Family mediation is a fantastic way to resolve important family disputes without going through expensive court proceedings. In a mediation session, a qualified, neutral professional will help to guide the conversation towards a resolution that works for both parties, without judgement or conflict. You can read more about this in our article on the benefits of family mediation.

Once you’ve decided that family mediation is for you, it’s time to decide which professional you and your ex partner would like to work with. Knowing how to choose the right person can feel overwhelming and confusing.

Here’s a quick guide to help you.

Check their affordability

The average cost of a UK family mediation session is £140 per person, per session. However, don’t let the price deter you - some mediators will charge less, and others more. It’s also important to bear in mind that a great mediator should help to resolve issues more efficiently, meaning that less sessions will be required overall.

If the price still seems intimidating, there’s the option to take advantage of the government’s Family Mediation Voucher scheme. You can claim up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation if your dispute is related to a child, or combined with family financial matters, so it’s worth seeing if you qualify.

See how they can support you

Family mediation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several different types of mediation, including hybrid mediation, child-inclusive mediation and arbitration mediation. Picking the best option for your situation is important.

For instance, in child-inclusive mediation, the mediator will listen to the wants and needs of your child and communicate these back to you and your ex. It’s an excellent way to make your child feel involved in important family decisions and to promote better co-parenting.

Arrange an initial meeting

Whether this be on the phone or in person, you’ll want to get a feel for how well you can work together with your mediator. You certainly don’t want to turn up to your first mediation session and realise that you don’t work well together.

Some questions you might ask yourself in this initial meeting include:

Do you feel comfortable opening up to them?
Do you feel like they’ll treat you and your ex-partner fairly?
Do they come across as professional and trustworthy?

If your answer to any of these questions is “no”, this could be a sign to look elsewhere. Mediation is an investment in terms of both time and money. It’s important to feel like you can raise important issues with your mediator, and feel safe in their presence.

Here at the Starting Point Centre, we’re passionate about the benefits of family mediation. We know that choosing the right mediator for you is an important decision, so we’re always here to discuss your options. Our in-house mediator Anna has free phone consultations available or alterntaively you can contact us on 0113 534 8007.

If you’d like to find out more about our mediation services, please get in touch at anna@turningpointmediation.co.uk. Together we can find the best outcome for you and your family.

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