Contact
Contact Questions and Answers
Family Mediation
If parents cannot decide between themselves on contact arrangements, they should try family mediation.
The aim of family mediation is to lessen conflict and to try to resolve disputes amicably. Most parents who apply to court for a contact order try mediation first. The courts generally like to see that the parents have attempted to resolve the problems themselves. In many instances, legal aid will only be granted where mediation has been tried. Mediation takes place in the presence of a neutral third party. The role of the mediator is to assist the parents to communicate with each other and to reach decisions about their child.
The process of mediation differs throughout the country, in some mediation services parents are seen separately and then they are bought together to see if they can reach a compromise. In other mediation services the parents are seen together, sometimes with their solicitor or a representative present.
For more information about family mediation, contact National Family Mediation on 01392 271610 or click here to visit the website.
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