Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2016 | Page 119

LEGAL Roach Pittis advice By Janet Bell Roach Pittis Solicitors, 60 - 66 Lugley Street, Newport, PO30 5EU 01983 524431 [email protected] Family Law Mediation W hen relationships break down emotions run high, and talking face-to-face can seem like the hardest thing to do. Sometimes, you need a hand to help get the talking started and focus on what really matters to you. That’s where mediation comes in. Mediation is a process to help couples who have decided to separate or divorce to talk things through. Mediators are trained to help you reach agreement about how to make the best arrangements for the future. This may be about the way the children are cared for, or how finances will be organised. Mediation eases the pain of family breakdown by; • Reducing tension and hostility. • Helping you make informed decisions that are right for your circumstances. • Keeping communication channels open. • Saving the cost of expensive court battles. • Helping children by showing parents working together to resolve issues. Having worked on the Isle of Wight as a family law Solicitor since 1982 I have seen how distressing it can be for couples to face acrimonious court cases. I therefore recently decided to qualify as a Resolution Family Law Mediator, to use my knowledge and years of experience in cases involving divorce, children and separation to help in the mediation process. Often if couples go through court cases neither are happy with the result. If you are going through family breakdown then do consider mediation as it offers the chance to work out what is best for you, to concentrate on the needs of your children and to plan a way ahead through difficult circumstances. Janet Bell is Head of the Family Department at Roach Pittis and an accredited specialist with Resolution and Family Law Mediator. Roach Pittis offers a free advice clinic and also a fixed fee service. Tel: [phone] or email jeb@ roachpittis.co.uk. www.visitilife.com June/July 2016_MASTER .indd 119 119 14/06/2016 01:52