This book examines the origins of family mediation from its beginnings as an innovative local service in Bristol in the 1970s through to its establishment as an integral part of the family justice system. The distinguished team of contributors recounts the challenges faced by those who established the first mediation service and examines the way the family justice system has adapted over the years to embrace the concept of mediation. The work examines mediation from a number of different perspectives including the viewpoint of the mediators, the judiciary, and the legal profession, as well as looking at other issues such as funding, and the historical role and development of mediation. The work concludes with an examination of the present issues facing family mediation in the UK.

Table of Contents

The Origins and Development of Family Mediation in the UK; Conciliation, reconciliation and Mediation in the historical context; The Germ and Gem of an Idea; Family Mediation in Practice; The Response of the Legal Profession; The Response of the Courts; A Research Perspective; Expansion of Local Conciliation Services into a National Network and the Setting of National Standards; The Development of the Role of the Family Mediator; From Survival to Supplier; The Future of Family Mediation