Focus Family Mediation LLP - Sheffield

Edd G.

Don't even think about going anywhere near them. The mediator actively and knowingly lied to both me and my ex-wife, making both of us believe that the other was actively refusing mediation and taking the next step for everything to be done through lawyers when, it turns out, the truth was nothing similar - something we only found out by chance when we were negotiating over something else later down the line.

He also is very very happy to string things out to waste your money. I had a MIAM where I quite clearly demonstrated multiple times that I'd read the documentation and understood the process and repeated this multiple times, which he entirely ignored and just continued going through reading out everything he intended to regardless of the fact that I had clearly stated I already knew and understood it.

They are administratively inept too, on top of professionally terrible. They told my ex-wife I would get an invite to mediation almost immediately when the paperwork had been processed. When she followed up nearly a month later, they claimed I was the one who'd not replied to the invite. Then, mysteriously, the same day she followed up they did actually email me for the first time. When I queried this, they repeatedly brushed off the idea that they had failed to contact me and wouldn't admit either way whether they just completely failed to contact, wasting both of our time, or if they'd managed to screw up the email address or similar in the process.

marie L.

Started mediation as a last resort before heading back to court for a second time. Turned out to be really helpful in getting me and my ex husband to actually work together for the sake of the children and leave behind all the drama of the failed marriage. Would recommend 100% to anyone that's willing to put the effort in to make things work.

Daren O.

Very productive and insightful. Worked for me and come to a fair and reasonable solution regarding the children. Would definitely recommend to anyone who can't have a conversation about kids without arguing.

Worked around both of us

Jo C.

Very supportive mediation sessions with Carmel, and assistance offered by Diane and Michelle. Child inclusive mediation went really well too and my son said he liked speaking with Carmel. Would highly recommend.

Jacob G.

Focus family mediation has been the core of my journey in regaining access to my daughter.
She is now 5 going on 6, our process began when she was 2. I do not believe I would have seen my child once without the help and mediation from Michelle, Diane & Carmel. Between their support I was able to arrange and record access to my daughter, showing my capability and will. Also enabling me to continue to grow my bond and trust with my daughter, through reliability.
The process of a breakup is tough for any family/ individual and never fair on the children, which ultimately need time with both parents. By representing myself I realised mediation is not legal advice or a platform to discredit the opposite parent. It is about building an understanding of both parents roles and positions in regards to the child’s best interest. Utilising the profession of the mediation and compromising to ensure the children involved needs are met. If this cannot be achieved through professional mediation you can follow up with applications to court with evidence efforts were made to achieve access.

Thankyou again from myself and the family
Jacob

Phil

EDIT: I have been contacted by Focus and asked to remove my review as I mentioned a name of one of the mediators! Funny how other reviews are ok to stay on that mention focus staff but these are ok to leave on as they are positive reviews. Original review below and name removed!

Worse experience ever! I had a mediation session with my ex partner and one of the male mediators. What a waste of time. Mediation is suppose to be impartial but he slipped up in the meeting that he had been speaking with my ex's solicitor as she was a friend of his but he quickly tried to brush it off when he realised what he had done. How is this impartial? He was all one sided and not impartial what so ever. . DO NOT USE THIS FIRM!!!

I H.

All mediators are useless apart from one. The rest take the woman's side, and add/ minus alot of vital information on summary.

DS is the best mediator by far!!! D and M are fantastic support staff!

Approach with caution, use as a last resort.

James

Shocking customer service and the costs are horrendous when compared to a good solicitor. They spent more time ensuring they were paid up front than what the contents of the issues were that they were trying to resolve. They ended up doing more damage than good and caused more stress for all involved. They are satisfied to include how efficient they are on their website, but can't even manage their own diaries. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!