For advice on who to talk to, call
+44 (0)20 3826 7550What is family mediation?
Family mediation helps you sort out the disputes that arise during your separation. Our mediators will help you find practical solutions that you both can live with.
What are the benefits?
- gives you both control over the outcome
- empowers you to achieve a settlement which is better for all of the family
- is less stressful than court
- improves your communication, especially as parents
- is more beneficial for your children
- is quicker and cheaper than court
- provides a summary of the outcome which can then be turned into a legally binding agreement by the court
- can help you at any time during your process, whether you have started court proceedings or not
Is mediation right for me?
We see both of you individually first for a suitability meeting - to help explain the process so that you decide whether mediation would be best for you.
How mediation can help
Mediation as a way to resolve family disputes is now very much encouraged to help couples resolve their disputes rather than go through more costly and perhaps, lengthy processes such as court proceedings.
Since 2014 it has been compulsory in most cases (save where for example there has been domestic violence) for anyone who is seeking to apply to court for any process relating to their children or their finances to first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a specially trained mediator approved by the Family Mediation Council.
We have a large number of specially trained mediators at Russell-Cooke who are approved or accredited by the Family Mediation Council.
How can we help?
All discussions with our mediators are face to face and confidential. Some of our mediators are also trained to see your children in mediation. This will give them a voice in the process if you both think this necessary and your children agree. We can also refer you to other support services if needed.
Charges are usually based on our hourly rates plus administrative charges and disbursements. We will provide you with an initial estimate of your likely legal costs and will update this as your requirements or the circumstances of the work change.
Resolution
Resolution (formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association) is an association of family solicitors committed to promoting a non-confrontational approach to conflict resolution.
resolution.org.uk
Relate – advice about relationship difficulties
Relate is working to promote health, respect and justice in couple and family relationships. As the country’s largest provider of relationship support, every year we help 150,000 people of all ages at a national network of 77 Centres working at 600 locations as well as by phone, online and via SMS text. Our services include relationship counselling for individuals and couples; family counselling; counselling for children and young people; and sex therapy. We also provide friendly and informal workshops for people at important life stages. Relate campaigns to see relationship support for children, adults and families at the heart of the social justice agenda. We are also the lead agency of the Kids in the Middle coalition, a group of national charities and agony aunts campaigning for better services for separating parents and their children.
relate.org.uk/home/index.html