Home and Family
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that enables both parties to discuss what their needs and concerns are to each other in the presence of an independent third party - the family mediator - so that they reach an agreement between themselves. It can be helpful in resolving disputes before, during or after relationships break down. Family mediation can help reduce hostility and improves chances of long-term co-operation where this is necessary, for example in agreeing arrangements for child contact.
Family mediation can be less expensive than litigation, and it is the parties to the dispute, rather than the lawyers or the courts, who control the process. It also encourages both parties to agree an outcome to their disputes rather than having a judge decide for them. In this way, mediation empowers parties to control the length of the process, the issues they would like to discuss, and the outcomes.
I would also like to draw your attention to the Family Mediation Helpline (FMH). It is a public service designed to provide information on family mediation and to facilitate referrals to family mediators local to callers. The FMH provides general information on family mediation, suitability of cases and information on eligibility for public funding. The helpline number is 0845 60 26 627. The Helpline operators can also signpost callers to other advice services including the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Relate, the Domestic Violence Hotline, Parentline Plus and debt and addiction counselling service, where this is required.
The Citizens' Advice Bureau helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice.
Relate National website and the Portsmouth Relate website can be found by clicking those links. Relate offer "advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through the website."
The Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24-hour freephone number - 0808 2000 247. Calling this number will provide you with access to 24-hour emergency refuge accommodation, as well as an information service, including safety planning and translation facilities if you suffer at the hands of an abusive partner. Women's Aid and Refuge also provide help, support and information.
Parentline provide help and support to anyone caring for children - parents, grandparents, step-parents, relatives - for families living together as well as apart.
