I found mediation very helpful and comforting. There were many times in my divorce when I felt I wasn’t getting the full picture until we went to mediation and were able to lay everything out clearly. The mediator remained impartial, however I felt comforted and protected from my ex husband and my fear of being misinformed. The constant reminder to seek advice, coupled with the calm nature that information was provided to each of us in the shuttle meetings, gave me a sense that I had guidance and a voice. I would definitely recommend mediation to anyone going through separation/divorce, and my only regret is that I didn’t go sooner.
Amy from Sheffield came to mediation to talk about arrangements for the children and finances
FMM handled our situation and mediation with great care and professionalism, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone requiring mediation.
Financial mediation in High Wycombe about arrangements for finances.
At a point where I didn’t believe we could end our marriage amicably and without large court fees, I engaged with Family Matters Mediation. I entered into the process with positivity and a reality check on what could be achieved. The guidance and advice throughout the process was very professional. We had a few hurdles that at times I didn’t think we would overcome, however the manner in which the mediation guided thought and consideration, enabled us to reach common ground. Thank you mediation team. We can now move on with our lives, without bitterness or bad feeling. I would highly recommend this service.
Financial mediation in Watford reaching agreement about financial arrangements
I found the daunting experience of trying to resolve issues between myself and my wife were handled so delicately and expertly by the mediator that we were able to come to an amicable agreement that only a couple of months previously I never would have thought possible. The mediator brought out the best in both of us and diminished the stress of the situation. Thank you.
A Dad from Birmingham | Mediation about the family house, pensions and providing for an adult son with a long term health condition
At the start of our mediation myself and my ex-partner hadn’t spoken to each other properly for over 4 years. We couldn’t agree on anything to do with the financial arrangement or our children who had drifted apart from their Dad over the years. We now have reached the end of mediation and are both happy with the financial side but even better my children have now seen that we can co parent without the arguments and have decided to try and build up the relationship with their Dad. So I would like to say a big Thank you to Family Matters for helping us get to where we are today.
A Mum from Rotherham | Successful mediation about money and children
John had not seen his children for some time and is now seeing them regularly including overnights
“I am writing this email to thank the staff at Family Matters, especially Juliette Dalrymple, for all the support and help you have portrayed towards me. During every session I have had professional, clear and prompt communication, great support and understanding with my mental health and my financial situation. I would not have come as far I have today without all of this help. I appreciate everything that you have done for me. If it wasn’t for Family Matters, I don’t think I would have had the support in reconnecting back with my children. We have come a long way the past 18 months and if it wasn’t for COVID 19 pandemic I do believe that you would have had me reconnected with my children more quickly. Thanks again”
A Dad from Doncaster reconnecting with his children
The mediator was helpful and patient she made a difficult process much easier, and I am pleased with the results that she helped us achieve.
Sorting out finances after separation in Sussex
I didn’t think there was any chance mediation would work for us as it was such an extreme case and I thought court would be the only option. However, with Juliette’s help, we have managed to begin to co-parent again. The children are happier and that’s the main thing. Patience and perseverance pays off.
A Mum | Mediation about children in Norfolk
Thank you so much . My ex and I haven’t spoken in 2 years and this mediation has done the world of good. We are now friends and I’m starting to see our children and that’s all because of what you have done for us so once again thank you.
Simon | Mediation about children in North Yorkshire
I would like to thank the mediator and the team for all the help and advice given to me to me through the final stages of my divorce. I am very grateful for how the situation was resolved and for me to start seeing my children again. Thankyou so much.
Female (25) | Mediation about children
The mediation sessions were all worthwhile and achieved the desired outcome which was to resolve the outstanding financial matters being discussed. I found the information provided to be of particular use as it helped me understand more how the families court would look at the case and decide on what all parties were actually likely to receive if it went to court.
All sessions were structured and controlled, ensuring that both parties were listened too and allow the suitable amount of time to speak. Overall the mediation achieved the resolve required in order to move forward by allowing both participants to come to their own agreement by discussing their issues whilst the mediator encouraged listening and provided summary clarification which allowed everyone to understand each other’s perspectives.
