Family Law – Mediation

Why choose Mediation?

The aim it to reach a point at which the family can move on and continue to co-exist to the extent that they need to, following separation.

Successful mediation helps separating couples to avoid potentially high legal fees thus preserving the assets that they have built up to meet the needs of the family in the future, and the inevitable distress and anxiety which accompanies such a life-changing event is kept to a minimum.

Mediation is also usually much quicker than going to court. Average length to resolve issues:

• Mediation – 4 months
• Court – 15 months

What happens in Mediation?

Our first meeting with each of you normally takes place separately. It’s called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

At this meeting, you get the opportunity to talk through your issues with the mediator and the mediator can find out about your particular situation and concerns.

After that, if you’re both agreeable and we feel that mediation is right for the two of you, you will be asked to attend one or more appointments together.

Following mediation, we will write up the outcome and if requested write an agreement into a formal document which can become the basis of a court order, if you feel you need one.

How much will Mediation cost?

Frequently asked questions

Is family mediation only for married couples?

No. We can help married, unmarried and same sex couples to find solutions to family disputes.

What if my partner and I are still living together? Do you think mediation could be helpful?
This may be a difficult time for you, but it may be a good opportunity to agree arrangements for separation, particularly those for the children.

What kind of issues can mediation help to resolve?

We can help you to work out both the division of family assets and arrangements for children. In cases where divorce is an issue, we can help you and your partner to agree the basis of a divorce petition around the table.

If I come to mediation, do I still need to incur the cost of a solicitor?

We would always recommend that you seek independent legal advice as can only provide information to both of you together.

Do you think I will save money by attending mediation?

There is no doubt that when couples are separating, resources are frequently limited. We are sure you will find that costs are substantially reduced by working out arrangements for separation around the table.

The initial meeting will give you and your partner an opportunity to learn about the mediation process. You will then be able to make an informed decision about whether it is the right course of action for you. It will also give the mediator an opportunity to assess whether your case is suitable for mediation.

How long do you think mediation will take?

As soon as you and your partner have each attended an initial assessment meeting, we will make an appointment for you to attend a meeting together. Many of our cases are settled in 2 or 3 joint meetings.

In cases where there are a number of family assets, it greatly speeds up the mediation process if you can obtain valuations of assets in time for the first meeting. Cash Equivalent Transfer values of pensions are often difficult to obtain and can hold up the mediation process. They should be applied for at the earliest opportunity.

Including children and young people in the mediation process

Children and young people often want to know what’s happening when their parents separate. They often feel that their opinions and views are being ignored and that they have no say in how their lives are going to be affected.

Our experienced specialists lawyers understand the worry and distress conflicts involving children can cause and approach all matters sensitively and sympathetically, for the benefit of all concerned.

We advise and represent children, parents, other family members and foster carers at all stages of the process. This starts from the earliest involvement of social workers and includes meetings, case conferences and any subsequent care or related proceedings, as well as the adoption process.

Find a Family Mediator
Make an Appointment

Our experienced specialists lawyers understand the worry and distress conflicts involving children can cause and approach all matters sensitively and sympathetically, for the benefit of all concerned