MEDIATION AS A DIFFERENT WAY TO SOLVE FAMILY PROBLEMS
NATIONAL MEDIATION WEEK 9TH – 13TH OCTOBER
Chafes Press Release PR111 : 9th October 2006
Local solicitors and mediators are helping families understand that separation does not always have to be acrimonious this week. As part of national mediation awareness week legal family specialists who have been helping families for many years, have been speaking about the benefits of mediation as a quicker, cheaper and more harmonious way of resolving family break down.
Solicitor Liz Mathews, a trained mediator from New Mills-based Chafes solicitors says: “Many people are just not aware of mediation as an option when they are experiencing difficulties and that is why it is important that people understand what help is available when dealing with the effects of separation.
“The role of mediation is to help both parties within a couple or family to consider what needs to be settled and how best to resolve it. The mediators help parties deal with financial as well as contact and parenting issues. As mediators we assist them in reaching workable arrangements. Mediation avoids expensive and contentious legal and court proceedings and allows couples to make their own decisions rather than having them imposed by a judge. It encourages better communication which is of vital importance when children are involved.”
The process of mediation is designed to encourage co-operation and communication which in turn works to reduce the potential for conflict. It also puts the focus upon future arrangements which will suit the individual family unit and ensure that the needs of each member of the family are looked after. For most couples, going to mediation, it is cheaper and quicker than taking the case to Court.
Chafes Solicitors with the firm Simon Bergin Solicitors and Mediators, have been working together to provide mediation to families within the area for a number of years. Liz, works alongside Bernadette Willems from Heaton Chapel–based firm Simon Bergin and both are accredited mediators to well respected mediation governing bodies. They are an experienced mediation team and in addition, Bernadette is also a mediation trainer and lecturer. They can see clients on a private basis and offer publicly funded assistance (legal aid) for families on low income and income support. Bernadette is especially trained to meet with children, as appropriate, which is of great benefit to families keen to consider their children’s wishes.
Both firms provide a free initial meeting for people wanting to consider the benefits of mediation. To find out more about mediation you can contact Liz directly on 01663 743 344 or the administration office on 0161 432 9945 or 0161 975 0708 or email tkh@simonbergin.com
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