Who is it for?
Family mediation is for parents who live apart.

Mediation helps you sort out the future in the best way possible for you and your children. Mediation is not about helping parents to get back together again. It is a service for those who have decided their relationship is over.

How does it work?
First you will be offered an individual confidential appointment where you can exchange information and consider a range of choices. An appointment will then be offered to your ex partner. If family mediation is appropriate, and your chosen option, a mediator will then see you together usually for a number of sessions. Problems are identified and possible solutions explored. The aim is to achieve practical, workable arrangements which are acceptable to both of you and your children.

How can it help?
Family mediation helps you plan the future. It offers you the service of mediators who listen to and work with both of you. The aim is to reach agreement about the arrangements to be made especially for the future care of your children. Mediators will not take sides in a dispute and they will not make decisions for you.

Who are the mediators?
Family mediators are trained professionals who have a full recognition of the complexity of the issues involved in separation and divorce. All mediators are members of the UK College of Family Mediators.

Is it confidential?
Yes. The content and process of mediation is confidential. Parents can talk freely and frankly in mediation in the knowledge that what occurs during family mediation cannot generally be used in civil proceedings, with some exceptions.

Is there a charge?
Child focused mediation is provided free of charge, although contributions towards the cost are always welcome. We also provide mediation on finance and property issues for which there is a charge.

What about the Courts?
Family mediation is available to help parents make arrangements without recourse to the legal process. However, if you go to court, even at that stage the sheriff can insist you attend a mediation service.