Relative Values

I watched the first programme in the series Break-up on Channel 4 with growing dismay (see [2000] Gazette, 21 September, 36).

Unfortunately this particular example of family mediation will have strengthened the concerns of lawyers who are opposed to mediation.

Family lawyers trained as mediators will also have been concerned to see certain pitfalls illustrated without an informed commentary.

I do hope that this example will not deter separating couples from coming to mediation and that subsequent programmes in the series will demonstrate the process more effectively.

In your review you refer to 'the Bristol family mediation service'.

There is more than one family mediation service in Bristol and although there are national standards for family mediation training and practice there are also choices and important differences in the way mediators work.

Lisa Parkinson, director of family mediation training, ADR Family Mediation Training Ltd