Choice Family Mediation offers accredited family mediation across Hampshire and West Sussex, with appointments in Clanfield or online. Led by Hazel Manktelow, solicitor mediator with over 25 years' family law experience.
Separation rarely feels straightforward, even when both parties know it is the right decision. There are children to consider, finances to untangle, and a future to work out together, all while navigating one of the most emotionally demanding periods of your life.
Choice Family Mediation was founded in 2015 with a straightforward purpose: to make that process a little easier. Led by Hazel Manktelow, an accredited solicitor mediator with over 25 years of family law experience, Choice works with separating couples across Hampshire and West Sussex to help them reach decisions they can both live with. Sessions take place in a calm, neutral setting, without the cost and uncertainty of going to court.
If you are based in Petersfield, Midhurst, Clanfield, or the surrounding area, appointments are available locally and by video call.
We approach each case with a fresh outlook, ready to help both parties find a resolution that is acceptable to them as individuals. Our friendly yet professional stance is built upon over 25 years’ experience in family law and our extensive knowledge is put to good use by helping couples communicate calmly in a neutral setting.
Every case is approached individually. There is no standard template for a family separation, and the team do not work as though there is.
Once court proceedings begin, the outcome is no longer in your hands. A judge decides based on the case before them, and the process can run for months at significant expense. Mediation keeps the decision-making with the people who actually have to live with the decisions.
Agreements reached through mediation also tend to hold up over time. When both parties have actively shaped the outcome, they are more likely to honour it. For families with children, reducing conflict during separation genuinely affects how children come through the experience, and that matters long after the paperwork is done.
Before making most applications to the family court, you are now legally required to show that you have considered mediation. Attending a MIAM with Choice satisfies that requirement, and in many cases means court proceedings are avoided altogether.
Just a selection of feedback from our satisfied customers.
"I found mediation a positive environment to discuss all aspects of our divorce in a confidential atmosphere. My ex-husband and I had found it difficult to reach an agreement and we just needed a third party who had no connection to us to help discuss the points we could not agree on. We found Hazel to be very professional and knowledgeable and our mediation has been successful in drawing up plans to progress our divorce. I would highly recommend mediation and discussing with third parties to reduce costs, but also to conduct your divorce in a grown-up manner and avoid the ping pong and stress of lawyer's letters. Give it a try!"
“Hazel has a great knack of keeping the discussions positive and forward-looking, even during some potentially very difficult conversations. She skilfully manages to keep both parties feeling equally well-represented throughout mediation. The mediation process is more efficient, less acrimonious and ultimately a lot cheaper than going to court. I would thoroughly recommend Hazel’s services.”
"Thank you so much for your patience, help and genuine care you showed .. It was such a hard and emotional time for me and your guidance, reassurance and expertise truly helped to calm me and get me through it. Your kindness and understanding made a difficult situation feel more manageable".
“I have referred a number of clients to Hazel. From a solicitor’s perspective, I have been pleased with how Hazel has guided the discussions towards a sensible solution, followed up by clear and comprehensive notes. Clients have reported feeling at ease in her company and able to address issues that they had been daunted by, which is so important.”
"Just a quick note to let you know that all your hard work between myself and [X] has now actually become an approved financial consent order just today, thank you for your help"
"Thank you for being such a calming and steadying presence and for your wisdom and ability to navigate me through such complex matters. You have always take the time to explain things to help make them manageable to me"
When you decide that your marriage or relationship has come to an end, mediation is a formal path you can take to work your way through divorce or separation. The mediator is an unbiased professional and the meetings will take place in a neutral setting. It is the chance for both parties to have their say and to work through their issues calmly and with a third party present who specialises in the process. Every element of the separation can be discussed thoroughly and decisions will be made together to enable you both to progress. Topics discussed usually include finances, property and children if you share any.
It is preferable for many reasons. Firstly, it usually costs less to go through the mediation process than to go through the courts. Secondly, it may also take less time which means you could have your separation or divorce finalised faster, enabling you to move on with your lives. Thirdly, it is likely to be less stressful as you’ll both be fully informed throughout the process and you’ll make the decisions together, for yourselves; if you go to court, the judge will be the one to decide.
Yes. You will be unable to apply to the courts unless you can demonstrate that you have tried mediation first or that mediation would not be a safe environment for you.
Mediation is less formal than court and it takes place within a neutral setting. The mediator is an impartial professional who will allow both parties to have their say and assess both sides fairly. It’s about helping people find practical solutions to issues that they have previously disagreed on; it allows the couple to decide themselves - with a little help - rather than putting it completely in the hands of a judge.
When parents decide to separate it is always a tough time for the children involved, but we believe that parents going through mediation will react better to the situation than those going through the courts. It should promote calmer behaviour as they work through their issues and make plans for their childrens’ future. The mediation process will also give the children a chance to have their say and make their feelings and wishes known. The mediator will hold a meeting with each child individually (age dependent) to find out how they feel about the separation, what their preferences are and if they have any concerns.
