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Welcome to Family Mediation NI ~ an independent service for separating and divorcing families Separation or divorce? Mediation can help
What is Family Mediation? If you are at the point of separation, or you are already separated or divorced, there may be issues causing you concern. These might include parenting issues and the best arrangements for your children, financial matters such as the home and other capital, child support and maintenance or any other problem particular to your personal circumstances. Family Mediation offers the opportunity for parents, or (former) couples, to discuss any or all of these matters together with the assistance of a mediator to reach a jointly negotiated settlement.
Family Mediation is also appropriate in other family circumstances - for example, where families have an adult dependent for whom decisions need to be taken or where there are disputes between adult siblings or between generations or when there are lesbian or gay family relationship issues.
Family Mediators can help you identify the issues, consider the available options and arrive at proposals that will meet individual needs and those of any children. Family mediators are impartial and seek to be even handed. They will help each person to speak and be heard. They will work to improve communication and reduce levels of conflict. They will help you to organise your discussions to enable you to reach your own decisions.
Who are the Family Mediators? Our team is professionally trained in both child focussed and financial issues and aims to offer the best possible service in Family Mediation available in Northern Ireland. We provide a private and independent service, designed to suit your needs. Appointments are generally offered within 14 days. We each work to the standards and code of practice of the UK College of Family Mediators and are members of Family Mediators Association. We have to date between us accrued more than 50 years experience of Family Mediation practice!
Sheena Bell, MA (Sociology), is a member of the UK College of Family Mediators and is accredited by National Family Mediation, London. (Qualified 1987). She is also a relationship counsellor and the NI Advisor to the UK College of Family Mediators. She is a supervisor and trainer of Family Mediation.
Muriel Orr, BSSc, CQSW, is a member of the UK College of Family Mediators and is accredited by National Family Mediation, London. (Qualified 1992). She is the Co-ordinator of Knock Child Contact Centre.
Huw Griffiths, BA (Applied Social Studies), CQSW, MSc, trained as a Family Mediator with National Family Mediation, London. (Qualified 1994).
Rosemary Fulton BA, BSS trained as a family mediator in 1992, is a member of the UK College of Family Mediators and is accredited by Family Mediation Scotland. She is also a relationship counsellor.
Margaret Fawcett MSc CQSW trained as a family mediator with National Family Mediation, London. (Qualified 1992) She has specialist interest and skills in counselling children and young people plus the provision of family support work.
Do I have to use Family Mediation? · Family Mediation is voluntary and nobody can be compelled to take part against his or her will. It is often very helpful in enabling people to reach their own negotiated settlements. · The first appointment is always an introductory one so you can consider whether mediation is a way forward at this time. · Joint appointments are never arranged without prior discussion and without including individual discussion with each person · If you have any concerns about taking part in mediation or are worried about meeting your partner or ex partner - perhaps due to violence, harassment or intimidation - please convey this to us before your first appointment. We will ensure that your concerns are addressed. Your safety is a priority.
How much is mediation likely to cost? An initial information appointment costs £40 and lasts one hour. Costing for joint mediation is normally shared between the parties. They are based on a mediator rate of £60 per hour. Depending on the number and complexity of the issues brought, the number of joint appointments is generally between 2 and 6. Two mediators may work together to facilitate agreement. Appointments last between 1½ and 2 hours. The cost of an outcome statement or “Memorandum of Joint Understanding” will also be discussed with you by your mediator. If you are eligible for Legal Aid and prior authority has been obtained from the Legal Services Commission, the cost of mediation may be met for you.
Will our children be involved in mediation? If you have children we can help you discuss how to talk with them to ascertain their views and help them to understand what is happening. We will gladly see your children in mediation, if you wish, and will discuss this with you. Children may have very different concerns to their parents. It is important for them to be able to express these and think about the implications for the future. Parents are often better able to reassure and help their children once they know what their children are thinking. While you are attending a mediation appointment, it will be necessary for you to make arrangements for someone else to look after your children (unless, after discussion with you, the mediator has arranged an appointment to meet with your children in mediation).
Is mediation confidential? Discussions in Family Mediation are confidential. This confidentiality can only be breached if a crime is alleged against a child, the mediator considers someone to be at serious risk of harm or allegations are made of criminal/fraudulent activity.
Will I need a solicitor? The mediator can record your decisions and summarise them in a written Memorandum of Understanding. This is not binding, but can form the basis of a legal agreement. In mediation you do your own negotiating, removing the need for lengthy solicitor negotiation and legal action, but you each still need a solicitor to advise you and to make any joint proposals legally binding. Mediators do not at any time give legal advice.
What next? If you anticipate difficulty using mediation, eg because you have a disability please let us know so that we can make any necessary arrangements. Otherwise to make an appointment, please get in touch with Family Mediation - contact details below.
Mediation is offered in our Belfast office, situated near Queen's University (car parking is available in Upper and Lower Crescent off University Road). Appointments can also be offered in Londonderry and other outcentres by special arrangement.
telephone 028 9024 3265 fax 028 9033 1576 e mail enquiry@familymediationni.org.uk www.familymediation.org.uk |