FAQs

How do I make an Appointment?

Going through divorce or separation can be very stressful and it can often be difficult to make rational decisions when emotions are running high.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you want to find out if Mediation is right for you as we will always be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
If you are put through to our answer phone this means our staff are busy with other callers, so please leave a message and they will return your call as soon as they can.
We are also able to offer you a face to face meeting with a professionally trained and qualified family mediator to help you decide the best way forward for you.

Tel: 020 8514 7880
Fax: 020 8514 7909
E-mail: mediation@relatenelondon.org.uk

3rd Floor, Charter House
450 High Road
Ilford, Essex, IG1 1UF

Contact hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 am. to 5.30 pm
(Appointments are available outside these hours)

Appointments are available in Ilford and Barnet.

What are the benefits of Mediation?

Mediation is faster and avoids costly legal battles.
You have an opportunity to talk face to face, openly and constructively with your ex-partner in a safe environment.
Mediation focuses on moving forward and reaching agreement. It does not focus on the past or assign blame.
You make all the decisions yourself in a setting where cooperation rather than conflict is encouraged.
You can discuss all details of any issues that are important to you.
Mediation is flexible and allows for creative solutions that meet your families' needs in order to help you reach an agreement.
Where children are involved, mediation promotes family communication and establishes a sound foundation for continued good parenting

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a way for couples who are divorcing or separating to make their own decisions for the future, with the help of an experienced and impartial mediator.
You can talk about arrangements for children and/or property and financial matters.
The aim of mediation is to make a written agreement describing the arrangements you have decided on.
Mediation is not counselling, nor an attempt to bring about reconciliation.

What does it Cost?

At your Information Meeting, we will let you know if you are eligible for public funding (legal aid). If you are, Mediation is free of charge.

If you are not eligible for public funding, costs are as follows from 1st Jan 2012:

Costs per client (including VAT and production of all documents)

Initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): £60

Cost for each Mediation session (1.5 hours) is dependant on your income:

If you earn under £20,000 per annum: £95.00

£20-30,000: £125

£30-40,000: £150

£40-50,000: £175

over £50,000: £200

Are you a solicitor?

What happens in Mediation?

First, the mediator meets you and your ex-partner, (separately or together), to explain the process of mediation and to check that it is suitable for you.
The mediator will also discuss with you what you hope to achieve and answer any questions that you may have about the process,
Then the mediator will help you settle issues and reach agreement in ways that will best meet the needs of children as well as parents.
The mediator will then prepare a written agreement recording the decisions that you have made together.
You have the opportunity to see a solicitor for legal advice before committing yourself to a legal agreement or court order.
The number of meetings will depend on the complexity of the issues. If you were discussing children only, you would normally need one or two sessions. Where property and finance is involved up to four can be needed.

Do I need a Solicitor?

Mediators can provide general information about the law and the way the legal system works, we cannot provide legal advice.
We recommend that you seek legal advice from a solicitor, Citizens Advice Bureau, or www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk which may also be a useful source of information.

Is Mediation Confidential?

Discussions are confidential; exceptions would be to protect a child or person from possible abuse or injury or under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
What you say in mediation cannot be used in court. However the factual information that you provide, such as details of your income, property and so on may be used in court.

What if I'm worried about my Safety?

If you are worried about your own or the safety of a child, or have experienced violence or intimidation in the relationship, please discuss this with the mediator at your first appointment.

Can I attend a Parenting Information Programme ?

Mediation is about making positive agreements so that you can move on with your life.

"Our mediator did a tremendous job and acted impartially. You all do a great job"

"My husband and I were at total gridlock. We were able to use the experience of mediation to come to an agreement - wonderful"

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