Family Mediation is a confidential process for separated couples to make arrangements for their children and/or their finances.
Mediation aims to avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings and allows the opportunity to discuss any issues or arrangements in a neutral and safe environment.
We welcome people whether they have recently separated or have been apart for years. You should feel free to approach us at any stage, for any issue, whether big or small.
Contact our team directly Download our Mediation leaflet
What types of things do people discuss in Mediation?
- Time spent with parents each week
- Holidays
- Christmas
- Communicating as parents
- The Family Home Pensions
- A business
- Divorce Proceedings
- Debt
- Child Maintenance
- Grandparents keeping in touch
The Mediation Process
We firstly invite both parents to attend a separate Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) on their own with a Mediator. This is an opportunity to discuss the situation, fully understand Mediation and decide what the best next step is.
If both parents wish to attend a joint session of Mediation then this is arranged to discuss any issues and ways of moving forward. 2-4 sessions of Mediation is quite usual.
The Mediator will summarise, in writing, anything you have discussed and agreed upon. This may be a letter or a formal document.
The Role of the Mediator
The impartial Family Mediator helps separated couples to outline their views to each other and explore possible ways of moving forward. They work to find practical solutions for children and for financial assets or issues.
The Mediator will give legal information, which is helpful when looking at various options, but will not make decisions on anyone’s behalf.
Child Consultation
We offer Child Inclusive Mediation. This gives children the opportunity to meet with a Mediator to talk about their wishes and feelings, on their own or with siblings. Research shows that children greatly benefit from having a voice throughout separation and this process allow that. A Child Consultation would only go ahead following a discussion with, and signed permission from, parents.
What is the cost of Family Mediation?
Legal Aid is available for Mediation, depending on income. One of our Mediators will happily talk through an assessment for Legal Aid over the telephone for no charge. Similarly please call or email us about our private fees.
I don't want to request an appointment until I know more?
By requesting an appointment, we will arrange for a member of our team to contact you directly within 1 working day. This is the quickest way to receive more information as it will allow us to contact you at an appropriate time for yourself, provide you with more information and have an appointment available for you, should you wish to book in.
Contact our team directly Download our Mediation leaflet
