Family Mediation
Traditionally, couples have sorted out the practical issues surrounding separation and divorce either between themselves, through solicitors or by using the courts. More recently, a third alternative has appeared: Mediation.
Mediation offers separating and divorcing couples the opportunity to resolve matters regarding the future by negotiating with each other with the help of a trained mediator or mediators. Mediators may work on their own or in pairs. They do not make decisions for you, but help you reach your own sound, mutually agreed and practical plan that will enable you both to move forward with your lives. The mediator will be an impartial third party. However, it is always best to have your own solicitor to give you individual legal advice. Mediators and solicitors both have a part to play.
Remember that divorce ends marriages, not families. Mediation can help keep your family together even when you live apart, but it is equally suitable for those who are not married and have no children. The couple choose the agenda and the mediator(s) manage the discussions.
For those couples with children, we can also offer what is called “Direct consultation with children”. In other words, with the parent’s and children’s consent, we can arrange for the children to have a meeting with one of our mediators on their own, so that they have an opportunity to express how they feel about their parent’s separation, and what would be the best possible outcome for them. What arrangements are made for children is not, of course, their decision, but a meeting like this allows their voice to be heard, and often sends a powerful message to parents.
What you might wish to discuss:
• Where and with whom the children will live and how and when will they see the other parent.
• How you are going to make decisions about the children in the future.
• What sort of housing you both need.
• How the family assets are going to be divided.
• How each member of the family is going to be financially supported, both in the short and longer term.
What mediation is not suitable for:
• Mediation does not attempt reconciliation between couples. It is for couples who have decided to part.
• It is not appropriate for someone in a relationship where violence is being used and one party feels unsafe.
• It is only going to work well if both parties are committed to it and willing to share relevant information. Mediation is entirely voluntary.
Our Mediators
Mary Gracie is a trained lawyer mediator with over 30 years experience in family law. She trained as a mediator in 1996 and has subsequently gained much mediation experience in practice.
Heather Profit is a trained Mediator. She previously worked as a Legal Practice Manager for 10 years and has much practical experience. She is also trained as a Child Mediator.
Val Hewertson is a trained lawyer Mediator with over 20 years experience in family law. She has been mediating since 1999 and is trained to undertake Child Consultation. She is a member of the Family Mediation Council and National Family Mediation.
Heather Hodgson has been a family lawyer for 19 years. Having completed her mediation training she has become a valuable addition to the service. Heather is also a member of the Family Mediation Service.
What clients have said about CMA Mediation service:-
“Very good service – giving each party time to voice their opinions in an informal and friendly way”
“Mediator was very helpful and understanding in a very difficult situation. I would recommend her to anyone. She helped us to get an agreement regarding the divorce and financial matters. No legal jargon. She put it in simple understandable English”.
“I was very impressed with mediation and found it extremely worthwhile”.
“Definitely the first option to explore”
“Unbiased advice, prompt action, pleasant, professional at all times”
“I found the service impartial and was listened to with sensitivity”.
“Efficient, friendly service and a satisfactory outcome”.
“I feel it is a good economical way to resolve issues in a timely manner”.
“Mediator was very knowledgeable in all matters, put things across very clearly and fully; managed difficult issues between my ex partner and myself in a sensitive, caring and unobtrusive manner.”
What research conducted by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation with Newcastle University revealed:-
Three years later, couples felt that mediation had helped them to:-
• End the marital relationship amicably.
• Reduce conflict
• Maintain good relationships with their ex-spouses.
• Carry less bitterness and resentment into their post-divorce lives.
• Be more content with existing child-care arrangements and less likely to have disagreements about child contact.
• Be able to reach agreement that had survived the test of time.
• Be glad that they had used mediation.
What does it cost?
Typical overall costs for mediation are between £400 - £800 per person, for 3 – 5 sessions. This compares with £3,000 - £4,000 per person if all arrangements were made using solicitors. You may be eligible for Public funding (legal aid).