WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a process which helps you to reach agreement about arrangements for money, property and/or your children, when you separate.  These issues are discussed in the presence of a trained, independent third party (the Mediator) who helps you consider all the options and explore ways of reaching agreement. WHO IS IT FOR? Mediation could help you if you are:- • A separating couple, whether married or not • Already separated but still need to resolve the arrangements about your children or finances • Step-parents, Grandparents or other family members wanting to agree arrangements for looking after and seeing children. BENEFITS OF MEDIATION • Mediation is generally much quicker and less expensive than going to Court. • It helps you both to communicate and co-operate to reach your own agreements. • It is less stressful and upsetting than going through the Court and allows you to keep control over sorting out your problems. • It is confidential (unless someone’s welfare is at risk or infringes the Proceeds of Crime Act). WHAT DOES MEDIATION COVER? The Mediator helps you both agree • The terms of separation/divorce. • Care and visiting arrangements for children. • Financial arrangements for both you and your children and • How the family home and any other property should be shared or divided. HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK? People are often referred to a Mediator by their Solicitor and may already have received legal advice.  However, you can if you wish, contact any of the mediators listed within this directory without having consulted a Solicitor first.  Mediation involves a series of “round the table” meetings with the Mediator.  If financial issues are being discussed, the process starts with disclosure of all financial information. (Note that such information may be referred to by either party in Court and can be used by the parties’ Solicitors).  The Mediator enables you to have open and honest discussions; ensures that any proposals are realistic, and helps you to reach a consensus.  We will also encourage you where necessary, to seek legal advice from a Solicitor during and after the mediation process. Once an agreement has been reached, the Mediator will summarise your proposals and the financial information on which these are based.  Your Solicitors can then translate the proposals into legally binding agreements. THE NUMBER AND COST OF SESSIONS The number of sessions required depends entirely what issues you need to resolve.  On average, 2-3 sessions are needed for cases involving children, and 4-5 for those involving property and finance as well.  Charges are payable at each session and can be shared in any way the couple may agree. Generally charges are significantly less than going through the Court.  Public Funding (Legal Aid) may be available for one or both parties and your Mediator will discuss this with you at your first meeting. WHO MEDIATES? All the Mediators listed overleaf have undergone an extensive mediation training programme and we come from diverse professional backgrounds.  We all work to Codes of Practice which follow internationally accepted principles. WHAT DO I DO NEXT? Simply contact one of the Mediators listed in the area you wish.  You will each then have the opportunity to talk to the Mediator who will explain the process in more detail and assess if mediation is suitable for you.