Male (45) | Mediation about finances
“Although I believed that mediation was the best way forward, I entered the discussion with some degree of trepidation as I expected us to be in polar opposite positions and entrenched. The mediator initially concentrated on the areas of agreement to create a foundation to build from. By taking the emotion out of the situation, Lesley helped with advice and keeping us focused and realistic in the demands we both made. The mediation service offered to us has allowed us to come to an agreed accommodation in a much shorter time than would have been possible if we had been communicating through our solicitors.” Female | November 20
“I just wanted to thank you for all your support through mediation. It was really appreciated.” Male | November 20
“I found the mediator to be very personable, a good listener and able to put Jo and me at ease, with the added complication of having to carry out the mediation over a video link rather than face to face because of the COVID.” Male | November 20
“Thank you for your help. This experience has been quite stressful and has had an impact on my life in general. But the mediator has made it easier by explaining all the options to help make a decision. In the end, I felt more comfortable and confident that a decision had been made.” Male | November 20
“My experience of mediation to start with was a bit doubtful. However, I found the mediator, Lesley Dudleston, very friendly and made me feel at ease. They were very professional and impartial and tried to help in every way for us to come to an agreement. Thank you. ” Male | November 20
“I just want to say thanks. I got all the information and I am very pleased about how you handled the situation “
August 20
“I would like to say thank you for your help in getting to see my son. I appreciated what you did.”
August 20
“When I came to mediation, I thought the best idea was my idea. In mediation, I saw there were so many options I hadn’t thought of. Things are much better now.”
Male | August 20
“I was really confused about legal aid for mediation but Alison patiently explained it and ensured that I sent in the right information. I got legal aid and we sorted out arrangements for the children in two sessions. I was surprised that going to a mediator made such a big difference. My ex and I had tried to sort stuff out with family helping and it hadn’t worked. I would definitely tell a friend to go and find out about mediation.”
Female | August 20
“Although I believed that mediation was the best way forward, I entered the discussion with some degree of trepidation as I expected us to be in polar positions and entrenched. The mediator initially concentrated on the areas of agreement to create a foundation to build from. By taking out the emotion of the situation, the mediator provided information and kept us focused and realistic in the demands we both made. The mediation service offered to us has allowed us to come to an agreement in a much shorter time than would have been possible if we had been communicating through our solicitors.”
Male | August 20
“Exceeded my expectations and has really helped through a difficult time to sort out arrangements for our children and untangle the finances so we can both move on.”
Female | July 20
“A service I wasn’t expecting to use was made more bearable by having understanding staff and supportive mediators. Whilst overwhelming at first, the process was staggered and straight forward. The mediators were informative and pointed us in the right direction when we needed more information or legal advice. I would recommend them to anyone needing their services”.
Male | July 20
“Professional service, knowledgeable and supportive team of mediators and office staff. Much easier than going through court and far less conflict with my ex. Really feel as if we have agreed a fair settlement and been able to focus on our children’s welfare. Thank you.”
Male | July 20
“Thank you for your patience and support. I was skeptical we would resolve issues about our children and finances but happy with the outcome and glad we stuck with it.”
Female | June 20
“Thank you ever so much for your help in mediation. I have found the staff and mediators to be kind and professional throughout and would like to extend my thanks. The meetings online have worked well. There’s been no travelling time and I’ve been comfortable and safe at home which was very important to me. The mediator was so kind and professional. Her tone was excellent and she understood our needs perfectly. Our aim was to be kind and fair and we got to this solution with their guidance.”
Female | June 20
“Thank you for your understanding and help. I was anxious at first and the mediators and office team put me at ease. I am very grateful for everything. The service has been professional and supportive. I have found the literature and sources of information really useful. We have been able to remain pragmatic throughout and the mediator helped us remain focused on our daughter’s needs. The spaced-out meetings have been helpful in allowing time to reflect, to compromise, reach agreement and obtain legal advice about our finances. Whilst circumstances have been challenging, there has been no unnecessary pressure, everything has been at a pace right for us. Thank you.”
Male | June 20
“Thank you very much for all your help. You helped to guide us through a very difficult process in a calm and informative manner.”
