Family Mediation
Can mediation help you?
Mediation can help divorcing or eparating couples to make arrangements for the future. Mediation tackles short term and long term concerns arising from divorce or separation, such as
- Living arrangements and contact arrangements for the children
- What happens to the family home and any other assets or debts
- Housing, income or pension concerns
Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes during or after separation or divorce. In mediation, couples are helped to find their own solutions to their disputes. Mediation can also help to resolve other types of family dispute – for example between parents and children.
Mediation is a process that can work to your benefit at all stages of a separation even when court proceedings have started, and mediation can also offer couples an effective alternative to expensive court proceedings.
How does it work?
The mediator is impartial and will ensure that you and your partner are both able to express your views. You stay in control – no one forces you and no one imposes a solution on you. Both parties explain their concerns and each others needs with the impartial mediator who helps them reach a mutual agreement.
The mediator can give information about relevant law, and solicitors can give legal advice between mediation sessions as need be.
The first step is an initial assessment meeting (this is free) after which couples can decide whether to proceed. Mediation can last between one and six sessions depending on the scope and complexity. Your mediator will advise the expected number of sessions needed at the initial assessment session.
Discussions that take place during mediation are confidential (unless there is a risk of injury or harm to someone, particularly a child).
Who are the mediators?
Family mediators come from a wide range of backgrounds. Our mediators are trained and qualified professionals who work within guidelines from National Family Mediation, and are required to undertake continuing professional development training and supervision on a year by year basis.
Are agreements legally binding?
Solutions found through mediation are recorded but are not in themselves legally binding. However a legal agreement drawn up by solicitors could use the outcome of mediation to produce a court order which would be binding.
How much will mediation cost?
If you are eligible for legal aid then this will pay the costs of mediation. As part of the initial assessment (which is free) the mediator will asses your eligibility for legal aid (if this has not already been done).
The costs of mediation vary depending on the complexity (for example child issues only, or financial issues as well).
Our intention is that no client will be refused because of payment difficulties – to this end even if you do not qualify for legal aid we have a Bursary Fund which can often help. Again this will be explained at the assessment meeting.
