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Family mediation service
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Family mediation is a service which can help resolve
the many difficult issues arising from separation or divorce.
Family mediation aims to provide a couple with the
assistance they need to reach their own solutions without
having to involve the court. It seeks to avoid "winners
and losers". It aims to ensure that future arrangements
are fair and workable and are obtained with the minimum
of conflict and distress. It requires a thoughtful and
co-operative approach.
Sills and Betteridge has a team of family lawyer mediators who regularly help
couples deal with a wide range of issues including:-
- Legal separation and divorce.
- Future arrangements for their children.
- Financial and property issues.
- Accommodation needs.
Family mediators do not give legal advice and couples
are still advised to consult their own solicitors over
the terms of any proposals for settlement which are reached
in mediation. However, mediation reduces the time and
cost of going to two separate solicitors and asking them
to negotiate on their respective clients' behalf. It
is much less costly and distressing than fighting in
court.
Charges are calculated by the hour but can be shared between the couple in
any way they agree. Public Funding (Legal Aid) may be available. Sills and
Betteridge has a contract with the Legal Services Commission to provide a family
mediation service.
Normally between 4 and 6 sessions are needed depending on the complexity of
the circumstances.
The family mediator at the Sills and Betteridge Mediation Service will be a
highly qualified and experienced lawyer with extensive experience of the family
courts, but who is also a trained mediator.
The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the couple. The couple
are helped to gather and to analyse all relevant financial information. They
are also assisted in considering together all possible options for the future
and for the future of their children. The family lawyer mediator is there to
try and help the couple reach a mutually acceptable solution whilst always
ensuring a fair balance between them.
Family mediation is designed to ease the process of separation and divorce.
It is not marriage guidance. If it seemed that the relationship could be saved,
the couple would be referred to an appropriate counsellor.
Should one partner appear reluctant to attempt mediation then an initial exploratory
meeting can be arranged.
More information
For further information contact John Mitchell
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