A GUIDE TO FAMILY MEDIATION

“Helping resolve family issues at difficult times”

Tel: 0333 567 0377

What Is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a process whereby separating couples address areas of conflict, such as child arrangements, finances and property, with the goal of reaching a fair agreement.

If you are separating or divorcing, family mediation can help you sort out disputes without incurring big legal bills or going through a long drawn out court battle.

Mediation can reduce conflict between parties and is less stressful for all concerned.

Family mediators are trained professionals who facilitate this process within a neutral environment.

As fully accredited family mediators we are impartial and can help you work out what happens after you split up.

We will assist both parties listen to each other, in explaining their concerns and views. We will help in exploring solutions and reaching agreements which are acceptable to all.

Mediation works by helping people find practical solutions to difficult issues resulting in a considered agreement which is fair to all.

How Does Mediation Work?

The mediation process begins with a brief assessment meeting between the mediator and each party. This meeting is known as the MIAM (mediation information & assessment meeting) and can be conducted either in person or over the telephone. However, if the MIAM is being funded by legal aid, the MIAM must be conducted in person.

Following the MIAM, and should the case be deemed suitable for mediation, the first mediation session will be arranged.

Mediation sessions normally last an hour and a half and further sessions can be arranged as necessary. Longer mediation sessions can also be arranged.

If financial issues are being discussed, the mediation session would usually begin with a disclosure of all the fianancial information.

Once proposals have been reached, you may request we draft a written summary, including any financial information on which it is based. Any proposals and agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding unless they are incorporated in to a court order.

We always encourage parties to remain in contact with their solicitors throughout the mediation process.

When Should I Consider Mediation?

It is best to contact us after you and your partner have split up and you both feel ready to sort out the future arrangements for your children, property and / or finances.

The law says you must consider whether mediation can help you before taking your case to court. This means you need to meet with a mediator for a MIAM unless extraordinary circumstances exist such as a history of domestic violence or abuse.

Even if you have been seperated for a while or your case has already gone to court, mediation can still help to resolve any disputes you still may have.

Is Family Mediation Right For Me?

Family mediation works for most people, however, it is a voluntary process and requires the participation and committment of all parties.

What If I Want To Go To Court?

Whilst mediation itself is a voluntary process, in most cases it is a requirement to obtain a certificate by attending a MIAM before any proceedings can be issued.

How Much Will Mediation Cost?

Our fees are based on an hourly rate per person. It is always best to speak to a mediator to get a clear idea of how much mediation is likely to cost. Mediation can be cheaper and quicker than going to court.

There may also be additional fees for drafting documentation, should it be required.

What To Do Now?

For further details please visit our website at www.familymediationpractice.co.uk, or call us on 0333 567 0377.

Tel: 0333 567 0377info@familymediationpractice.co.ukwww.familymediationpractice.co.uk

Why The Family Mediation Practice?

All the mediators at The Family Mediation Practice are accredited by the Family Mediation Council, highly trained and professional. We have strong legal backgrounds and most have been in practice as either barristers or solicitors.

We are supported by a highly efficient team who ensure all enquiries are responded to very quickly. They are on hand to deal with primary issues and make sure appointments and mediation venues are booked and confirmed.

If appropriate, we will provide a co-mediation service where the mediating parties can benefit from two mediators within the session.

We can also offer remote (Skype) mediation sessions, thereby obviating the need for parties to travel long distances in order to mediate.

Should the parties be eligible, we are also able to provide mediation funded by legal aid.

“Our focus is on you, your family and a better future”