Family Mediation Services
What is Family Mediation?
Family breakdown is a difficult time for all involved.
Mediation is one of a number of options available to people who are separating or divorcing and who want to try a non-confrontational approach to resolve the differences, which almost inevitably arise whether in relation to finance or perhaps, more importantly, when it comes to issues relating to the children. Mediation can also be helpful in addressing other problems, particularly in relation to the children, which can often arise at a later date.
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process which focuses on facilitating discussions between the parties either face to face or, if one party prefers, indirectly to try to find a solution which both parties are comfortable with. Almost any issue can be mediated and on many occasions it is a particularly good way to resolve the difficult and sensitive issues that often arise in relation to contact with the children.
The aim of Mediation is to encourage both parties to resolve their differences in a way which works for them and their specific family situation. It enables them to take control of the debate, as opposed to the court process which often results in the progress of discussions and the final decision being taken out of their hands, something which both parties often find as distressing as it is unsatisfactory.
With the help of the Mediator discussions are held either together or separately but in a managed and safe environment. The role of the Mediator is to ensure that there is a level playing field between the parties and to encourage the parties to address the problem in hand in a responsible, positive, and courteous manner.
If both parties are committed to reaching a compromise, mediation can be a much quicker and cheaper method to resolve issues, as opposed to other more formal procedures such as court applications. Mediation can therefore be extremely effective, as solutions can be found quickly, thereby hopefully minimising the stress, cost and upset for all involved and affected by the situation.
Both parties are encouraged to take their own independent legal advice throughout the mediation process if necessary. The Mediator cannot give legal advice to either party but can provide legal information and guidance. At the end of the mediation the Mediator will provide both parties with a written record setting out any decisions that have been reached so that the parties can then discuss those decisions with their own solicitors who will then take whatever action is necessary to implement the decisions.
The frequency and number of sessions will be determined by the parties themselves and their specific requirements and, of course, the subject matter of the dispute.
Our Service and Charges
I am a Resolution trained sole family Mediator, and I offer a mediation service dealing with all issues relating to family breakdown including separation and/or divorce, financial issues, and any difficulties relating to children and child care arrangements.
The mediation service I operate at Symes Robinson & Lee is on a private fee paying basis only. My charges are both competitive and flexible and at the outset of the mediation process I will give you an estimate of what charges will be involved.
Whilst I do not carry out mediation on a Public Funding basis (as legal aid is now called), as part of the induction process I always assess each party to see if he/she would qualify for Public Funding and I can refer you to a mediator who does offer publicly funded mediation if appropriate.
My charges are calculated at the rate of £200 + vat per hour plus a small charge for preparation of any paperwork. You will be charged as a couple for the length of the session booked, payable at the start of each session.
At Symes Robinson & Lee, I offer Mediation from all our offices in Exeter, Crediton and Budleigh.
For further information, please contact me at iwm@srl-mediation.co.uk or on 01392 270867.
I am always happy to offer any party, either together or separately, an initial free 30 minute “options and information” meeting to discuss the suitability and cost of mediation.
For more infomation please contact one of the following:
| Name | Position | Office |
| Ida Merrison | Solicitor & Family Mediator | Exeter |
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