IF you are enduring a family break-up which is heading towards legal dispute, you might have another option before engaging a solicitor.

The North Devon Family Mediation Service, which is available free to those who qualify for Legal Aid, can be found at offices throughout the area.

The service has won a further contract from the Legal Services Commission to provide fully-aided mediation for the next three years.

It is available in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Bude and Tiverton and from October will also be available in Bideford, Dulverton, Exeter, Okehampton and Launceston.

The service helps families or couples who are separating and can deal with problems connected with custody, finance and property, for example. A spokesman said the service had a 92% success rate (a full or part agreement within four sessions) last year.

The first session is free and the service is open Monday to Friday.

● Your can visit the service's website at www.northdevonfamilymediation.co.uk or phone them on 01271 321888 or email them at ndfms@lineone.net.