Family Mediation
The Centre for Family Mediation at the Institute of Family Therapy is one of the leading providers of family mediation in London. Our purpose is to make it easier for couples going through separation and divorce.
We provide the following:
- A constructive process to deal with separation and divorce
- A practical way to reach agreements about your future and help with maintaining good relationships with your children
- An alternative to lengthy court proceedings and an opportunity to save on expensive court fees - you may be entitled to free mediation
Breaking up is hard to do and meeting together can be difficult, but mediation works to help you find more amicable solutions. Mediators offer hope to even the most intactable cases.
MEDIATION SAVES TIME, MONEY AND STRESS IN AGREEING ARRANGEMENTS ABOUT CHILDREN, FINANCES AND ALL ISSUES RELATING TO SEPARATION AND DIVORCE.
Last year 320,000 couples split up - half of them married. Jane Robey, CEO of National Family Mediation which our service belongs to, says "Couples should bear in mind that the expense of separating can easily add to already heavy debt burdens, and even more important, the effect waring parents can have on their children. This year, add the pressures of debt and the possibility of redundancy brought on by the credit crunch and you've got an explosive mixture."
The cost to both parties of using a lawyer to negotiate on their behalf can seriously reduce the money available to make a fresh start. The average cost of a lawyer based divorce is £20,000 per couple. With us it's just £2,000 or less. People have a right to know about their entitlements and we advise that you have independent legal advice alongside mediation. Our statistics show that we achieve an amicable settlement in over 70% of the cases we handle. We produce detailed statements of outcome and memorandums of understanding which are not legally binding, but can be made into legal orders if that is needed. What's more, our way is much less harmful for the people who really suffer - the children.
All our mediators are very experienced and fully qualified. All have undertaken the LSC Competence Assessment. IFT is a member of National Family Mediation.
- Appointments, which can be booked by telephone or email, are available on most days and some evenings
- The first appointment (information meeting) is usually on your own.This allows you the opportunity to find out how mediation will help you and your situation. In some circumstnaces, mediation may not be suitable or beneficial.
- Should you qualify for public funding (the mediator will explain eligibility requirements at the information meeting) mediation is free. Otherwise, you will be advised of our sliding scale of fees that are based on your income.
- Mediation is voluntary and if you have any concerns about meeting with the other person, due to violence or intimidation please let us know. Your safety is a priority and we can make provision if you are willing to try mediation.
OTHER KINDS OF FAMILY DISPUTES
We also offer a conflict resolution service for families with other kinds of discuputes such as over:
- wills and probate
- relationships between adult siblings
- caring for elderly parents
- inter-generational issues
For further information contact:
The Centre for Mediation and Conflict Resolution at the Institute of Family Therapy
24/32 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2HX
Contact Julia Molloy to make an appointment.
“Mediation really was instrumental for us in starting our journey in parenthood – we’ve come a long way since and your support and sincerity has been important. We’ve discussed and agreed on the possibility of future mediation, and I'm sure when future challenges face us we will feel confident turning to mediation. Thank you."
Quote from a father - 2009” |
Family Mediation
