Scope Mediation
Respecting differences
Achieving change
When communication has broken down, making decisions together can get very difficult. Especially when it comes to the most important things, like children, joint finances, or where you're going to live.Family mediators can help by offering a safe space for working out a way forwards. They are specially trained professionals who will respect where each of you is coming from and provide a constructive environment for discussion.Family mediation is a tried and tested method for resolving conflict in cases of separation, divorce and other changed family circumstances. It gives people the opportunity to speak and be heard in a structured process that is conducted in a civil and professional manner.Mediation is voluntary and confidential. You decide what needs to be discussed and what you're willing to agree. The mediator’s role is to help you explore options and priorities and to provide balance and space for a positive exchange of ideas, so that you can arrive at decisions that everyone can live with.Mediation is widely recognised as a good way of keeping things out of court and keeping costs down.If you're interested in hearing more, please get in touch at [email protected].
what mediation can offer
Mediation is a flexible process. The participants set the agenda for discussion, which allows you to discuss as much or little as you need by joint agreement.Where mediation is suitable, the following things can be sorted out very effectively through mediation:
Arrangements for children - e.g. where children are going to live and spend time, handovers, holiday plans, special occasions, childcare arrangements, school choice.
Parenting after separation - e.g. communication expectations and boundaries, decision-making processes, shared costs, role of new partners.
Separating finances - e.g. decisions on jointly owned property and/or other assets, joint debts, process and timelines for next steps.
Divorce settlements - e.g. legal processes and costs, future living arrangements and budgets, decisions on property, pensions and any other assets.
Child-inclusive mediation
Child-inclusive mediation is an increasingly popular way of giving young people a chance to have their say in decisions that are going to affect their future. It is designed to be gentle and respectful, so that young people aren't burdened with decisions that their parents may be struggling to make and so that parents have the space to make decisions in line with their responsibilities. The process follows a clear structure and if you're interested, we can talk you through how it would work.
Please note that the safety of adults and children is always paramount and mediation may not be suitable in every situation. Screening for child protection and domestic abuse forms a routine part of the process. If concerns are raised about a risk of harm, particularly to a child, the mediator may need to inform the appropriate authorities.
About
My name is Catherine Gray and I've been working as a family mediator since 2016. I'm also a trained and practising Child-Inclusive Mediator.Big changes in family situations can shake us to the core; and hurt, anger and stress can make it hard to think straight, let alone appreciate someone else's perspective. People often come to me feeling lost and stuck. My hope as a mediator is to support you in finding the right path forwards for your circumstances, always bearing in mind that I'm not here to sides.I've been fully accredited with the Family Mediation Council (the professional regulatory body for family mediators) since 2019 and I'm also a member of the Family Mediators Association.
Trusting your mediator is important. Some of the things that clients have said about working with me are:
“You have been very helpful and, just by listening, already have lifted a little bit of the load off my chest.”
“Your professionalism has made this whole process much easier.”
“It was a very tricky and emotionally charged process and your willingness to listen to both sides with equal measure was much appreciated.”
I can offer meetings in person in Newbury, or online if you prefer.To find out more, please email [email protected] or use the referral form on the contact page.
Contact
If you would like some more information about using Scope Mediation's services, you're welcome to complete and submit the form below. Alternatively, get in touch at [email protected].
Newbury and surrounding area
Berkshire, south Oxfordshire and north Hampshire07305 210980
[email protected]
MIAMs
The first step in mediation is a one-to-one, confidential information meeting, called a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This is a meeting of usually up to an hour long which allows you to understand your options and what you can expect from the mediation process.MIAMs can be a useful sounding-board for people when they want to talk things through confidentially with a neutral outsider - the meeting doesn't have to lead to mediation if you don't want.Attendance at a MIAM allows you to request a signed certificate if you need to demonstrate that you've considered ways of resolving things outside court, or alternatively, if you need to apply to court and need a signed MIAM form to do this.MIAMs are available in person in Newbury, or online if you prefer. Please see our fees page for costs and get in touch at [email protected] for more information about the booking process.
fees
Scope Mediation operates a fixed rate for meetings, to make it easier to estimate the likely costs of mediation. Room hire is built into the cost so that you can choose to meet in person or online without worrying about the impact on your budget.Scope Mediation is signed up to the Family Mediation Voucher scheme, which offers parents £500 off the cost of joint mediation meetings where arrangements for children are under discussion. With a voucher in place, the cost of a first joint meeting is free to both mediation clients and a second joint meeting would be at a significant discount.We don't currently hold a Legal Aid contract. If you or your ex are receiving Universal Credit, please ask for a call back for a chat about your options.
| Service | Cost per participant | additional information |
|---|---|---|
| Initial meeting (MIAM) | £125 | 50-70 minutes |
| Joint mediation meeting | £160 | 90 minutes |
| Financial documents | £125 | upfront fee |
| Summary of child arrangements | No fee | |
| Child consultation | £40 | Other fees apply |
| Signed MIAM form | £10 |
Useful links
Mediation is a human intervention in a private family matter and sometimes, like a jigsaw puzzle, it takes time to build a solid picture of the future. It can help to get familiar with the pieces that make up the full picture. So if you are looking for more information, some of the following links may be useful to you:
Please find copies of the Scope Mediation privacy policy and complaints policy below: