Mediation is the process of intervening in a dispute with the aim of resolving the dispute and reconciling the disputing parties. The mediator takes a neutral position between the disputing parties to help them resolve the issues that separate them.

Mediation cases can involve civil, commercial, family, workplace, school, faith or other areas. Some mediation services cover several of these. Mediation is one form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The name refers to a process which is an alternative go going to court. In some countries the courts require that parties go through an ADR process first, before coming to court. ADR processes include conciliation, adjudication and arbitration as well as mediation. See the Citizen’s Advice page about ADR.

Mediators need to be trained. Their main skill is in being able to listen to and understand the feelings of both parties to a dispute. The mediation skills involved can vary between different mediation areas.

Mediation is different from Restorative Justice in that RJ only applies when one party has suffered at the hands of the other and the offender has admitted their guilt.

Mediation Services currently available include the following.

Ministry of Justice Civil Mediation Finder

Use the page at civilmediation.justice.gov.uk to search for a list of civil mediation providers working in your area (even if their listed address is outside your area).

All the mediation providers listed are registered by the Civil Mediation Council, and employ local, professional and experienced mediators.

This service provides members of the public and businesses with a simple low-cost method of resolving a wide range of civil disputes out of court.

The above page also indicates a range of fees based on the total value of the dispute.

Civil Mediation Council

The Civil Mediation Council is the recognised authority in the country for all matters related to civil, commercial, workplace and other non-family mediation.

Website: civilmediation.org

National Family Mediation

They help families in conflict, especially those divorcing or separating. With over 30 years’ experience providing expert, professional family mediation services, we work in over 500 locations across England & Wales.

Family mediation is quicker and more cost-effective than heading to court. It reduces conflict, and your family stays in control of arrangements over children, property and finance.

To make an appointment use the Enquiry Form.  If you would like any guidance or advice on what you should do call 0300 4000 636 or use the Contact Us form.

National Family Mediation
Civic Centre, Paris St, Exeter EX1 1JN
Tel: 0300 4000 636

They claim to have a NFM Direct service in Coventry but give no contact details.

Mediate UK

Mediate UK have grown from a small home-based start-up, to a company that covers the South East of England and have now expanded into the Midlands and North West.

They were the first service in the UK to offer fixed fee mediation and legal packages – based on client feedback from being charged excessive legal fees for their divorce or consent order. They say:

We continue to improvise within the industry, offering online MIAMs nationally and setting up independent barrister reviews – so our clients now have an alternative to going to court if mediation were to break down.

Ourdivorce lawyers and family law solicitorsare members ofResolution, have won awards for their service and are highly experienced in all areas of family law.

More importantly, we care – and our5* feedbackfrom our clients shows we can genuinely help you during this difficult time.

We have offices in Rugby and Lutterworth but we can mediate online with anyone based in Coventry – which many people find works better for them.

Website: https://www.mediateuk.co.uk/