| Mediation: Questions & Answers |
Mediation - who is it for?What is Mediation?Mediation and the Reading County CourtIs it confidential?Do mediators give legal advice?What will it involve for me?What does it cost?Will I be eligible for free mediation?How to book an initial meeting?Other Dispute Resolution ServicesMediation – Who is it for?Couples who are ending their relationship, whether married or not. Also for parents who are already separated and wish to work out fresh arrangements to suit changed circumstances.What is Mediation?Mediation is a voluntary process for those who choose this way of resolving the issues that arise at the end of a relationship.Mediation offers parents an opportunity to meet together with trained mediators, to consider the decisions and the arrangements that need to be made following separation or divorce. These may be arrangements for the children, who can benefit from the continuing interest and involvement of both parents. The arrangements will often include finance and property matters. Mediation and the Reading County CourtMediation can provide an alternative to the process of dispute resolution through the courts. In the case of applications to the court for Contact, Residence or Parental Responsibility Orders, the court will expect that applicants for such orders will have considered mediation, either as an alternative to making the application or as a means of arriving at an agreement which can form the basis of the order.Is it confidential?Yes. The service is independent and discussions are confidential. Do Mediators give legal advice?No. The mediators can advise you of the benefits of receiving legal advice, particularly if you are using mediation to discuss property or finance issues. Mediators may suggest what will be the most appropriate point in mediation for you to seek advice. Solicitors able to provide advice in relation to family matters are listed at the back of this leaflet. For other kinds of advice we will refer you to an appropriate agency. What will it involve for me?Mediation will involve you meeting together with your ex/partner and with mediators in a room at our premises in central Reading or Newbury. Many clients find it helpful to receive legal advice on the property and finance proposals developed in mediation. In order to facilitate the provision of legal advice, Berkshire Family Mediation can, with your consent, forward a summary of your proposals to your respective solicitors. What does it cost?Initial information meetings Note: The costs quoted here are current at April 2008 and may be subject to change Will I be eligible for free mediation?Mediation is free to those eligible for Community Legal Services Funding. We can assess whether you are eligible at your initial information meeting. Click here for a guide to see if you are entitled to mediation free of charge through the Community Legal Service funding scheme.How to book an initial meeting?The best way to contact us is by telephone on 0118 957 1159 so that we can arrange a suitable appointment for you but you can contact us by writing, phone, fax or email. It is usually possible to offer an appointment within a matter of days. This is normally at our office in Reading but interviews can be arranged in Newbury if this is more convenient. Once we have arranged either a joint or separate appointment for you, we will send you details of that appointment through the post. We would appreciate 48 hours notice should you wish to cancel the meeting. Other Dispute Resolution ServicesSeveral firms of solicitors listed here are able to provide mediation service and some provide a collaborative law service. Collaborative law is similar to mediation but each party has their own solicitor who takes part in the negotiation meetings.
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