Separating couples in Derbyshire [and Nottinghamshire] can now avoid expensive court costs, by taking advantage of a new family mediation service launched in Chesterfield, Mansfield and Matlock.

Dove Mediation was launched on 3 October 2011 by two specialist family mediators, Julie Skill and Ruth Froggatt, in response to Government moves to reduce the number of family disputes that end up in court, and can cost £3,000 or more.

"Mediation is a really effective way of resolving family disputes," explains Julie Skill. "A mediator is quite impartial and we work with the couple to achieve a fair solution for both parties without the need to go to court and the costs associated with that.

Ruth Froggatt comments, "The mediation process is also confidential. This promotes communication and cooperation, making it a much less stressful way of dealing with difficult situations. This is particularly beneficial for children who might otherwise get caught up in the dispute."