BONALLACK & BISHOP SOLICITORS PRESS RELEASE
5th February 2010

NEW MEDIATION QUALIFICATION FOR LOCAL LAWYER

Amanda Trappes-Lomax, a family lawyer with Salisbury law firm Bonallack and Bishop, has recently qualified as a Family Mediator with Resolution. Amanda, who is already a qualified Collaborative Lawyer, said, “Following the unfortunate closure of the Salisbury Mediation Service, many local divorcing and separating couples may have been missing out on the opportunity of local family mediation, which can often assist them in reaching agreements for matters arising from marriage and relationship breakdown, and that could save them money by providing an alternative to matters being resolved through the courts.

“Bonallack & Bishop are very keen to show the positive benefits that family mediation can bring to couples facing family and relationship breakdown. Many couples know only too well that when relationships break down emotions can run high. A Family Mediator will meet both parties together and will assist them in identifying issues that they are unable to resolve and help them to try and reach agreement. These may include concerns couples have about the future arrangements for their children or financial matters. Skilled mediators can help the process, keeping communication channels open often helping to reduce tension and hostility.”

Amanda continued, “Costly court battles help no-one. Because mediation keeps couples talking, it can also have a hugely positive effect on children who see their parents working things out together and this often leads to the most beneficial outcome for all involved.”

Bonallack and Bishop's Senior Partner Tim Bishop commented, “It's great to see Amanda qualify as a Family Mediator. This makes Bonallack & Bishop the only legal practice in Salisbury able to offer a family mediation service enhancing the existing skills of our family law team. Our family law team are very keen to promote a positive and cooperative attitude to divorce and relationship breakdown – Amanda's new role as a Family Mediator fits well with her existing Collaborative Law qualification and the involvement of local relationship coaches, in particular The Relationship People, at our weekly drop in surgeries – all of which stress the need to reach an agreed solution, avoiding hostility and lengthy court battles.”

For more information about our Wiltshire and Dorset family mediation service, contact Amanda Trappes-Lomax at Bonallack & Bishop on 01722 422300 or via email.