsh family justice system. As the process faces increasing demand from a diverse and complex client base, some argue for a return to a fully funded court system. However, this dominant view overlooks the longstanding problems with the court process, as well as the potential value of mediation.

This book, based on original research, highlights the evolving role of mediators who assist families without legal support. By doing so, it reveals a contemporary vision of family justice that addresses some of the challenges in today’s landscape.

"A welcome attempt to add to evidence-based understanding of the practice of family mediation." Mavis Maclean, University of Oxford

Rachael Blakey is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Warwick.

1. Introduction

Part 1: Tracking Family Mediator Practice

2. The Rise of Family Mediation in Law and Policy

3. The Limited Mediator

4. The Flexible Mediator

Part 2: An Empirical Study into the Flexible Mediator

5. The Four Mediator Functions

6. Flexible Mediators and Family Justice

7. The Wider Barriers to Family Mediation Reform

8. Conclusion