Family Mediation Services

At the start of a family mediation meeting, the mediator will speak to each person separately via telephone or video call. If you’re both happy that this is the most suitable process, then a first appointment will be arranged.

Most negotiations tend to focus on the care of children or financial affairs, but each family is unique, and we adapt to suit your individual needs. We talk to you on a consultancy basis, which normally equates to approximately five or six sessions – though it may be more or fewer, depending on the issues being discussed.

During these sessions, the family mediator, you, and your (former) partner will sit together, whether in person or over video, to discuss your options. If, after discussions, arrangements have been reached, a confirmatory mediation document will be drawn up.

Unless you wish to obtain a Court Order about the arrangements for your children, there’s usually no need to do so. If arrangements have been reached about money and property, then you should always have any agreement recorded in a Consent Order.

Before, during, or after the mediation, it is open to either party to obtain independent legal advice. If you wish, your legal adviser can draft up a legally binding document.

Mediation can begin at any stage, even if you have already begun court proceedings. Remember, it’s not too late to commence family mediation if you feel it’s necessary. We’re aware of the emotional toll that can be experienced by families engaged in the court process. That’s why we’re committed to assisting you, no matter how difficult the situation, to make mediation work.

Family mediators do not give legal advice around money and property issues. However, they can provide information to couples about the legal processes and the general principles that the court would follow in relation to:

• Children – arranging child maintenance payments, for example
• Property – mortgage payments
• Money – savings, pensions, debts, etc.

It’s expected that before and during the family mediation, both parties will give each other a clear picture of their respective financial positions. This can help resolve issues around money and property while helping each side to better understand the other’s background and standing.

We’d be happy to discuss whether the device you will be using is suitable for a remote mediation call, and which would be best. When you have downloaded Zoom, you can join a remote mediation on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Before beginning a remote mediation session, you may wish to check your internet connection by joining a test meeting.

While separation mediation is often successful in helping couples reach mutually agreeable solutions, there may be instances where an agreement cannot be achieved.

Sometimes, taking a break and returning to mediation can help. Emotions can run high, so taking the time to reflect can provide new perspectives that weren’t originally considered.

Consult with your family mediation solicitor if the process stalls. They can provide clarity on your legal rights and options, offering advice on the next steps to help you prepare for any necessary litigation. They can also negotiate directly with the other party outside of mediation sessions.

If you’d still prefer not to take things to court, you could consider a collaborative divorce. This is where both parties and their solicitors commit to resolving disputes outside of court. It involves a series of meetings to work through issues collaboratively, often with the help of other professionals such as financial advisers and child specialists.

Arbitration is another alternative dispute resolution method, where a neutral third party (arbitrator) listens to both sides and makes a binding decision. It is less formal than court and can be quicker and less costly. However, unlike mediation, the decision of the arbitrator is final and enforceable.

Whatever route you choose, you can start your mediation journey by calling us on 0330 822 3451 or requesting a callback.