Family Meditation to Help You Move Forward
By Charlene Edwards, Family Mediator
My name is Charlene. I qualified as a Family Mediator in 2021. I am a dedicated mediator, committed to helping families navigate challenging times and find peaceful resolutions.
If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation provides a safe, confidential space to help you sort out disputes. This process avoids high legal fees and the stress of a long, drawn-out court battle. Professional family mediators help you work out what happens after you split up. They will not try to get you and your ex-partner back together; instead, they can help you find a way forward, even if you have been separated for a while.
What Do Mediators Do?
As a mediator, I will listen to you and your ex-partner as you explain your concerns and views to each other. My role is to help you both reach an agreement by finding practical solutions that feel fair.
Family mediators are trained to work with people whose relationships have broken down. They come from professional backgrounds such as law, social work, healthcare, and counselling. During the process, a mediator will ask questions to understand your situation. Unlike going to court, you stay in control. No one can make you do anything against your wishes, and all discussions remain strictly confidential.
Prioritising the Children
Children have the right to a relationship with both parents, provided it is safe, and their needs are always the most important consideration. Some mediators are specially trained to include children in discussions, though this only happens if you, your ex-partner, and the child all agree.
I firmly believe that families are best equipped to make decisions that serve their unique circumstances. As a mediator, I will guide you to understand your options, exploring creative solutions and reaching agreements that prioritise the well-being and interests of all involved.
Experience and Qualifications
I am accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and a member of the Family Mediation Association. I am able to mediate in all areas of family dispute, including matters concerning children, financial arrangements, and property.
I have 40 years of experience working with children, young people, and families. During this time, I also qualified as a social worker. I am an accredited coach with a particular interest in Solution Focused practice. My background in the social care field, which included chairing multi-agency meetings and facilitating complex family dynamics, is particularly informative to my work as a family mediator.
Why Choose Family Mediation?
- Control: It allows you and the other party to make the decisions instead of a judge.
- Reduced Stress: It is generally less stressful than a court process, with less conflict and improved communication.
- Flexibility: Agreements can be reviewed and changed if you both agree. This is helpful if your situation changes or as your children get older.
- Better for Children: It is easier on your children when parents cooperate, helping to maintain important family relationships.
- Efficiency: It is quicker and cheaper than litigation, helping you to get on with the rest of your life as quickly as possible.
Costs are typically shared equally, with each party paying half of the fees. You may also be eligible for the £500 Government Voucher Scheme to assist with the costs.
