Mediation

Family mediation is an alternative approach to resolving disputes when there has been a family or relationship breakdown. Couples or family members are invited to meet with a mediator in a calm and neutral environment.  All meetings are held in the strictest of confidence and it is the duty of the mediator to provide a safe environment which enables all individuals to discuss their issues freely.

Mediation assists couples to communicate and respect each others point of view.   Our highly trained mediators appreciate that individuals may feel vulnerable and frustrated, at the point of entering in to the mediation process.  Providing encouragement and guidance bbl family mediators have a high success rate of helping couples to agree on the arrangements for their future which may include arrangements for their children, financial and housing matters.

Mediation is a practical and informal process and it enables couples to feel in control over the decision making.  It is a legally acceptable process and many couples and families are referred to bbl family mediation by local judges, solicitors, counsellors and other associated professional bodies.

Patricia Brodie, Peter Baughan and Beverley Long are highly regarded Resolution mediators with a wealth of experience between them.  They are qualified and practising family solicitors who understand the law as well as being trained in mediation skills.  Throughout the mediation process you can consult your solicitor at any time to take legal advice on the best arrangement for you.

Benefits of mediation include;

•    Reduced hostility and tension.
•    Family focused.
•    Less time and costly than court proceedings.
•    A confidential and legally acceptable process.
•    The promotion of co-operation between a couple for the future.
•    Control over decision making.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about mediation.

Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings

From April 2011, it is compulsory to consider mediation before issuing a court application in respect of most family law issues.  There is a requirement to attend "Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings".  We offer these meetings.  Please complete our mediation referral form (below) to arrange one of these meetings.

We also offer publicly funded mediation.  If you are financially eligible, you do not pay anything at all for mediation. If we go on to mediate your dispute, our hourly charge is £100 plus vat per person.

You can find a copy of our mediation referral form here for you to complete, save,  and return to us by email.

For information about our mediation fees, please click here.