At Affinity Mediation we would like to find a less acrimonious, less stressful, quicker and cheaper method of resolving family disputes? Mediation is a practical and more amicable way to resolve disputes rather than going to court. It saves time and money, specifically thousands of pounds of legal fees, as well as months of drawn out, emotionally charged, preparation to fight it out at court. This progressive method avoids the negative emotions involved in open court conflict and the feeling that family life has been forced into the public arena.

Mediation is the most appropriate way forward in family disputes, as the person we cannot agree with has usually been very important to us, at another time in our lives. Even if relationships are frayed it is particularly invaluable when there are children to find a solution outside the cold, litigious circumstances of going to court.

We find it generally helps people transition from a previous relationship if they personally decide the plan moving forward, rather than a judge.

We wouldn’t expect you to feel like you are the best of friends when you break up, or in the middle of any other type of disagreement. To be honest, who is? it is a fraught time. We understand that you will experience a whole range of emotions. However, wouldn’t it be better to discuss your issues and concerns in a safe, neutral place, with the assistance of an expert? This also provides the opportunity of better long term co-operation through a few sessions of supported communication and focused decision making. Let’s face it, if you do have children together you are going to need to start doing that at some point, and soon, otherwise the breakdown in communication between you is bound to have a negative impact on them.

If we are honest with ourselves we all realise that.