What is Family Mediation?
SEPARATING? DIVORCING?
Worried About Your Children
Finances and Property
RESOLVE YOUR DIFFERENCES WITHOUT
GOING TO COURT
With a Lawyer Mediator
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is an alternative private way in which an independent person, known as a mediator, helps separating or divorcing couples learn to communicate better and reach solutions to some or all of their issues relating to separation, divorce, finances, property or children.
Why use mediation?
- It is private
- It is voluntary
- It is usually faster and cheaper than going to court
- You are in charge of the outcome
- It is flexible so you can have tailor-made solutions
- It is an informal process
- Your legal rights are not affected
- You can use mediation at any time; even after court proceedings have started
- It is better for your children if you can work together to make your own arrangements
What can family mediation be used for?
- Options for ending or maintaining the relationship and the consequences of doing so
- With whom the children are to live
- What contact they are to have with each parent and any other person such as grandparents
- Any other matters relating to parenting for example, arrangements for holidays and what school the children are to go to
- What is to happen to the home and any other property or assets
- What financial support, if any, is to be paid for the children and/or adults
- Similar issues between same-sex couples
- Anything else you want to resolve in connection with any breakdown in relationships
- How to deal with any future changes that become necessary to these arrangements
Because it is more direct than dealing through lawyers it is usually a lot cheaper than only using lawyers.
"I have been wanting to say a very big thank you for all the help you gave us during those traumatic months last year. I personally benefited greatly from your support during my discussions with Mark, as I felt able to speak my mind in an environment where I was not alone or intimidated. Our personal situation is greatly improved, we are all able to work together more, and apart from some small changes, the arrangements regarding James and Harry remain the same. Both boys are doing well. Although I still find communication with Mark rather exhausting! We just about manage to stick to the guidelines set up during mediation and I feel he listens to and respects my opinions much more than he used to. Hopefully he finds me easier to deal with too! " Helen from Dorset (names changed to protect privacy)