Family mediation service now offered online

Family Mediation Central Scotland is launching a new online service to enable parents to access the services of a family mediator remotely.

Current restrictions in place due to the coronavirus outbreak have meant that parents have not been able to take part in face-to-face mediations to arrange child contact and deal with other family disputes.

Family mediation is a voluntary process in which a qualified, impartial mediator helps family members to communicate more effectively. The benefits are that it can give parents a greater say about what happens with their children rather than going to court, reduces conflict, improves communication and makes it easier on their children when parents cooperate.

Service manager Kathleen Frew said: “We know parents want to be able to solve their disputes, but the pandemic has prevented us from conducting mediations face-to-face. I am pleased we can now offer our mediation services online.

“I am encouraging local people to contact us and discuss whether this is a viable option for them. Also, although we do routinely charge for mediations, I want to reassure people that no client will be denied use of the new service due to an inability to pay.”

To arrange an online family mediation use the online form at www.fmcentral.org or 01786 472984.

Clients will be offered a free, confidential appointment initially, and if mediation goes ahead, costs will then apply. In some cases, Legal Aid may cover these costs or Family Mediation can offer different payment options.

The service, which is based in Stirling, had to suspend its services on March 17 due to the lockdown, however has continued to support parents through telephone and online support, including it new Digital Post Box service.