Family Mediation

What is Family Mediation?
Family Mediation is an independent process. It involves an impartial, trained (in our case Accredited) Mediator helping families to sought out arrangements for children, as well as property and finances. It is intended to reduce conflict and disputes.
 
The process can be helpful when families make the decision that they intend to separate, after they separate or if changes to their previous arrangements are required due to a change of circumstance. We have experienced that it can help families, even after they have been to court.
 
Rules of Family Mediation
 
Family Mediation is:

• Confidential (subject to safeguarding)
• Mediators are independent and impartial
• Voluntary

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Our Mediators are Accredited with the Family Mediation Council (www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk) and as such, we comply with the standards and codes of practice they require.

What are the benefits of Family Mediation?
Family Mediation provides you with an opportunity to consider all of the options available to you and how they may work in reality for you and your family.
 
It provides you with a safe environment for you to look at solutions and make decisions as a family. Mediators will not make these decisions for you or make you do anything you do not consent or agree to.
 
Unlike Court proceedings/ litigation, Family Mediation is regarded as:

1. Less stressful
2. Quick
3. Tailored to your families circumstances
4. Flexible
5. Less costly
6. Helps families to determine arrangements that work for them
7. Gives families control over their arrangements

 
The process provides a managed structure, which supports families and their circumstances.
 
The process usually takes place remotely, using safe and confidential platforms such as ZOOM, WhatsAPP, Facetime. This means MIAMS and Mediation sessions can be arranged quickly and at mutually convenient times.

How does the Family Mediation Process work?

1. Complete our online referral form. Our Mediators cant discuss the substantive nature of your issues outside the process.
2. Arrange an individual MIAM
3. We will contact the other person
4. If Mediation is something everyone wishes to engage in and we are satisfied it is safe and suitable we will arrange a Mediation Session
5. If Mediation does not take place we will provide the required Court Forms (FM1)

 
How long does the Mediation process take?
 
The process can be tailored to your needs.
 
Mediation Sessions will be arranged at mutually convenient times and dates.
 
The Mediation process, is usually much quicker than going through Court which can take between 6 months to 18months.
 
What issues can Family Mediation assist with?
 
Mediation can assist parents, families, siblings, grandparents, individuals, employees, employers as well as organisations. 
 
It is a safe, confidential, independent and managed process which is voluntary, it aims to assist in exploring options and solutions to resolve disputes and reduce conflict.
 
 Family Mediation can assist in relation to a variety of difficulties which families experience including:

• Separating Couples
• Couples who are divorcing
• Formalising Separation including Divorce
• Arrangements for Children
• Dividing Assets, Income, Liabilities and Pension Provision

 
The process is available to:

• Parents
• Step Parents
• Spouses
• Unmarried couples
• Ex Spouses
• Ex Couples
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Special Guardians
• Carers
• Extended family members

 
We have had experience of assisting explore options in relation to specific issues such as:

• Day to day care of children
• arrangements for special occasions such as Christmas, Birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day
• Sibling contact
• Time with grandparents, extended family members and non parents
• Non parent carers’ role/ involvement
• Parenting Plans
• Holiday arrangements
• Passports
• Relocation
• School choices
• School fees
• Determination of Parentage
• Formalisation of Parental Responsibility (PR)
• Delegation of Parental Responsibility (PR)
• Children’s names and surnames
• Communication
• Co-Parenting
• Carer and Parental Boundaries 
• Child Maintenance – informal and formal arrangements
• Children’s activities
• Current and future housing needs
• Interim and long term financial arrangements
• Business Ownership
• Contents and Possessions
• Vehicle Ownership
• Debt
• Pension Provision
• Formalisation of Financial Arrangements

 

Cost of and funding available for Family Mediation
 
The Mediation process is widely acknowledged as being cheaper than litigation (Court) proceedings.
 
We offer our specialist Mediation on a private fee paying basis. Costs are met by each participant. Payments are made in advance of any meetings.
 
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
As members of the Family Mediation Council, we are registered to offer the Family Mediation Voucher scheme (whilst it is available and participants are eligible). 
This is a government scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Justice. It is designed to support families resolve disputes, through Mediation, outside of the Court process.
 
The scheme can only accessed in relation to children disputes and All Issues Mediation (AIM)
 
Families can only apply to use the scheme once.
 
The funding does not cover the cost of a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting. It only covers the cost of Mediation sessions.
 
Eligibility to the scheme is not based upon an individuals financial circumstances.
 
For further information on this scheme and whether it is appropriate in your circumstances please visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme#what-is-the-family-mediation-voucher-scheme
 
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Family Mediation Council