Good Divorce Week: How to have a good divorce

Each year Resolution promotes Good Divorce Week, an annual campaign to encourage a non-confrontational approach to divorce.  This year, Good Divorce Week runs 10 – 14 November 2025. Resolution is the national body that oversees family lawyers who subscribe to its Code of Practice, which Code seeks to encourage child-focused and less adversarial resolution of family difficulties. 

Divorce can sometimes be portrayed as battle, but it doesn’t have to be. A “good divorce” isn’t a paradox; it is possible when both people commit to resolving matters respectfully, constructively, and with the future in mind. During Good Divorce Week, it’s especially important to highlight how mediation can transform the experience from one of conflict to collaboration.

Mediation is a voluntary process where separating couples work with a trained, neutral mediator to reach agreements on issues such as finances, property, and arrangements for children. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is confidential, flexible, and focused on mutual understanding.

One of the greatest strengths of mediation is its ability to reduce emotional strain. Divorce can be deeply personal and sometimes painful, but mediation encourages open communication in a safe environment. This helps both parties feel heard and respected, which is especially important when children are involved. A good divorce prioritises the wellbeing of the whole family, and mediation supports this by fostering cooperative parenting and reducing hostility.

Financially, mediation is often far more cost-effective than litigation. Court battles can be lengthy and expensive, while mediation typically takes less time and avoids the adversarial nature of legal proceedings. This allows couples to retain more control over the outcome and their resources.

Mediation also promotes long-term stability. Agreements reached through mutual consent are more likely to be upheld, reducing the likelihood of future disputes. It empowers individuals to make decisions that suit their unique circumstances, rather than having outcomes imposed by a judge.

Of course, mediation isn’t suitable for every situation but, for many, it offers a dignified path through divorce and one where any continuing relationship as parents is possible. 

Contact us

Prettys’ Family Team are multi-skilled in their approaches to family matters.  The team consists of trained mediators, collaborative lawyers with years of experience in round table working, and experienced litigators.  We have a thriving mediation practice and are creative and tailored in our approach to finding resolution.  You can contact Victoria Mayhew in confidence, and for more information on the services our practice offers you can click here to find out more.