Family Mediation
Making arrangements after separation or divorce

What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process which gives parents who are separating or living apart the opportunity to make their own arrangements for their children’s future. Reaching agreement through mediation can avoid lengthy legal battles.

Who is it for?
Family mediation is for parents whose relationship is over.
You may be separating or already living apart but you remain parents for life.

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. People seeking reconciliation will be given information on more appropriate agencies.

When can you come?
Whether you have never lived together, are considering separating, recently separated or have been apart for some time, family mediation can help you negotiate or re-negotiate arrangements for your children.

How does it work?
First you will be offered an individual confidential meeting where you can exchange information and consider a range of choices. 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 both to you and your children, taking into account your children’s views, needs and feelings.

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.

Other services?
Some family mediation services can also offer mediation on future financial arrangements and on the sharing of property and assets. Additional services provided may include contact centres, and group and individual work with children and young people. Check with your local service to see what is available in your area.

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 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. Services providing mediation on finance and property issues may levy a charge for these services.

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.