What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes after separation or divorce. In mediation, couples are helped to look for their own solutions to their disputes.

Family mediation is also increasingly being used to solve other types of family problems, such as:

• disputes between a parent and child;
• disagreements over care for elderly or seriously ill relatives;
• grandparents contact with grandchildren, and;
  
• homelessness caused by family arguments.

Both parties explain their concerns and needs to each other in the presence of a qualified family mediator.  The mediator is impartial, which means that they are not on anyone's side.  They are there help both parties, unlike a solicitor who only works for one party in each case.  Sometimes the mediator will suggest a way of solving a problem to help them to reach an agreement acceptable to both, but they will never tell either party what to do.

The mediator can give information about law but cannot give anyone advice about what to do. We would recommend that you go to see a solicitor who can give legal advice.  The solicitor can help you before, in between sessions and when agreement has been reached so that you know that whatever agreed to is fair to you.

Do visit our page on Frequently Asked Questions ( http://www.familymediationhelpline.co.uk/faqs.php ) for more information about how family mediation could help you.