What Is Family Mediation?
Family Mediation is a way of resolving disputes between couples or parents when their relationship has broken down. The mediator may help you reach your own agreement about issues such as children, money and property. Couples can discuss these issues in the presence of a trained and impartial mediator.
Benefits of Mediation
- Generally a quicker and less expensive method than going through court proceedings
- It is often less stressful carried out in a neutral and comfortable setting
- It allows you to retain control over the mediation process and the outcome
- It allows you to make the decisions rather that relying on a Judge in court.
- If you qualify for legal aid mediation is free and if it relates to children and you do not qualify for legal aid there is a voucher scheme which gives up to £500 of free mediation.
How much will it cost?
The Government is trying to encourage people to resolve disputes by mediation, therefore, legal aid is available for family mediation. Our mediation service has a contract to carry out mediation under the legal aid scheme. If you qualify then mediation is free. We are also accredited with the Family Mediation Council and as a result for those who do not qualify for legal aid there is a voucher scheme for children issues which gives up to £500 of free mediation. Please ring Sue Thompson, our experienced mediation assistant on 01254 295555 who will check to see if you qualify for legal aid or a voucher. If you do not qualify for either then she will give you details of our simple and low cost mediation service. Please remember that mediation can provide a less expensive solution than going to court.