As part of Family Mediation Week, legal practitioners share their thoughts on its benefits—Today's Family Lawyer
Partner Katie Longmate has been quoted in an article by Today’s Family Lawyer which summarises views from family law practitioners on the growing interest in mediation during Family Mediation Week and highlights how mediation is increasingly recognised as a robust, collaborative alternative to litigation that can help families resolve disputes more constructively.
Katie notes that interest in mediation has increased due to longer court waiting lists and a judicial focus on non-court dispute resolution. She emphasises that mediation is now seen as capable of resolving complex issues, often involves multi-disciplinary support, and when properly supported with legal, practical and therapeutic assistance can offer a safe, effective way to resolve matters, though it’s not suitable for everyone and must remain voluntary.
For mediation to work at its best, the right support must be available at the right time – legal, practical and therapeutic. Increasingly, this includes lawyer-supported or hybrid models, with legal advice provided alongside the mediation process itself. Preparation is also crucial, yet too often overlooked. When these elements are in place, mediation can offer a safe, constructive and effective way to resolve issues before litigation or even alongside ongoing cases.
Katie's unredacted quote, along with the full article, can be viewed online at Today's Family Lawyer.
About Katie
Katie Longmate is a partner in the family and children law team. She specialises in both complex High Net Worth (HNW) financial and children cases, often where there are overlapping issues and strategic considerations for her clients.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our family and children solicitors by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7520 or complete our enquiry form.