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frequently asked questions
about family mediation

What is Mediation?
What are the Benefits of Mediation?
Why Laceys Mediation Service?
We cannot agree about anything, so how can mediation help?
Do I need a solicitor if I choose to mediate?
What happens at the first appointment?
Do I need to bring anything to the first appointment with me?
Can I bring my children with me?
Can I bring a friend with me for support?
Do you have disabled/wheelchair access?
Can I park nearby?
I am still unsure about what to do. Is there anyone who can advise me?

What is Mediation?

Mediation is not marriage guidance or counselling. Mediation works on the basis that even when couples are no longer in love, they are still capable of negotiating their own settlements, which are made by them both, to suit them both.
The couple work together with a mediator, who assists them to make decisions about their future finances, and arrangements for their children in total privacy.
Mediation is a constructive way of dealing with the changes that occur following separation. It may not end the anger, or cure the hurt, but it will go a long way to minimise both of these, as parties look together for answers for their future lives in new and changing circumstances.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

• Communication is increased
• Stress is reduced
• Control in maintained over decision making
• Mediation is constructive not destructive
• Solutions are reached more quickly
• Costs are reduced
• Both parties win, and neither party loses

Our mediators are trained, both in law and in mediation, to national standards.
You and your partner can work together with one of our mediators to come up with your own tailor made solution, to suit your own life style and family situation.

Mediation is not for people who agree, but for those in dispute. Our mediators are skilled at dealing with people in conflict, and will help you to resolve issues – we have an 85% success rate.

Do I need a solicitor if I choose to mediate?

To enable you to make informed decisions you need to have an idea of the best and worst possible case scenarios if this matter were to go to Court. It is within this band that you would hope to settle in mediation. At the end of the mediation, you will need a solicitor to put your proposals in place, and to make sure that you fully understand the implications of the settlement reached. Your solicitor's role will be confined to giving advice, all the negotiations being carried out in the mediation only.

What happens at the first appointment?

At the initial 'intake' or 'assessment meeting' you will meet with a mediator who will take some details from you, check to see if you are eligible for free mediation [and if not explain the costs to you], explain the process to you, and see if mediation seems suitable in your particular case. The mediator will not be involved with going into detail of the facts of the case at this stage. If you are both willing to mediate, and the mediator feels that your case is suitable for mediation, your first mediation session will be set up, when you both meet with the mediator 'around the table', and the mediation process begins.

Do I need to bring anything to the first appointment with me?

For your assessment meeting, we ask that you provide evidence of your income, and that of any person with whom you are living. This is needed in order for us to assess whether you are eligible for free mediation or not.

We would ask you, if at all possible, not to bring your children with you to your mediation session. It is not appropriate for them to be involved in the mediation session, and we are unable to provide adequate supervision for them to remain outside in the waiting area.

Yes, we are more than happy for you to bring a friend or adult family member with you to your intake assessment meeting.

Do you have disabled/wheelchair access?

Yes, there is a disabled entrance at the rear of the building, and a lift that will accommodate a wheelchair. Unfortunately we do not have disabled toilet facilities. We have one disabled parking space at the rear of the building.

Can I park nearby?

There is parking in nearby Grosvenor Road for up to two hours, and a public car park at the rear of the shops opposite.

I am still unsure about what to do. Is there anyone who can advise me?

We always advise that you consult your solicitor or legal advisor if you have one, as we cannot give you legal advice. We can, however, answer any questions you may have about the mediation process itself, and our administrators will always be pleased to assist you in any way possible.