The main motivation for family mediation is to help couples stay out of court by facilitating communication to resolve the legal and practical issues flowing from disputes following family separation and divorce.. With that in mind, we are delighted to celebrate Claire Colbert's success at The British Family Law Awards 2024, as she receives the ‘Family Mediator of the Year’ award. Claire brings kindness and compassion into her work, her main focus being to find an amicable resolution to any family breakdown or separation issues. She is client-oriented and offers a high standard of care and support for all clients. 

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Before becoming a mediator, Claire was a specialist family lawyer for almost 20 years. Her detailed experience in law was key when she, alongside Rachael Oakes, set up Family Mediation and mentoring. Using her knowledge of the Law, Claire can provide information to clients about all the options available to help keep them out of court and find solutions to the issues that need to be addressed. Mediation involves a couple attending a series of meetings to discuss the solutions that will work best for them however, if it would be helpful, lawyers can support clients during the mediation process by also attending the meetings this is called “Hybrid lawyer-assisted mediation”. 

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With her additional training, Clare can include children in the mediation process. Meeting with the children whose parents are going through a divorce allows Claire to give children a voice in plans for their arrangements, assisting parents to take on board the child's thoughts and needs. This is an important process, as a child's mental health and well-being can be impacted by parents who do not put a child’s needs first.

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Dedicated to improving the quality of care and services on offer to families, Claire's involvement in the industry is above and beyond. Claire is also a Professional Practice Consultant meaning she supports new and experienced mediators in their own mediation practices. She has also been invited to run specialist workshops for Family Lawyers due to the work she has done with the Parenting After Parting Committee, which she co-chairs. 

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As an accredited mediator, Claire works with all kinds of family disputes and issues, not just divorce. She is responsive to calls and emails from her clients, offering them the best service and support, understanding the stress and strain family conflict can create. If you are looking for mediation regarding any of the topics mentioned or would like to speak to Claire and the team please do not hesitate to get in touch. Family mediation is a process which supports clients in reaching amicable resolutions so that they can stay out of court and avoid expensive legal costs. Find out more about Claire and how she can help you.