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Terms of service

Last updated: [DATE BEFORE LAUNCH]

About this website

This site is operated by Choose Mediation, a family mediation practice run by Lucy [SURNAME] from [BUSINESS ADDRESS], Guildford, Surrey.

The information here is general information about family mediation. It is not legal advice and you shouldn't rely on it as such. For advice about your own situation, speak to a solicitor.

What mediation is, and isn't

• I am a neutral third party. I don't act for either of you and I can't advise either of you.
• I don't make decisions or impose outcomes. You do.
• I can give you both legal information, but not legal advice.
• Mediation is voluntary. Either of you, or I, may end it at any point.
• Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. See the FAQ.

Fees and payment

• Fees are as published on the pricing page and confirmed to you before you book.
• Fees are charged per person. Each of you is responsible for your own share.
• Payment is due in advance of each session by bank transfer, unless agreed otherwise.
• The introductory rate applies while I complete accreditation. Clients who begin during this period keep that rate for the duration of their case.
• [CONFIRM: VAT position. If Lucy is not VAT registered, state that fees are not subject to VAT. If she is, show the number and whether prices include VAT.]

Cancellations and missed appointments

• Cancel or rearrange with more than [48] hours' notice and your fee is refunded or carried over in full.
• With less notice, [CONFIRM: state the actual policy — commonly 50% or the full fee, since the slot cannot be refilled.]
• If I have to cancel, you'll be offered the earliest alternative and a full refund if that doesn't suit.

Confidentiality

Mediation is confidential and legally privileged, subject to the limits set out in the privacy notice — principally the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, legal obligations such as anti-money-laundering, and the fact that financial disclosure is open rather than privileged.

Your responsibilities

• Give full, frank and accurate information, particularly about finances. Mediation cannot produce a fair outcome from incomplete disclosure, and an agreement based on concealment can later be set aside.
• Treat the other participant and me with respect during sessions.
• Tell me about anything affecting safety, including any court orders or safeguarding involvement.
• Take your own legal advice before finalising anything.

When I may end the mediation

I may end mediation if I believe it isn't safe, that someone isn't participating in good faith, that the process is being used to cause delay, or that continuing wouldn't be in the interests of a child. I'll explain my decision so far as confidentiality allows. Fees for sessions already held aren't refundable in these circumstances.

Complaints

Set out in full in the complaints procedure.

Liability

Nothing here limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or anything else that cannot be limited by law. Subject to that, I'm not liable for outcomes you agree between yourselves, for decisions you take without legal advice, or for the acts of any other professional you instruct.

[CONFIRM: professional indemnity insurance is a condition of FMC registration. Name the insurer and cover level here if required by the member organisation.]

Governing law

These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.