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Hi. Am new to all this and want a contact order to see my son. The forms mention mediation has to be tried first. Where do I go to start the mediation process? Is this a government thing or do I need to do this privately and if so who would you recommend?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there
Mediation is now a requirement before a court application can be made. You can go to your local mediation service, here's a link to their website
www.nfm.org.uk
Some solicitors also offer this service, but wherever you decided to go there is a charge for this unless you're on benefits, or a low income. If your ex is on benefits, this would also entitle you to the first session free of charge.
Once you have discussed the issues with the mediator they would then contact the other party and ask them to attend. If they refuse, or mediation fails, the mediator will sign off the appropriate section on the C100 form to enable you to apply for a Child Arrangements Order.
There's some useful information about the process in the stickys at the top of the legal eagle section. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
All the best
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