Estranged couples stressed by the craziness of Christmas are already making arrangements to take their children into 1999.

The Family Mediation Service (FMS) based in Ballards Lane, Finchley, has experienced an influx of calls from people hoping to avoid a repitition of Christmas 1997, which for many turned out to be a complete fiasco.

Co-ordinator Val Crane says January is one of the busiest periods for the FMS with many confused couples desperate to sort things out.

Citing a common scenario Val said: "Imagine the kids have been living with the mum but it's been arranged that dad will have them on Christmas Day. He arrives to collect them and for some reason the mother won't let him have the children. The arrangement breaks down. All this makes life traumatic for the children who then have to listen to strong words and language. All this can be avoided."

Val added that while most couples are fearful and apprehensive when visiting the FMS, the majority end up thinking it was the right thing to do. "We have a 70 per cent success rate," she said.

The FMS team are all fully qualified professionals. Initial appointments cost £15 per person and assessments are made as to whether clients are eligibile for Legal Aid.

The Family Mediation Service can be contacted by calling 0181 343 9899.

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