Are you looking for a supported route through issues arising as a result of separation or divorce?

Family Mediation is -

• an alternative to the legal process for making arrangements for the future about finances, property, arrangements for children when divorcing or separating
• an alternative to the legal process when changes need to be made to contact arrangements as children grow up and needs change

Why ask anyone else to make decisions for you, when, with a little help and support from a professional mediator you can discuss, negotiate and reach agreement about important decisions together?

When can mediation be used?

• Before a couple actually separate (for legal aid they need to be “separate under the same roof”)
• At relationship breakdown
• After a couple have divorced/separated
• After a court case e.g. for contact
• When CAFCASS become involved
• Years after separation/divorce when contact becomes problematic as children grow up
• At any time

There does not have to be “dispute” between the parties, people can use mediation to make their arrangements for the future “amicably”, thus ensuring they have not forgotten to consider something.

Mediation is sometimes used by people who do not want to use the legal system to divorce. They use mediation to make their arrangements and then file for the divorce themselves using the internet or applying to the court themselves. We would always recommend that legal advice is taken before any final decisions are made.

Is there a cost?

Legal aid is available for clients who are eligible following means assessment – For an assessment to take place gross family income needs to be under £30,360pa (April ’08) and after allowable deductions, disposable monthly family income needs to be under £698.

For clients not eligible for legal aid we have a scale of charges. Mediation fees can now be paid in instalments by monthly standing order. (June 2008) 

Where clients are eligible for legal aid the Statutory Charge does not apply and it is non contributory.

Where mediation is not part of our core work we seek a donation from the clients, based on our unit cost.