The information below is from the Plymouth Mediation leaflet.

Family Mediation Service
Are you separating or divorcing?
We can help you make arrangements regarding
Childrens issues Finance and property issues
- Free to those eligible for public funding

PLYMOUTH MEDIATION

ARE YOU FACING DIVORCE OR SEPARATION AND DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN?
-   Is it difficult talking to your former partner about the things you know you have to discuss?

-   Are you concerned at the thought of paying high legal costs?

-   Do you feel you are going to need help to make arrangementsfor your children or your property and finances?

Plymouth Mediation is here to help

HOW PLYMOUTH MEDIATION CAN HELP YOU
We offer:
-   An opportunity for each person to meet individually with a mediator to discuss how mediation might help.

-   A place where both parties can meet on neutral ground will a skilled mediator who will remain impartial.

-   A process to sort out issues resulting from the breakdown of your relationship, such as arrangements for your children or your property and finances. Your children can be seen if both you and the mediator think it will help.

Mediation sessions are confidential at all times, unless it appears that a child or a third party is at risk of harm.

THE COST OF MEDIATION
Mediation is an alternative to the legal process where a contested case may cost £2-3000. However, mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. Our service recommends that clients seek legal advice whenever necessary.

This service is a registered charity. We do not exclude people who are unable to pay. However, we hope for a donation in such cases if possible. If you are on a low income you may be eligible for public funding.

If you are not eligible for public funding, we may make a charge to help meet our running costs.

A separate leaflet is available which provides details of our charges.

COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE PUBLIC FUNDING
Clients in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance automatically qualify for Community Legal Service Public Funding. Those on low income may qualify through assessment of means at the first interview. If your partner is not eligible for funding, your initial interview is free of charge.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Plymouth Mediation is committed to Equal Opportunities and staff are trained in anti-discriminatory practice. If clients with disabilities contact us in advanceto discuss their requirements, suitable arrangements can be made.

PLYMOUTH MEDIATION
is a non-profit organisation affiliated to National Family Mediation (NFM). We comply with NFM's code of practice. Mediators are members of the UK college of Mediators. In addition, our work is supervised by the Legal Services Commission to ensure we meet their quality assurance standards.

COMPLAINTS
If you are unhappy with the service you receive,please write to the Projects Director at the service address and a copy of our complaints proceedure will be sent to you.

Appointments can be made by telephoning during office hours (9.00 am - 4.30 pm weekdays). Out of hours appointments may be available on request.

PLYMOUTH MEDIATION
st. Peter's Centre
18 Harwell Street
Plymouth, PL1 5RY
Telephone 01752 312 121
Fax 01752 312 130
e-mail: julia.plymouthmediation@btopenworld.com

Plymouth Mediation is a registered charity No. 1075975 and a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered office is Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth PL1 3AE Company number 3649707. Supported by the Community Legal Service and the City of Plymouth.