What is Family Mediation
- Family mediation is a way of resolving issues that result from a relationship breakdown.
- It encourages joint decision-making, rather than have a decision imposed by the Court.
- Mediation seeks practical agreements that are fair and workable.
- Mediation often improves communication and benefits children and/or other family members affected. (70% of mediations result in some level of agreement.)
- It is future-focused. You can put the past behind you and move on.
Who can use mediation?
Separating or divorcing couples at any stage of the process.
The issues covered may include:
- How best to separate
- Accommodation.
- Arrangements with children.
- Parental responsibility (unmarried parents).
- Involvement of new partners.
- Division of assets and financial support.
Family mediation can also involve others eg grandparents and new partners. Children can be consulted if both parents and the mediator feel it would be helpful.
Mediation can be used to resolve extended family disputes.
Mediation is not counselling or marriage guidance. However, if reconciliation seems to be a possibility we would put you in touch with an appropriate service.
Who are the mediators?
Our mediators are fully accredited with the Legal Services Commission, and are members of the UK College of Family Mediators.
They do not take sides but will ease communication between you.
What is the process?
We will arrange an initial interview that you can attend with or without your ex-partner. This is normally about 45 minutes, and is free.
This will enable you to:
- assess the benefits of mediation and the process involved
- discuss any concerns you have
- establish a timetable and costs (if you have to pay fees)
- talk to the mediator alone.
If you proceed with mediation, you will normally need between one and three sessions (of 1½ hours each), but may take more if there are complicated matters to resolve.
Why Use West Wales Mediation?
- Mediated agreements can cost much less than using solicitors and/or the Court.
- We have more than 10 years experience.
- We are a specialist not-for-profit service, and a charity. We represent value for money.
- We are committed to Equal Opportunities.
- We provide a friendly supportive atmosphere.
- We are members of National Family Mediation, and have the Legal Services Commission Quality Mark.
What about solicitors?
We do not provide legal advice – for this you will still need a solicitor. When a workable agreement is reached, details can be passed on to your solicitor, if you wish.
What about reconciliation?
Mediation is not counselling or marriage guidance. We do not set out to get people back together. However if reconciliation seems to be a possibility we would put you in touch with an appropriate service such as Relate or Marriage Care.
What does it cost?
If you are eligible for public funding, mediation is free (the Legal Services Commission pays us for it). If you are not eligible for public funding the interview is still free. See our fees leaflet for further information.
For further information contact us
