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Why Mediate?

 

Because collaborative, negotiated settlement of separation issues is more likely to generate mutually acceptable solutions faster, at lower cost and with less stress and ongoing animosity than a confrontational approach.

 

The Family Mediation Council* (FMC) states that:

  • ​Family mediation is a process where an independent, trained professional helps you and your ex make agreements about vital issues such as parenting arrangements, money and property.​

  • Mediation is simpler and less stressful than going to court. And it works. It can help all family members, including children, move on quickly to the next stages of their lives, and maintain important family relationships.​

  • Survey results show that mediation is a highly successful way of helping couples resolve disputes, with agreements reached in over 70% of cases.​​​​

​​* NB The FMC is a not-for-profit organisation that maintains a professional register of family mediators.

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The Law Society states that “For separating couples, mediation is an opportunity for both of you to talk face to face, to resolve together all the issues arising from your separation or divorce, such as arrangements for children, money and housing, with the help of only a mediator in the room with both of you”. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/common-legal-issues/getting-a-divorce/mediation

 

Citizens’ Advice states that “Mediation is a way of sorting any differences between you and your ex-partner, with the help of a third person who won’t take sides. The third person is called a mediator. They can help you reach an agreement about issues with money, property or children”. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/how-to-separate1/mediation-to-help-you-separate/

 

The UK Government states that: “You can use a mediator to help you and your ex-partner agree on child arrangements. This can often mean you do not have to go to court. A mediator is a professional who will work with you to help you make decisions based on your child’s best interests. They listen to both sides and take a neutral approach”. https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/mediation

The Mediator’s Role

 

Each separating couple's circumstances are unique, and the prospect of sometimes complex negotiations at this time can be intimidating.

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Your mediator will strive to keep your mediation journey as calm and straightforward as possible, by explaining the process and tracking progress towards mapping your future.

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Together, you will identify, explore and fine-tune mutually acceptable and viable long-term plans and arrangements for you and your family.

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About Tim Mace

 

I am registered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/ , I am a member of the Family Mediators Association (FMA) https://thefma.co.uk/  and I voluntarily follow the FMC Code of Practice: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/us/code-practice/ . For your peace of mind, I also comply with the FMA Complaints Procedure, a copy of which can be provided on request.​​

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Off duty, I am a father of 3 and grandfather of 2, who enjoys listening to a variety of music, roaming the great outdoors, watching team sports and trying to understand politics.

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Recommended FMC Resources

 

These videos provide a helpful introduction, by experienced practitioners, to the purpose and value of mediation, focussing on the two pivotal aspects of most couples’ separations:

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