Family Mediators

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

Most people won’t have had any contact with a mediator before, but there is nothing to be nervous about. The mediators at the Family Mediation Practice are all accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) and members of the Family Mediators Association (FMA).

We pride ourselves on being approachable, helpful, non judgemental and professional. We all have extensive experience in the legal profession. Our aim is to help all parties reach an agreement through mediation and start to move on with their lives.

Family mediation has been shown to be extremely effective in resolving differences and issues between family members, be that arrangements for children, finances, property, or pretty much everyone that goes with family life.

The Mediator, who is an independent third party, will help you consider all the options on an informed basis and explore ways of reaching an agreement.

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is an initiative designed to support families going through separation or divorce. This scheme provides a financial incentive, in the form of a voucher worth up to £500, to encourage families to use mediation services. Mediation is a process where an impartial third party, the mediator, assists separating couples to reach mutual agreements on issues such as child arrangements, financial settlements, and property distribution. The primary aim of this scheme is to reduce the emotional and financial strain on families during separation and to minimise the need for court interventions.

Introduced by the Ministry of Justice, the scheme addresses the growing need for a more amicable and cost-effective approach to family disputes. It recognises that court proceedings can be lengthy, stressful, and expensive, often exacerbating the conflict between parties. By providing vouchers for mediation, the scheme makes this alternative dispute resolution method more accessible, especially to those who might struggle with the costs of mediation. The scheme is not only beneficial for the adults involved but also for any children, as it promotes a less adversarial process, helping to maintain better family relationships post-separation.

To be eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, individuals must be involved in a family dispute that could potentially go to court where the primary issues resolve around child arrangements. The scheme is available across England and Wales and is applicable to a wide range of family disputes. However, it’s important to note that the availability of vouchers is subject to funding and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme has been widely welcomed by family law practitioners and mediators, as it acknowledges the value of mediation in resolving family disputes amicably and effectively, thereby reducing the burden on the family court system.

Please click here to find out more about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and our fees.

THE MIAM

The mediation process starts with a MIAM and that is where the mediator has the first official role in the mediation. A MIAM, also known as the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is held between the mediator and one of of the parties. Here the mediator will go through the parties circumstances and the requirements for any mediation sessions moving forward. The mediator will also explain the mediation process in detail and what will be expected from all concerned.

INVITATION TO MEDIATE

Following the MIAM, and should the mediator be so instructed, the other party will be contacted with an invitation to mediate and undertake their MIAM. Mediation is a voluntary process and therefore all parties must agree to mediate. No-one can be forced into mediation. If the invited party fails to respond or refuses mediation then the original party, who attended the original MIAM, can be issued with a certificate to show they have contacted a mediator and attempted to mediate. This certificate can then be submitted to the court and proceedings can be issued.

MEDIATION SESSIONS

It is more than likely the other party will agree to mediate and following their MIAM, the first mediation session can be arranged.

Mediation sessions normally last for an hour and a half and can take whatever structure the parties require. They may want to mediate every issue or maybe just one, say child arrangements. Should the parties want to have a longer mediation session this can be arranged, subject to the mediators diary.

SUCCESSFUL MEDIATIONS

If the mediation sessions end with a successfully agreement, the mediator will draft a memorandum of understanding between the parties which can then be taken to a court to turn it into an official and legally binding order.

If you would like to speak to a mediator and find out more about how family mediation can help you, or to book your MIAM and start the family mediation process, call us today on 0333 567 0377 or click here to send us a confidential email.