THAMES VALLEY FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICE

PROVIDING FAMILY MEDIATION IN BRACKNELL, ETON, HIGH WYCOMBE, AYLESBURY AND AMERSHAM

What is Mediation?

When relationships break down it is often difficult for couples to talk to each other about the things that neeed to be sorted out, for example children, finance and property matters.

Mediation offers separating or already separated couples help to reach agreement on practical arrangements for the future that will meet the needs of all concerned, in a safe and confidential environment.

Around four in five couples attending mediation reach agreements on most or all of the issues that they bring.

Mediation supported by good legal advice has been shown to be cheaper, faster and less stressful than going only through solicitors and/or the courts.

Who are we?

Thames Valley Family Mediation Service is affiliated to National Family Mediation (NFM), one of the lead bodies on the Family Mediation Council (FMC). This is the governing body of family mediation and is responsible for setting and maintaining standards in the profession. All our mediators are trained by NFM, recognised by the FMC and meet the ongoing contuining professional development requirements of that body. The service has a Family Mediation Contract with the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to provide free mediation to those eligible for public funding (previously legal aid) and also holds the Community Legal Service Quality Mark for Family Mediation - the standard required by all those offering publicly funded work.

What about the children?

We routinely offer parents the opportunity for their children to be seen in mediation. Research shows that children want their voice to be heard about future arrangements at the time of parental separation. Children from the age of 7 or 8 upwards can talk with a mediator in confidence and separately from their parents to share their thoughts and concerns. They choose what, if anything, is reported back to their parents. Children are only invited to speak to the mediator if both parents agree. We are very clear that children are under no obligation to take up the invitation, although we usually find that they welcome it. This is generally a one off appointment for which there is no charge.

What will it cost?

The average cost of negotiating child and financial matters in mediation is between £400 and £800 per person. The comparative cost of using litigation and the Court is £5,000 for children issues and a further £5,000 for financial issues per person.

See our charges page for details of the costs.