Family Mediation

• 01. Introduction

• If your relationship is breaking down, you will probably be concerned about making arrangements for the future, especially if you have children. This leaflet explains how you can do this without going to court using family...

• 02. What is mediation?

• If you get divorced or you separate from your partner, it is usually better if both of you can sort out the arrangements for the future between you. Mediation is a process of negotiation to help you reach decisions about these arrangements together. ...

• 03. Who can use mediation?

• You can use mediation whether or not you are married and whether or not you have children. You can use mediation to help you devide whether your relationship is over. If you decide it is not, then you and your partner may want to seek counselling. ...

• 04. What can I use mediation for?

• You can use mediation to help make decisions about any or all of the issues between you, including: arrangements for your children; financial arrangements; dividing up your property; other practical issues to do with your separation or divorce;...

• 05. When can I use mediation?

• You can use mediation at any stage you feel it would help, whether you are: still living together; living separately; or already divorced. You can use mediation whether or not you have been to a solicitor, and whether or not you have started...

• 06. How is mediation different from counselling?

• Counselling is about you and your relationship. It can help you to understand and deal with your feelings and emotions. Sometimes counselling is intended to help couples stay together. Mediation is about the practical and legal arrangements you and your...

• 07. What happens in mediation?

• Mediation takes place in a private and informal setting, with usually only the two of you and the mediator (or sometimes two mediators). The mediator is there to help both of you and to make sure that you and your partner: each listen to what the...

• 08. How much does mediation cost?

• There is no standard fee for mediation. Different mediators charge different rates, usually by the hour. Some mediators have a sliding scale of fees, which means that the amount you pay depends on how much you earn. If you can t afford mediation, you may...

• 09. How do I find a mediator?

• If you want to use mediation, you can contact a mediator of your choice and ask for an appointment. Your solicitor will be able to give you details of local mediators. If you think you may be able to get mediation paid for by the Community Legal Service, you...

• 10. Further Help

• Academy of Experts phone: 020 7430 0333 The website of the Academy...