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