What is Family Mediation
- Mediation enables couples whose relationship has broken down to make decisions on a face to face basis.
- Mediation is a constructive future focused process. It aims to improve communication, reduce bitterness and benefit children who may be affected by parents separation or divorce.
- It encourages joint decision making as opposed to having a decision imposed by the courts.
- Mediation seeks practical agreements that are fair and workable. 70% of mediations result in some level of agreement.
- Agreement through mediation can cost much less than using solicitors and/or courts, particularly where there are contentious issues.
Who can use mediation?
Mediation (together with the help of a solicitor) can be provided free to those who qualify under the Legal Services Commission financial limits.
Mediation can be used by any couple or former couple, married or unmarried, with or without children, who have decided to separate or who are already separated. 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. Participation of children or other adults must always be discussed with the mediator first.
Who are the mediators?
Our mediators have been specially trained in family matters, and are supported through regular supervision. They will not take sides nor make any decisions for you. They will ease communication between you and your ex-partner to enable you to talk about and reach agreement on the important decisions which affect your future.
They are fully accredited with the Legal Services Commission, National Family Mediation and the UK College of Mediators. They can provide mediation on all issues including finance and property matters.
How long does mediation take?
The pre-mediation interview takes 1.5 hours (if both of you are there) ¾ hour if you are on your own.
If you are discussing the future parenting of your children you may need to have between 2 and 3 further 1.5 hour meetings. If you are discussing more complicated arrangements, for instance involving finance and or property, you may require between 3 and 6 appointments.
What does it cost?
If you are eligible for free mediation, it will cost you nothing. Otherwise payment is on a session by session basis and there may be some additional charges e.g. for any written summary.
If you are eligible for free mediation, it will cost you nothing. Otherwise payment is on a session by session basis and there may be some additional charges e.g. for any written summary.
The pre-mediation interview (1st appointment) is free.
The mediation sessions cost;
- For child only cases £86 (inc VAT) per hour per person.
A typical session which is an hour and half will cost £130 (inc VAT) per person. - For all other cases £113 (inc VAT) per hour per person.
A typical session which is an hour and half will cost £170 (inc VAT) per person.
Why Use Bristol Family Mediation?
- We have more than 20 years experience.
- We are a specialist mediation service.
- We are a charity and not-for-profit service.
- We can deal with most issues.
- We are commited to equal opportunities.
- We provide a friendly supportive atmosphere.
- We are affiliated to National Family Mediation.
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.
Am I entitled to free mediation?
You are automatically entitled to free mediation if either you or your partner with whom you live is in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance. If you can show us evidence of this no other assessment is necessary.
If neither of these apply to you we need to assess whether the total gross income of you and your partner (if applicable), was £2530 or less over the calender month up to and including the day we assess you. All income must be included whether from employment, state benefits or elsewhere, including Maintenance, Working Family Tax Credit, Child Benefit, and assistance from friends or relatives.
If your total gross income is low enough, you would qualify for free mediation if your:
- Disposable capital is £8,000 or less and
- Disposable income is £698 per month or less
For further information contact us
