Forth Valley parents are being encouraged to try mediation by a leading family support charity to prevent children getting caught up in divorce court battles.

Relationships Scotland, the biggest provider of family and relationship support in the country, has launched a campaign to make mediation the first choice for divorcing parents.

The charity is encouraging parents across central Scotland who are going through a divorce or separating to get in touch and access their mediation.

Trained local experts can also provide a free one-off Parenting Apart workshop for parents who are divorcing or separating to help them tackle any problems head on.

Kathleen Frew, service manager for Family Mediation Central Scotland, said: “Going through a divorce or separation is most often a very traumatic time for parents.  In the emotional turmoil of their relationship breakdown, parents can find it difficult to focus on what is best for their children.   

“With the help of a family mediator, parents are encouraged to work together instead of working against each other. We believe no parent wants to make divorce or separation any harder on their children than it has to be so we welcome and encourage separating parents to get in touch with us to find out more about the family mediation service available in Stirling before they consider going to court.”

Relationships Scotland has also issued a call to the Scottish Government to change family law to make sure parents find out about mediation before they opt to haul their family through court.

CEO of Relationships Scotland, Stuart Valentine, said mediation can help get the best result for families. He added: “Parents often lose focus on their children as they battle with their ex-partner to determine who gets what, and who the children are going to live with. Considering options like mediation before going to court is the way forward.”

“Research shows that mediation is quicker, less costly and more effective than court action in helping divorcing and separating couples. Mediation helps parents make a decision to work together in the best interests of their children. We need to act now to help more parents and families find their own solutions.”