During nearly 30 years, family mediation has developed its range and effectiveness, with quality assurance standards regulating a national network of services. District Judge Terence John points out the shortcomings of the disparate and sporadic provision of mediation in the civil justice system (see [2006] Gazette, 21 April, 12).


Take-up of family mediation has grown appreciably in the past ten years - significant amounts of time and legal costs are saved through early referrals by solicitors to Legal Services Commission-franchised family mediation services. All three such services in Bristol are busy.


We would welcome a meeting with the Association of District Judges to discuss our experience of different models of family mediation and their potential applications in the civil justice system.


Lisa Parkinson, Law Society's family mediation panel, Bristol