Family Mediation North East
Family Mediation North East
CONTACT CENTRES
CONTACT CENTRES
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
ABOUT MEDIATION
The Family Mediation Council describes family mediation "as a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you work out arrangements for your children and/or finances following separation. ​
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Mediation can also be helpful when arrangements you've made before need to change, particularly as your children grow up."
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Mediation helps you stay in control. You will have the opportunity to decide yourself what you'll do about your children and finances, with help and guidance from our trained and impartial mediators. We'll help you speak about the future, and ensure that you have all the information and support necessary to identify lasting solutions.
Our mediators will help you to find a solution that works for you both and will explain what needs to happen to make an agreement between you legally binding. The process is less stressful and significantly quicker than going to court and can save you money. Legal aid is also available if you are financially eligible.
WHY CHOOSE MEDIATION?
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It is a cost-effective way to resolve disputes.
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It promotes positive communication and can help to reduce tension, anger and misunderstanding.
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It focuses on fair solutions. You stay in control of the decision-making.
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It is more likely to produce lasting agreements and create better outcomes for children than court-imposed decisions.
THE MEDIATION PROCESS
You can refer yourself directly or via your solicitor, by completing our referral form.
However you contact us, you can be assured that your conversation will be confidential. We will then arrange for you to attend an initial meeting at the earliest possible time convenient to you. Next-day appointments are available.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) are usually attended separately. In this meeting, we will give you information about mediation and will ask you some questions so we can work out together whether mediation is suitable for you. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. There is no pressure on you to proceed if you don’t wish to.
If you, the other party and the mediator feel it is right for you, you will then move forward to mediation. Our mediators are trained to manage conflict and to ensure an environment that encourages each of you to contribute equally. You may be distressed, angry or in financial crisis; where appropriate we can signpost you to further help from the right support services.
