Family Mediation

What is Family Mediation?

Mediation is a cost effective and informal way of resolving issues arising from relationship breakdown. With the help of our qualified specialist mediators parties aim to reach agreement on all issues in dispute. Attendance is voluntary, meetings are confidential and mediators are impartial.

How does family mediation work at Sternberg Reed?

We generally speak to both parties separately on the phone first.

Once both parties have agreed to mediate then both parties attend each session. Depending on the issues in dispute the process normally takes 4 or 5 sessions. Agreements can then be recorded in formal documents drawn up by the mediator. Mediated agreements can, if both parties want it, then form the basis of a legally binding Consent Order in the County Court.

What do you do next if you think mediation seems right for you? 

Call us on 01708 766155 and ask to speak free of charge to Frances Anderson. As head of the mediation department she will talk through with you how mediation works. Alternatively you can email us office@sternberg-reed.co.uk quoting “mediation” and a member of our team will contact you.

If you decide you want to go ahead with mediation we will then need to speak to the other party and explain the process in the same way to them. Mediation is voluntary and people therefore cannot be forced to attend.

How do sessions actually work?

Both parties work with the trained mediator to identify the key issues in dispute and how to reach a workable solution to each issue. Mediators sometimes work alone but co-mediations, that is, where 2 mediators work together are also common. Occasionally a specially trained child mediator can meet separately with children and this information can be fed back into the mediation process. This depends on the particular circumstances of your case and more information is available on request.

What problems can be dealt with by us?

A number of issues commonly arise when a relationship breaks down. These include:

• Children - including contact and with whom children are to live
• Finances
• Property
• Communication
• Third party contact including grandparents and other family members

This list is not exhaustive. Please feel free to ask if the particular issues you have are not listed.

How much does it cost?

The mediation process takes on average 4 to 5 sessions. Costs will depend on the issues to be resolved, whether out of hour’s appointments are required, and whether mediation agreements are to be drawn up at the end of the process, or between sessions, or both.

We charge separately for drawing up agreements.

Full details of our charging rates are always set out in a letter in advance and are fixed rates. We aim to provide you with straight forward information on how much the process will cost you.

Costs are payable in advance of each session.

We can sometimes offer appointments outside normal working hours and appointments can take place at any of our 4 main offices Romford, Barking, Grays or Kentish Town.

About our team

Sternberg Reed has a large thriving family and care department. Our mediation department compliments the existing services already offered by the firm.

The team is headed by Frances Anderson, a partner in the firm. Frances is a Family Mediation Council approved Family Mediator, member of the Family Mediation Association and affiliate member of Resolution. She has been a solicitor with the firm for over 16 years and a partner for 7 years. Frances has a caring, professional style and is committed to making mediation work in every case.

We have offices in Romford, Barking, Grays and Kentish Town.

If you would like to speak to one of our team please contact Frances Anderson or Lisa Groves

Either by phone 01708 766155

Or email office@sternberg-reed.co.uk

OFFICES:

BARKING

Focal House,
12-18 Station Parade
Barking, ESSEX IG11 8DN
Tel: 020 8591 3366
Fax: 020 8594 4606

 

ROMFORD

102-106 South Street
Romford, ESSEX RM1 1RX
Tel: 01708 766155
Fax: 01708 730743

 

GRAYS

Upper Floors, 6-8 High Street
Grays, ESSEX RM17 6LU
Tel: 01375 486500
Fax: 01375 486509

 

LONDON

Suite 2
152-156 Kentish Town Road
LONDON NW1 9QB
Tel: 020 7485 5558
Fax: 020 7485 5556

 

E-mail: Email us