Female | June 20
“I found the mediation sessions really helpful and we managed to get to an agreement that suited us both. The online session was fine as well to get to that final agreement. Overall I was really happy with the whole process during this really difficult period in my life.”
Female | April 20
“Thanks so much for all your help, I really appreciate it. We’re communicating more and managing to do it fairly calmly too. Let’s hope we can continue to do so. Thanks again.”
Female | April 20
“Thank you for all your help. You have been brilliant.”
Female | April 20
“Friendly, caring and honest, clean offices, suitable for disabled persons, did explain everything in a very professional way. Any questions were answered, future appointments were adapted to fit around working people. Yes I would recommend, I felt very comfortable.”
Female | July 19
“I was really happy with the management and had a helpful and informative experience. Thank you to the entire team.”
Female | May 19
“Lovely staff, very professional.”
Female | April 19
“Efficient and focussed worth every penny”
Male (45) | Financial mediation
“I didn’t know we has so many options until we came to mediation. I really did not think it would work but Rachel made sure we talked about all the ways of sorting the money before agreeing our arrangement. Once we started to agree things it got easier and we were able to sort a routine for the kids”
Female (37) | Financial and child mediation | November 2019
“To my mind you offer a very valuable service on neutral ground which will undoubtedly be of help for a lot of separated couples.”
Father (28) | Mediation about one child | May 2019
“Thank you for your summary of our last mediation session. I do very much appreciate all your efforts over the many sessions up until that point. You have shown great patience, tolerance, understanding, empathy, skill and tact in helping us towards trying to find common ground.”
Father (38) | Mediation about two teenagers | March 2016
Simon Hughes Minister for Justice visited The Listening to Children Matters Project funded by the Department of Work and Pensions. “ I am grateful to Family Matters and the mediator for all (your) work. I think it is a very worthwhile project…”
Simon Hughes MP – Minister of State for Justice
“Thank you so much we haven’t spoken since Father’s day and we have talked for the first time and the children are seeing their dad this weekend.”
Anonymous
“I respect what we are trying to achieve in the best interests of (child) and will do all I have agreed.”
Mother (19) | Mediation about a baby
“I am in awe of what you do and can see real benefit to families.”
Father (51) | Mediation about two children
“We have not been able to talk to each other for 10 years…, this is the first time in a long time we have talked and listened to one another.”
Mother (23) | Two children
“My contact with the kids was so much better, Dad is encouraging and supporting them in coming and I’m seeing them every Saturday. Thank you (Dad) and you (Tracy).”
Mother (38) | Mediation about twins, one with special needs
“The last contact session was the best contact I have ever had with ****. I think it really helped him to have had someone to speak to.”
Father (41) | Mediation and child consultation with a young person aged 12
Your help is really appreciated…. I now have hope”
Father (35) | Mediation about a child
“Being able to talk to someone has been a big help – I could give you a hug! I wish we’d have had this five years ago and we could have avoided all these court proceedings. If we could have sat down and talked I think we could have sorted things out…largely down to a lack of communication.”
Mother (45) | Mediation about four children
“I am currently acting for a client who, together with his wife, has been in mediation with Lesley Dudleston, a Mediator with Family Matters, discussing financial issues. They have arrived at proposals acceptable to both of them and I have received the documentation prepared by Lesley setting out the background and the proposals together with a separate schedule of financial information. Both documents are excellent, clear and concise, providing all the necessary information in straightforward and clear terms. They are very well drafted indeed. Lesley has, I believe, assisted the client and his wife greatly, as well as assisting us in advising the client on them.”
I just wanted to say thank you to you and Lorraine for your support and amazing service provided during both mediation sessions. You were both very calming, supportive, and knowledgeable and I was so grateful for having extra eyes and ears onto everything that was said. It really meant a lot to me.
Feedback about Lorraine Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP)Presenter
You were brilliant. Think you brought in your mediation skills by checking in with them as to whether understood, were ok, reeled in people who were uncertain about whether or not a SPIP would help, into the conversation and empathised with one person when they broke down. I certainly learnt a lot and I think they did by their replies in their reflections about behaviour and how things can be handled better.
Observer at a SPIP
