Allison Family Mediation Services - Wakefield

Conor S.

I was extremely disappointed with the mediation service provided by Allison Family Mediation Services. I felt that the mediator was biased towards the other party, which made the session feel unfair and unbalanced. Rather than being child-focused, as mediation should be, the discussion seemed to prioritise one side over finding a resolution that truly considered the best interests of the child. I would not recommend this service to anyone seeking a fair and impartial mediation process. Wish I read the reviews before commencing the process, will be continuing with mediation using a different provider.

Amanda H.

We used Allison Family Mediation very recently and in the past too, I wasn't sure they would be able to help us on this occasion, we needed help to sort out child care issues but I was very wrong, they are very professional and patient and i would highly recommend this company.

robert D.

I Came into the process very sceptical and apprehensive if there was going to be any sorting out the mess BUT Alison Mediation did a great and professional job and resolved all of the issues we needed in a balanced and friendly way

Thank you Again

Emily B.

Used this service a few years back and can finally feel confident and comfortable to leave a review. Ex-partner was extremely abusive to my kids, mediation was set forth when she went mental and tried to threaten my current partner. Mediator seemed to have taken sides even though the session was supposed to be neutral. The other party later bragged that the mediator had called my current partner names like “instigator” and the like.

Mediator set forth plans and rules that abusive ex partner didn’t even adhere to, and there was no way to enforce it, so it was a waste of time and money. Mediator actually invited my partner to the mediation and then willingly berated my partner who was 7 months pregnant at this point, as well.

Mediator suggested we bring in the kids for further mediation, but after the awful experience, I didn’t want to drag the kids through whatever the mediator was going to do to them.

Now 2 out of my 3 children live with myself and my partner, far from their abusive mother, and I can state that the mediator was easily fooled by my very abusive ex into thinking that she was the victim and not the instigator, whom she has always been.

Going forward any suggested mediation will be denied if it is with this group. The lack of neutrality cost my children 2 more years of abuse, and negatively affected my partners pregnancy.

There was supposed to be a staggered entry time for both parties and even that wasn’t adhered to. I would give zero stars if I could. Luckily, my kids are safe now and I can finally rate this horrible experience publicly so that no other family has to endure the same.

J J.

My overall experience with this service was quite negative. Key issues were as follows:
• Communication was poor and often sporadic, with lengthy delays in receiving responses to my emails, or having to send multiple emails to get a response.
• Lengthy delays in receiving records of mediation sessions.
• A record of one session was never provided despite requesting it multiple times
• Information/records pertinent to upcoming mediation sessions was often provided just prior to the start of a session so that neither party had adequate time to review the information.
• There was often a lack of clarity of actions required by both parties following a session, exacerbated by delays in records being sent. This felt like it slowed down progress.
• Sessions were very drawn out at times with old ground being repeatedly revisited. This slowed progress.
• Lack of clear goals and objectives
• Numerous mistakes in documentation/session records
• Lack of details provided to us about what the processes and end goal would be, and hence not setting appropriate expectations e.g. what the process of achieving financial settlement entails including the court procedure and costs
• I had to chase the process along at every stage
• Generally impartiality was maintained but there were some key times when I don’t feel as though it was.
• We ended up changing to a different mediation service which was far more efficient.
• Despite all of the time and money spent, there were no positive outcomes, or objectives met.

Lorraine N.

I am really happy with the service provided to ensure childcare arrangements were agreed between my children’s Dad and I. Would definitely recommend Tracy if you’re looking for a mediation route to resolve an issue and avoid an unnecessary battle in court.

lisa K.

bias to whoever is paying the bill.

I said I was being abused by my Ex on a number of occasions and the lady who did our mediation kept ignoring this.
At the point abuse was mentioned mediation should have be deemed unacceptable and not gone a head but clearly the paycheque was the only thing that mattered.
I didn't feel listened too, felt uncomfortable and the mediator abandoned me to the mercy of my Ex when I Mistook the mediation session as a safe place to inform him of my new pregnancy.
They continually made me out that I was at fault even though i just wanted what was best for my child.

The mediator clearly made out I was in the wrong.
I just want to add that Abuse can affect all children, at all ages, even unborn.

A very disappointing and traumatic experience

oh and I have noticed that with all the negative reviews, they say they don't recognise the service user so I am expecting the same with my review too.

Nicola S.

If you’re bored during lockdown and have nothing to fill your time this service is perfect for you. You can while away the hours making phone calls that won’t be returned, emails that won’t be replied to, chase appointments booked at wrong venues and mourn empty promises that were never kept.
If however, competence is your thing and you’re like most people who need this service, struggling, vulnerable and in genuine need of help and assistance, do yourself a favour and SCROLL ON BY.
You’re welcome.