Family mediation is primarily designed for couples who are separating or who have separated. When people separate there are usually important decisions to make, such as the arrangements for the children or how finances should be divided. Often people need some help making these decisions. For example, emotions might understandably be running high and communication easily descends into arguments, sometimes people don’t know what their options are, or what needs to be done, or they are far apart on what they think is fair. Family mediation is one of the options available to help. It is usually a more cost effective and amicable option than some of the others, such as solicitors doing everything or asking the Courts to make the decisions. A family mediator is specially trained to help people make decisions during or after separation. The mediator will guide their clients through the process, helping in whichever way they consider most appropriate for their particular clients and their circumstances.
Sometimes people assume that mediation is to help couples get back together. It is not. It is for couples who have decided to separate and who need to take steps to move forward separately.
Family mediation can be used by divorcing couples, to take them through the divorce process, and to discuss future financial arrangements. It can be used by separating parents who need to make decisions about the future arrangements for their children, or parents who have been separated for a while and where one parent believes it would be in the children’s interests for there to be a change of arrangements. It can be used for unmarried couples who are separating and who need to divide property. It can also be used if there are disagreements between wider family members, such as grandparents wanting to see grandchildren, but parents having concerns about this.
If you would like to discuss the option of family mediation for you please don’t hesitate to contact our accredited family mediator, Carrie Rudge, on 07476 012552.
